28 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 28 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 143 and 146

The psalmist is in hiding in a cave and sounds depressed yet, is still reaching out to God; is still trusting and obedient. “Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning for in you I put my trust” (v.8).

The next psalm is one of praise to God who is trustworthy – more than princes: more than mortals. Our God sets prisoners free and cares for orphans and widows.

Isaiah 61

This is a proclamation of good news to the oppressed and broken-hearted, liberty to captives and release to prisoners. Restoration and renewal is at hand through the Lord’s favour. God is just and will faithfully restore and adjust the ledger. Rejoicing, like going to a wedding is in order. This will happen as surely as the earth brings forth shoots and gardens grow.

John 1: 19 – 34

John the Baptist clearly reveals to the priests and Levites that he is neither the Messiah nor a reincarnated prophet of old. He is the voice crying in the wilderness to get people prepared for the Messiah. John baptises with water. The Messiah will baptise with the Holy Spirit.

The next day John sees Jesus approaching and sees the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and remain on him. From this John knows that Jesus is the Messiah – the Son of God.

Collect for Morning Prayer

The invisible wind.... sailing
Busselton WA  L Osburn

 Wonderful God of action and compassion, you gave us Christ to bring healing and restoration and to cleanse us by your Holy Spirit. When lack of trust, fear, depression and confused questioning assail us help us reach out to you. When we cannot make sense of what is going on around us help us trust in you so that what is hidden from us can be revealed and we too can recognise and celebrate the coming and presence of your anointed one who will free us and bring us new life and growth, joy and freedom in you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Monday 28 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 119: 153 – 176

This portion of the psalm is a plea for preservation of life from someone who is devout “my soul keeps your decrees” and who admits going astray.

Isaiah 29: 1 - 12

Jerusalem will be brought low, besieged, humbled. But those that attack her will be, in comparison, specks of dust. The enemies will perceive that they have won: they will be dreaming. It will be as if they are blind and incapable; they will stagger, be stunned and amazed. For God’s enemies will not be able to get access to the meaning of Isaiah’s vision.

Titus 3

Paul gives direction to Titus. He is to remind people to obey the law and be subject to those who are ruling; to do good works; to speak evil of no one and not quarrel and, to be gentle and courteous.

God saved us by grace not because we were good. We have the water of rebirth and the Holy Spirit. We have been justified by grace through Jesus so that we are heirs of God’s eternal kingdom.

We are to avoid stupid controversies and quarrels about the law. After warning someone twice, have nothing to do with those who cause divisions – they condemn themselves.

Have the people devote themselves to good works that meet urgent needs and so that they are productive.

Paul ends with a blessing.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Sailing training "learning the ropes"
Busselton WA   L Osburn

Saving God, by your grace we have been given your Holy Spirit. Keep us always aware that we too have gone astray and make us humble in your service so that we can freely and cheerfully meet the needs of others, keep away from controversies and stay positive and productive for you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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