It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Daily Prayer, Sunday, December 25, 2011

O sing to the Lord a new song.



Morning
Invitatory Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.

You have founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers.

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in your holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the Lord, and vindication from the God of heir salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek you, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle.

Who is this King of glory?
the Lord of hosts,
You are the King of glory



Psalms 90, 92, 93


Daily Lectionary Reading, Hebrews 1:1-12 (Christmas)
In the past, God spoke through the prophets to our ancestors in many times and many ways. 2 In these final days, though, he spoke to us through a Son. God made his Son the heir of everything and created the world through him. 3 The Son is the light of God’s glory and the imprint of God’s being. He maintains everything with his powerful message. After he carried out the cleansing of people from their sins, he sat down at the right side of the highest majesty. 4 And so, the Son became so much greater than the other messengers, such as angels, that he received a more important title than theirs.


5 After all, when did God ever say to any of the angels: You are my Son. Today I have become your Father? (a) Or, even, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son? (b) 6 But then, when he brought his firstborn into the world, he said, All of God’s angels must worship him. (c) 7 He talks about the angels: He’s the one who uses the spirits for his messengers and who uses flames of fire as ministers. (d) 8 But he says to his Son, God, your throne is forever and your kingdom’s scepter is a rod of justice. 9 You loved righteousness and hated lawless behavior. That is why God, your God, has anointed you with oil instead of your companions. (e) 10 And he says, You, Lord, laid the earth’s foundations in the beginning, and the heavens are made by your hands. 11 They will pass away, but you remain. They will all wear out like old clothes. 12 You will fold them up like a coat. They will be changed like a person changes clothes, but you stay the same, and the years of your life won’t come to an end. ( f) 
[Common English Bible]


a Ps 2:7 b 2 Sam 7:14; 1 Chron 17:13 c Deut 32:43 and Ps 97:7 LXX d Ps 104:4 e Ps 45:6–7 f Ps 102:25–27


Prayer for Today:
The Lord, the Holy God, has revealed to humanity the
wonders of God’s faithful righteousness, justice and
mercy; and has made known to wayward people that
God’s faithful love endures for ever - and for all time.
The Lord, the Mighty God has displayed for all to see, know
and experience, the saving grace of our Great Lord God.
All creation responds in joyful praise and thanksgiving.

The Lord, the Creating Spirit of God, has revealed to all
creation that their Creator has promised for all time to be
creation’s Restorer and Sustainer; continuing to provide for
the needs of all creatures great and small; and has pledged
to display the mighty creative powers that makes the earth
rejoice; the rivers to flow with joy; and the rhythms of the seas
to dance along their shores. The faithfulness of God’s Spirit
can always be trusted, and we give thanks for these blessings.
All creation replies in carefree rhythms of music and dance.

The Lord, The Righteous Judge that is God, has revealed that
the faithfulness of God is utterly to be relied upon; that God’s
hallowed word in unbreakable; and that God’s justice is a
sacred trust that is can never be tarnished, flawed or destroyed.
The glories of our God are to be praised forever, by all created
things and peoples, and never-ending songs of praise are raised
in honour of our great and glorious God – now and for all time.
All creation celebrates with hallelujahs of exaltation. Amen.

If used in shared worship, please provide an acknowledgement as follows:
© 2011 Joan Stott – "The Timeless Psalms" RCL Psalm Year B, used with permission.





Evening
Psalms 108, 109

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