9 December 2015

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Wednesday 9 December 2015 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 89: 39 – 53

The psalm is about a descendant of David for whom there has been losses in battle, destruction of the city and removal of the office of King. It laments the withdrawal of the support and protection of God. This is an appeal to God to remember the promises to David.

Isaiah 44: 24 – 45: 8

In Isaiah’s prophecy the Lord’s credibility and history are recalled.  That the Lord uses Cyrus the Assyrian to achieve the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple, why would we be amazed? Even though Cyrus does not know God, God is with him in all his endeavours. There is only one God for everyone. May righteousness shower down, the earth open and salvation spring up and more righteousness sprout.

Mark 7: 24 – 37

Jesus goes to Tyre for a break and stays in a house – but people recognise him. A woman whose daughter has an unclean spirit comes to him, kneels down and begs him to cast the demon out from her daughter. The woman is not a Jew but part Syrian part Phoenician. Jesus says it isn’t fair to take the children’s food and give it to the puppies (the household pets). She immediately responds that even the puppies get the crumbs. Jesus says she may go and that her daughter is healed.

Jesus returns by a roundabout route to the area of the Decapolis on the east of the Jordan. A man who has impaired hearing and speech is brought to him. Jesus takes him aside, prays and touches the affected areas. The man hears and speaks plainly. Although Jesus tells people to stay quite they are so amazed they cannot help spreading news of what he does.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Even house pets ....
"Miss Molly" from Uranquinty
Harrietville Vic L Osburn

 Wonderful and awesome God your compassion and care for us is everlasting. We thank you that we are all in your household and that through your son we are no longer house pets but your children by adoption. Being healed is news: being made your child is the great news. Lift up our hearts as your healing did in the Decapolis. Help us be so full of wonder and joy we cannot help telling people of your greatness and love for us all, everywhere through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Evening Prayer

Psalm 91

This psalm is one of reassurance and comfort about the care and protection the faithful have from God. “For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (v.11)”. This is a great reminder of God’s loving protection and deliverance to those who call for salvation.

Isaiah 8: 5 – 9: 1

Isaiah prophesies that Assyria will come like a great flood and sweep all before it including Judah. People will have all sorts of theories and plans and God’s way will be what happens. Isaiah and his family will stay calm. Whereas those who have other beliefs will find themselves wandering hungry, with no guidance looking up and looking down and cursing their gods. They will experience darkness. For those who were in anguish during the Babylonian rule, their gloom will be no more.

2 Thessalonians 2

Paul explains that the day of the Lord though immanent is not here because we know that the lawless one who opposes all gods but places itself at the centre of people’s worship has not yet fully arrived. Jesus will destroy this lawless one. Meanwhile Satan is using all forms of trickery on those who refuse to love the truth and be saved. These people will be caught in false beliefs and will eventually be condemned.

He goes on to say they need to give thanks that by the grace of God they have salvation through sanctification of the Spirit of God. They are encouraged to stand firm in their beliefs.  Paul prays that their hearts are comforted and that they are strengthened in their good work and ministry of the word.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Bringing people safely home
Brisbane Qld L Osburn

Holy and magnificent God, you see and know everything and work through everyone, even those who do not know you to achieve your purposes and love for us. Open our hearts to give you thanks and praise. Help us stand firm in our love for you. Comfort and strengthen us in all we do in our daily ministries, honest dealing and sharing your word through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Please leave a comment or feedback.