Australian Daily Prayer

3rd Monday before Advent

1
God's love has been poured into our hearts,
through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
Romans 5:3
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of God's Marvellous Acts
I will sing a new hymn to my God:
O Lord you are great and marvellous,
you are marvellous in your strength, invincible.

Let the whole creation serve you:
for you spoke and all things came to be;
You sent out your Spirit and it formed them:
no one can resist your voice.
Mountains and seas are stirred to their depths:
rocks melt like wax at your presence;
But to those who revere you:
you still show mercy.
Judith 16:13-15
3 The Opening Prayer
The night has passed and the day lies open before us;
let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence may be kept
As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,
so may the light of your presence, O God,
set our hearts on fire with love for you;
now and for ever. Amen.
4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each
1  The heavens are telling the glory of God 
   and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2  One day pours out its song to another 
   and one night unfolds knowledge to another.
3  They have neither speech nor language 
   and their voices are not heard,
4  Yet their sound has gone out into all lands 
   and their words to the ends of the world.
5  In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun, 
   that comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber
      and rejoices as a champion to run his course.
6  It goes forth from the end of the heavens
      and runs to the very end again, 
   and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7  The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; 
   the testimony of the Lord is sure
      and gives wisdom to the simple.
8  The statutes of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart; 
   the commandment of the Lord is pure
      and gives light to the eyes.
9  The fear of the Lord is clean and endures for ever; 
   the judgements of the Lord are true
      and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold,
      more than much fine gold, 
   sweeter also than honey,
      dripping from the honeycomb.
11  By them also is your servant taught 
   and in keeping them there is great reward.
12  Who can tell how often they offend? 
   O cleanse me from my secret faults!
13  Keep your servant also from presumptuous sins
      lest they get dominion over me; 
   so shall I be undefiled,
      and innocent of great offence.
14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
      be acceptable in your sight, 
   O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
1  May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble, 
   the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
2  Send you help from his sanctuary 
   and strengthen you out of Zion;
3  Remember all your offerings 
   and accept your burnt sacrifice;
4  Grant you your heart’s desire 
   and fulfil all your mind.
5  May we rejoice in your salvation
      and triumph in the name of our God; 
   may the Lord perform all your petitions.
6  Now I know that the Lord will save his anointed; 
   he will answer him from his holy heaven,
      with the mighty strength of his right hand.
7  Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, 
   but we will call only on the name of the Lord our God.
8  They are brought down and fallen, 
   but we are risen and stand upright.
9  O Lord, save the king 
   and answer us when we call upon you.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
Creator Spirit, Advocate promised by our Lord Jesus: increase our faith and help us to walk in the light of your presence, to the glory of God the Father; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed
No Old Testament reading

Matthew 4:23–5:12 (Listen)

Jesus Ministers to Great Crowds

23 And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24 So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them. 25 And great crowds followed him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan.

The Sermon on the Mount

5:1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

The Beatitudes

And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons1 of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Footnotes

[1] 5:9 Greek huioi; see Preface

(ESV)

The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
7 The Canticle, A Song of Isaiah
'Behold, God is my salvation:,
I will trust and will not be afraid;
'For the Lord God is my strength and my song:
and has become my salvation.'
With joy you will draw water:
from the wells of salvation.
On that day you will say:
'Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name;
'Make known his deeds among the nations:
proclaim that his name is exalted.
'Sing God's praises, who has triumphed gloriously:
let this be known in all the world.
'Shout and sing for joy, you that dwell in Zion:
for great in your midst in the Holy One of Israel.'
Isaiah 12:2-6
8 The Apostles' Creed may be said
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
9 The Prayers
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day
Our Father in heaven
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
O God, our heavenly Father,
who raised up your faithful servant N
to be a bishop in your Church
and to feed your flock:
give abundantly to all bishops and other pastors
the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
so that they may minister in your household
as true servants of Christ,
and stewards of your holy mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God,
who gave to your servant N special gifts of grace
to understand and teach the truth in Christ Jesus:
grant that, enlightened by this teaching,
we may know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
12 The Morning Collect
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed; guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
13
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. May we rekindle the gift of God within us. Amen.
see 2 Timothy 1:6-7
1
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.
2 The Opening Canticle, A Song of Hope
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me:
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good tidings to the afflicted.
The Lord has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted:
to proclaim liberty for the captives,
and release for those in prison,

