5 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Saturday 5 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalms 82 and 84

The first psalm sets a scene of God judging all the other Gods. They lack knowledge or compassion. They will be destroyed. The psalmist petitions God alone to judge the earth.

A day living in the presence of God is better than anything imaginable. A journey to God’s dwelling place is filled with refreshment: “they go from strength to strength” (v. 7).

Isaiah 42: 18 – 43: 13

Isaiah tells the people they are blind and deaf to God’s provision and word even though they are the chosen messengers. Instead they are trapped and imprisoned through their own making. Isaiah asks them to consider heeding God’s word, listening and being restored. God redeems and will redeem Israel, gathering her people from the ends of the earth. Let the people see the evidence of God’s actions – see God’s redemption.

Mark 6: 14 – 29

Herod hears of Jesus’ works and though people think Jesus is a prophet or Elijah resurrected, Herod thinks Jesus must be John the Baptist resurrected.

Herod had marries his brother’s wife and had a daughter who dances at his birthday. John the Baptist had told Herod is was against the law to be part of this adultery. Salome, the daughter’s dance so pleased Herod he offers her anything she wishes. She checks with her mother who instructs her to ask for John the Baptist’s head. The king though grieved had to honour his oath and so orders John’s death. John’s disciples come and retrieve his body.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Dawn
Mackay Qld L Osburn

God of wonders, a day spent in your presence is better than anything imaginable. Open our eyes and ears and hearts to your presence in our lives and in our world today even when evil actions occur and our dear friends and teachers are taken from us so that we may display the wisdom and compassion that comes from you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Saturday 5 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalms 85 and 87

The first psalm reminds us all of God’s forgiveness and historical evidence of restoring people of faith. The psalmist asks for quiet to listen to God who will speak peace to the faithful and give salvation. “Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other” (v.10).

The second psalm is of praise for Zion, the mother city of believers everywhere. It is the basis for the hymn “Glorious things of you are spoken, Zion city of our God.”

Isaiah 5: 18 – 30

Those who live with sin, who mock God, who call evil good and prefer darkness to light and call bitter sweet, are good at partying and giving bribes are only wise in their own eyes and shrewd in their own estimations. They have despised the word of God and will amount to ash. Another nation will come swiftly and take over – leaving only darkness and distress.

1 Thessalonians 4: 13 – 5: 11

Paul reassures the Thessalonians that those who have died will be raised on the day the Lord comes. Those of us alive when Jesus comes do not get to be with Him before them – so encourage one another in hope.

We know that Jesus will come and we do not need to know when – just be prepared – we are not to become complacent when we hear news of peace. We are to be steadfast in faith and hope and love for God has destined us for salvation, not for wrath. Whether we are alive or dead as his people we will be with Him so we are to encourage one another and build one another up.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Pelicans together
Denmark WA L Osburn

Holy, holy Lord in you steadfast love and faithfulness meet, righteousness and peace will embrace. Help us every day to encourage each other in hope and faith and love so that we building each other up and coming step by step, day by day closer to your kingdom through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.

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