5 January 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Tuesday 5 January 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalms 15 and 16

The first psalm lists the moral characteristics of people who are permitted in the temple. People who tell the truth, care for their neighbour and behave ethically.

The second psalm praises and blesses God and delights in the faithful. The psalmist commits to support people of faith and uses personal testimony of how God has enriched his life.

Isaiah 66: 10 – 16

A New Jerusalem of peace and comfort will be established. Like a mother nursing, carrying and comforting a tiny child so will Jerusalem provide comfort to her people.  Hearts will rejoice and bodies will flourish. The Lord will come with fire and execute judgement on all enemies.

John 4: 13 – 26

Jesus says to the Samaritan woman at the well that those who thirst and drink will be thirsty again but those who drink the living water Christ gives will have a spring of water that wells to eternal life. The woman asks for this water. Christ tells her to get her husband. She replies that she has none and Christ tells of her past pain and current situation. She recognises him as a prophet and discusses the controversy about where to worship God. Jesus says a time is coming when we will worship God in spirit and in truth – not on a hill or in a single city. She says she knows the Messiah will come who will explain everything. Jesus reveals himself to her as Messiah. “I who speak to you am he” (v.26).

Collect for Morning Prayer

Water Park
Perth WA  L Osburn

God of comfort we long for your touch in our lives and world to bring peace, joy, solace and freedom. Refresh us now with your living water so that our hearts can leap for joy and we have the courage to do your will now through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Tuesday 5 January 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 17: 1 – 13 (14) 15 - 16

The psalmist is a faithful and devout person who has been beset by wicked enemies. God’s protection and care is requested. God is asked to overthrow the wickedness. The psalmist wants relationships restored: him with God, the people with God and with him.

Isaiah 35

When the Lord comes the world will be utterly transformed. The wilderness will blossom. Where there is dry earth there will be springs. The weak-kneed and fearful hearts will be strengthened. God will come to save us. The blind will see, the lame leap and the mute shout for joy. For the holy there will be a preserved way – like a highway – straight to the holy city where everlasting joy will crown their heads and sorrow will flee.

Ephesians 3: 14 – 21

Paul prays that the Ephesians be strengthened through the presence of Christ’s spirit in their hearts, be grounded in love and have the capacity to know how wide, long, high and deep is the love of Christ for us. Paul prays that this love that surpasses all knowledge enables us to be filled with God. To Christ be the glory forever. Amen.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Protea
Albany WA   L Osburn

God of the widest, longest, highest and deepest love we thank you. Be with us now as we contemplate how huge your love for us is and to tell our troubles and concerns how much our God loves us so that we review our priorities and our perspective and allow your transformation to be manifest in our hearts and in your world through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

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