6 January 2016
Collects
Prayers
developed from the daily readings
Wednesday 6
January 2016
Morning
Prayer
Psalm 18: 1 – 31
David exuberantly praises
the Lord for saving him from death at the hands of his enemies. The images used
are like a volcanic eruption. David is ecstatic with what he can do with God’s
help. He rejoices utterly in God, the only God: our God.
“This God – God’s way is
perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true” (v.30).
Isaiah
66: 18 – 23
God
will gather people of all nations. God will set a sign among the people and
send those who survive to far-flung countries. The people will be brought to
God’s holy mountain – just like the people currently bring grain offerings to
the temple. Some of the ones who come will be made priests. The new heaven and
new earth will endure and all humans will worship God.
John 4: 27 – 38
The
disciples return and find Jesus talking with the woman at the well. She leaves
her water jar and goes to town to ask people to come and check for themselves
whether Jesus is the Messiah. The disciples urge Jesus to eat and Jesus replies
that he has food to eat. His food is to do God’s will and finish God’s work. He
says, they need not wait until harvest – the harvest is now. Both sowers and
reapers rejoice at the harvest. Others have sown the seeds and the disciples
are now part of reaping the benefits to gain people eternal life.
Collect for
Morning Prayer
The new road and the old road Eyre Highway SA L Osburn |
Perfect and trustworthy God your way
and promises are true. Help us rejoice in your actions in the world. When we
are confused be with us as we reconsider our ideas, align our priorities with
yours and like the disciples experience miraculous change in our world – an
outsider, a woman, a Samaritan bringing the good news to others, encouraging
them to come to Christ and being part of the team sowing and reaping - so that
all humans worship you and gain your eternal life through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord.
Amen.
Wednesday 6
January 2016
Evening
Prayer
Psalm 18: 32 – 38 (39-44)
45 - 52
David continues his great
psalm of praise for deliverance from enemies and as the warrior king he had to
be. David describes his supremacy in the battle. He is more subdued at the end,
blessing God, extoling God’s name, praising God for his steadfast love and
care.
Isaiah
38: 9 – 20
Hezekiah
is deathly sick and recovers. He talks of facing death, how he is like woven
cloth when finished is cut from the loom. Now he is healed he will walk humbly,
knowing the illness was for his benefit. God keeps Hezekiah safe. Hezekiah will
praise God all the days of his life in the temple of the Lord.
Ephesians 4: 1 – 16
Paul urges us to live a life
worthy of the calling we have received. We are to be humble, gentle, patient
and bearing with each other in love. We are to keep unity with the Spirit in
the bond of peace. There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and nurturer of us all. To each of us grace has been given by
Christ to do different things. We can be apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers, preparing people to serve God so that we all can be
united in faith and knowledge of Jesus and be mature in our beliefs.
We will stop being infants and
tossed by all different ideas and instead, speaking the truth in love grow into
Christ as each part of Christ’s body does its work, joined together by the
ligaments of love.
Collect for
Evening Prayer
Nest in the desert Eyre Hwy SA L Osburn |
Holy Lord whether we are kings, warriors or your
humble people, you bind us with the ligaments of your love. This night we bring
our blessings, thanks and praise to you for our deliverance and ask that in the
days to come we share your love and your peace acknowledging and passing on
your grace as we live out our lives with, in and through Jesus Christ your Son
our Lord, and the power of your Holy Spirit in our hearts. Amen.
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