To comfort all who mourn:
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
The oil of gladness instead of mourning:
a garment of splendour for the heavy heart.
They shall be called tress of righteousness:
planted for the glory of the Lord.
3 The Opening Prayer
The day is now passed and the night is at hand.
Let us pray with one heart and mind.
Silence may be kept
Father of lights, receive the prayer and praise we offer you as our evening sacrifice; make us a light for all the world, delivered by your goodness from all the works of darkness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each
1  I will bless the Lord at all times; 
   his praise shall ever be in my mouth.
2  My soul shall glory in the Lord; 
   let the humble hear and be glad.
3  O magnify the Lord with me; 
   let us exalt his name together.
4  I sought the Lord and he answered me 
   and delivered me from all my fears.
5  Look upon him and be radiant 
   and your faces shall not be ashamed.
6  This poor soul cried, and the Lord heard me 
   and saved me from all my troubles.
7  The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him 
   and delivers them.
8  O taste and see that the Lord is gracious; 
   blessed is the one who trusts in him.
9  Fear the Lord, all you his holy ones, 
   for those who fear him lack nothing.
10  Lions may lack and suffer hunger, 
   but those who seek the Lord
      lack nothing that is good.
11  Come, my children, and listen to me; 
   I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12  Who is there who delights in life 
   and longs for days to enjoy good things?
13  Keep your tongue from evil 
   and your lips from lying words.
14  Turn from evil and do good; 
   seek peace and pursue it.
15  The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous 
   and his ears are open to their cry.
16  The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, 
   to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.
17  The righteous cry and the Lord hears them 
   and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18  The Lord is near to the brokenhearted 
   and will save those who are crushed in spirit.
19  Many are the troubles of the righteous; 
   from them all will the Lord deliver them.
20  He keeps all their bones, 
   so that not one of them is broken.
21  But evil shall slay the wicked 
   and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22  The Lord ransoms the life of his servants 
   and will condemn none who seek refuge in him.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
God who wonderfully created us and even more wonderfully restored our humanity: strengthen us by your Holy Spirit to triumph over suffering and death, and grant us eternal joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed

Daniel 4:19–37 (Listen)

Daniel Interprets the Second Dream

19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was dismayed for a while, and his thoughts alarmed him. The king answered and said, “Belteshazzar, let not the dream or the interpretation alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies! 20 The tree you saw, which grew and became strong, so that its top reached to heaven, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth, 21 whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in which was food for all, under which beasts of the field found shade, and in whose branches the birds of the heavens lived—22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth. 23 And because the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave the stump of its roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze, in the tender grass of the field, and let him be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven periods of time pass over him,’ 24 this is the interpretation, O king: It is a decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king, 25 that you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and you shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will. 26 And as it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be confirmed for you from the time that you know that Heaven rules. 27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you: break off your sins by practicing righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed, that there may perhaps be a lengthening of your prosperity.”

Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation

28 All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30 and the king answered and said, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” 31 While the words were still in the king’s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom has departed from you, 32 and you shall be driven from among men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And you shall be made to eat grass like an ox, and seven periods of time shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he will.” 33 Immediately the word was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven from among men and ate grass like an ox, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers, and his nails were like birds’ claws.

Nebuchadnezzar Restored

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever,

  for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
    and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
35   all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
    and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
    and among the inhabitants of the earth;
  and none can stay his hand
    or say to him, “What have you done?”

36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and splendor returned to me. My counselors and my lords sought me, and I was established in my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

(ESV)

Revelation 5 (Listen)

The Scroll and the Lamb

5:1 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.”

And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

  “Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
  for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10   and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.”

11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

  “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
  be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.

(ESV)

The reading may be followed by a period of silence for reflection, a hymn or
May your word live in us
and bear much fruit to your glory.
7 The Canticle, A Song of God's Children
In Christ Jesus, the life-giving law of the Spirit:
has set us free from the law of sin and death.
All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God:
it is the Spirit that enables us to cry, 'Abba!' Father.
The Spirit bears witness
that we are God's Children:
and if God's children, then heirs of God.
We are heirs of God and fellow-heirs with Christ:
If we share his sufferings now
we shall be glorified with him hereafter.

These sufferings that we now endure:
are not worth comparing
with the glory that shall be revealed.

For the creation waits with eager longing:
for the revealing of the children of God.
Romans 8:2, 14, 15b-19
8 The Prayers
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy Lord have mercy.
9 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day
Our Father in heaven
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial
and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
O God, our heavenly Father,
who raised up your faithful servant N
to be a bishop in your Church
and to feed your flock:
give abundantly to all bishops and other pastors
the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
so that they may minister in your household
as true servants of Christ,
and stewards of your holy mysteries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Almighty God,
who gave to your servant N special gifts of grace
to understand and teach the truth in Christ Jesus:
grant that, enlightened by this teaching,
we may know you, the one true God,
and Jesus Christ whom you have sent;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
10 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need.
11 The Evening Collect
Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray: and in your great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of your only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
12
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Let us praise the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith. Amen.
Hebrews 12:1