21 November 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Monday 21 November 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 50

Almighty God who rules over the entire planet rebukes the people and explains that God does not need sacrifices of animals. God already owns all the creatures and plants of the earth. God instead requires thanksgiving and praise.

For those who do evil, slander others and hate discipline they have no right to recite the commandments.

“Mark this, then you who forget God” (v.23). Those who bring thanksgiving honour God, and those who go the right way, God will save.

Zechariah 14: 1 – 11

This part of the oracle tells of a time when Jerusalem is attacked and half the people killed. The images are of cataclysmic changes to the landscape – a valley through the Mount of Olives, a river flowing east and west from Jerusalem, a plain where there are now hills and continuous day. God intervenes, is victorious and Jerusalem remains aloft on its mountain, inhabited and never again to face destruction.

Mark 1: 29 – 39

Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, returning her to health and her identity. People then bring to Jesus those who are sick and those possessed with demons. He silences the demons since they would reveal his identity. Before dawn Jesus goes to a deserted place to pray. When his companions find him they say that everyone is searching him for him. Jesus decides to go to neighbouring towns and proclaim the message there since that is his mission.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Bridge over flood water
Harrietville Vic  L Osburn

Holy and mighty Lord you are with us always in times when we are besieged and in times of cataclysmic change. You are the one who makes the path to safety. Help us hear the message your Son came to proclaim and open our hearts and souls and minds to you and to do this in a consistent and disciplined way so that we may be part of your coming kingdom, through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Monday 21 November 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalms 119: 41 - 64

The earth is full of God’s steadfast love and the psalmist wants to be taught and affirmed and encouraged in understanding and living by God’ statutes. Through this the psalmist will have the words to say to those who taunt and the confidence to give testimony to kings. The psalmist identifies all the way the commandments and statutes of the Lord enrich life.

Wisdom 5: 5 – 18

The first section continues the statement of remorse of the ungodly and unrighteous in eloquent terms. The things they thought mattered vanish like the flight path of a bird. The hopes of the ungodly are as ephemeral as: thistledown on the wind, light frost before a storm, smoke before a wind and, the remembrance of a guest who only stays a day.

Revelation 11: 1 - 14

In the vision, John is given a measuring staff to measure the temple, altar and those who worship. He is not to measure the outer courts that are for people of all nations. God grants two witnesses authority to prophesy. Two olive trees and two lampstands represent these two witnesses (Zechariah 4:3).  Consuming fire destroys anyone who attempts to harm the witnesses. The witnesses have to power to bring droughts and plagues. When the witnesses complete their testimony they are conquered and killed by the beast from the bottomless pit. Their bodies lie for three and a half days in the street. People will gloat and celebrate their destruction but God will breathe life into them. They will ascend to heaven. An earthquake will follow and many will die. The rest will give glory to God. The second woe has now passed.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Venezuelan Cross
New Norcia Benedictine Community WA
L Osburn

Holy Lord God of power and might. You know our circumstances, our troubles and our hearts. You are the one permanent thing from age to age. Be with us this night and assist us as we pray to hand our concerns and fears to you knowing that there is no conqueror but you; build our understanding of you and give us the words we need to give confident testimony of you, so that we can experience your solace and your abundant love through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.