31 December 2015
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Thursday 31
December 2015
Morning
Prayer
Psalm
83: 1 – 8 (9 – 18)
This
plea for protection from enemies comes at a time when Israel is under attack
from all the neighbouring peoples. The enemies are enemies of God, making a
covenant against God. Direct action from God is requested so that the enemies
will come to know the reality and presence of God.
Isaiah
63: 10 - 19
The
people rebelled against God and grieved God’s Holy Spirit and God fought
against the people. God remembered the time of the exodus. Isaiah asks for
God’s yearning and compassion to return. Isaiah asks why God allows us to have
hardened hearts, not fear God and stray. Isaiah asks God to turn back since for
a long time the people’s condition is like that of people who have no god.
John 2: 13 – 25
Jesus
goes to Capernaum with his family and the disciples. At Passover he goes to the
temple in Jerusalem and banishes those selling animals and doves and the moneychangers
from the temple court. This is a fulfilment of prophecy. Jesus is asked for a
sign to establish his authority for his actions he replies that the temple will
be destroyed and raised again in 3 days. They protest that it has taken many
years to build the structure – they do not know he is talking about is body.
While he is in Jerusalem many believe in him because of the signs he does. But
Jesus does not allow himself to be caught in celebrity.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
Morning breaks through Mackay Far North Queensland L Osburn |
Wonderful God, you are
the one who answers prayer and who gave us your Son Jesus as fulfilment of
prophecies from the ancient times to save and restore us all. Act on us now and
bring zeal for you and your compassion into our hearts so that we are no longer
attacked by concrete and economic thinking and the enemy within each of us can
be routed and replaced by your presence through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power
of your Holy Spirit. Amen.
Thursday 31
December 2015
Evening
Prayer
Psalm
11
The
psalmist disputes the claim one should run from enemies. The psalmist will
stand firm. He says that if the foundation collapses, then all are powerless.
The psalmist trusts in the Lord – the firm foundation.
Isaiah
65: 17 – 25
A new
heaven and earth is about to be created where the conditions of the past will
be forgotten. There will be gladness and joy. Babies born will live full lives.
Humans will live to at least 100. People will have houses, their own crops and
not be exploited. The children will not be born into lives of calamity. Before
people call on God, God will hear and answer. All creatures will live in peace
– except the serpent – its food will be dust. On God’s holy mountain there will
be no hurt or destruction.
Luke 21: 25 – 36
When the Son of man is about to
return there will be signs in the sun, moon, stars, nations and roaring seas
and waves. People will faint with fear and foreboding. When these things start,
stand up, lift up your heads for redemption is coming. Consider the fig tree.
We know summer is coming by the sprouts.
This generation will not pass away until this occurs and Jesus’s words
will never pass away. So be on guard
that your hearts are not weighed down with worry, dissipation or drunkenness –
be ready and not caught in a trap. Be alert and pray that you may have the
strength to escape all the things to come and to stand before God.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Across King Georges Sound Albany WA L Osburn |
Holy mighty loving magnificent God
we give you thanks for this year. Stay by our side in the year to come so that
we may stand firm in faith and hope and love no matter what conditions we are
about to experience and can build your kingdom of love, compassion and joy
through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
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