2 December 2016

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 2 December 2016

Morning Prayer

Psalm 77

The psalmist is deeply distressed, not sleeping at night, feels alienated from God and wonders whether God has gone. He decides to remember all the blessings of the past and the evidence of God’s enduring protection. He ceases moaning and instead gives thanks.

Isaiah 5: 1 – 17

Isaiah begins a love song about how his beloved had a vineyard. Stones are dug out, the land cleared, a watchtower built, the vineyard tended carefully but it yielded only wild grapes. What more could be done? What will be done now? The hedge has to be removed, the vineyard dug up, there will be no more gardening and it will become overgrown with weeds and thorns and it will not be watered. Isaiah says this is the house of Israel and the people of Judah. God expected them to yield justice and righteousness instead God sees bloodshed and people crying out.

Mark 6: 1 – 13

Jesus, in his hometown is not considered special even though his teaching at the synagogue is astoundingly good. They see he had been given wisdom and power yet trivialise him because he comes from their town. Jesus heals people there but can do no great deeds of power. Jesus keeps on teaching in villages. He then sends out the twelve disciples in pairs with authority to heal those with unclean spirits. They are to go as they are, accept hospitality, be peaceful no matter what happens and let go of any slights – not carrying the experiences of last village into the next village – dusting it off before leaving. The disciples go out teaching repentance, casting out demons, anointing people and healing them.

Collect for Morning Prayer

In the vineyard
Porepunkah Vic  L Osburn

Great gardener God you have given us a world of splendour and care for us so much you gave us your son. Help us not to take you for granted but to come to you openly, be refreshed and transformed so that we yield justice and righteousness, peace and healing through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord. Amen.

Friday 2 December 2016

Evening Prayer

Psalm 78: 1 – 15

The psalmist encourages people to tell the stories of God and his relationship with the people to their children, in parables, the old sayings, the history, decrees and miracles so that they will not be stubborn or rebellious.

Isaiah 42: 1 – 17

This section of Isaiah is called the first Servant Song. God chooses the servant. God’s spirit is in the servant. The servant won’t be a celebrity, nor will the servant break someone who is bruised or quench the spirit of someone whose flame is dim. The servant will steadily bring forth justice and won’t cease until it occurs. The Lord chooses the servant as a covenant to all people: to be the light of the nations, open the eyes of the blind and free people from the prison of darkness. This power goes to the servant not to any idols. So we should sing to the Lord a new song and praise God. God will turn everything on it head and put all idols to shame.

1 Thessalonians 4: 1 – 12

Paul urges purity in living since we have the Holy Spirit within. We are not to exploit others because we have lustful passions but to control our own bodies in holiness and honour. We are to love our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ and do more: to live quietly, mind our own affairs, work with our own hands and become self-sufficient.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Result of work
Eyre Peninsula SA  L Osburn

Holy and loving God you speak peace and salvation to us and teach us how to serve you so that we can see and be freed from darkness and give that gift to others. Help us now to reflect on our day and praise you for the times we chose quiet, worked with our hands, were self-sufficient, controlled ourselves and honoured you so that tomorrow we can continue serving you and steadily bring forth justice and your peace through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen.