Australian Daily Prayer

4th Wednesday of Epiphany

1
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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 Grace
Blessed are you,
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:
for you have blessed us in Christ Jesus
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

You chose us to be yours in Christ
before the foundation of the world:
that we should be holy and blameless before you.
In love you destined us to be your children,
through Jesus Christ:
according to the purpose of your will,
To the praise of your glorious grace:
which you freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
Ephesians 1:3-6
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  O come, let us sing to the Lord; 
   let us heartily rejoice in the rock of our salvation.
2  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving 
   and be glad in him with psalms.
3  For the Lord is a great God 
   and a great king above all gods.
4  In his hand are the depths of the earth 
   and the heights of the mountains are his also.
5  The sea is his, for he made it, 
   and his hands have moulded the dry land.
6  Come, let us worship and bow down 
   and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
7  For he is our God; 
   we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
8  O that today you would listen to his voice: 
   ‘Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
      on that day at Massah in the wilderness,
9  ‘When your forebears tested me, and put me to the proof, 
   though they had seen my works.
10  ‘Forty years long I detested that generation and said, 
   “This people are wayward in their hearts;
      they do not know my ways.”
11  ‘So I swore in my wrath, 
   “They shall not enter into my rest.” ’
1  Sing to the Lord a new song, 
   for he has done marvellous things.
2  His own right hand and his holy arm 
   have won for him the victory.
3  The Lord has made known his salvation; 
   his deliverance has he openly shown in the sight of the nations.
4  He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness
      towards the house of Israel, 
   and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
5  Sound praises to the Lord, all the earth; 
   break into singing and make music.
6  Make music to the Lord with the lyre, 
   with the lyre and the voice of melody.
7  With trumpets and the sound of the horn 
   sound praises before the Lord, the King.
8  Let the sea thunder and all that fills it, 
   the world and all that dwell upon it.
9  Let the rivers clap their hands 
   and let the hills ring out together before the Lord,
      for he comes to judge the earth.
10  In righteousness shall he judge the world 
   and the peoples with equity.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
We consecrate this day to your service, O Lord; may all our thoughts, words, and actions be well-pleasing to you and serve the good of our brothers and sisters; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed

Genesis 19:1–3 (Listen)

God Rescues Lot

19:1 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

(ESV)

Matthew 27:45–56 (Listen)

The Death of Jesus

45 Now from the sixth hour1 there was darkness over all the land2 until the ninth hour.3 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son4 of God!”

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Footnotes

[1] 27:45 That is, noon
[2] 27:45 Or earth
[3] 27:45 That is, 3 p.m.
[4] 27:54 Or a son

(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, Te Deum Laudamus
We praise you, O God:
we acclaim you as Lord.
All creation worships you:
the Father everlasting.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven:
the cherubim and seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might:
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you:
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you:
Throughout the world, the holy Church acclaims you:
Father, of majesty unbounded:
your true and only Son, worthy of all praise,
the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, Christ, are King of glory:
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you took our flesh to set us free:
you humbly chose the virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death:
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory:
We believe that you will come to be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood:
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
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.
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.
May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant us to live in such harmony with one another in accord with Christ Jesus, that we may with one voice glorify our God and Father. Amen.
Romans 15:5-6
1
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed;
and all people shall see it together.
Isaiah 40:5
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 Praise
God be gracious to us and bless us:
and make your face to shine upon us,
That your way may be known upon the earth:
your salvation among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God:
let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy:
for you judge the peoples with equity
and govern the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God:
let all the peoples praise you.

Then the earth will bring forth its increase:
and God, our own God, will bless us.
You, O God, will bless us:
and all the ends of the earth will fear you.
Psalm 67
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  Sing merrily to God our strength, 
   shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
2  Take up the song and sound the timbrel, 
   the tuneful lyre with the harp.
3  Blow the trumpet at the new moon, 
   as at the full moon, upon our solemn feast day.
4  For this is a statute for Israel, 
   a law of the God of Jacob,
5  The charge he laid on the people of Joseph, 
   when they came out of the land of Egypt.
6  I heard a voice I did not know, that said: 
   ‘I eased their shoulder from the burden;
      their hands were set free from bearing the load.
7  ‘You called upon me in trouble and I delivered you; 
   I answered you from the secret place of thunder
      and proved you at the waters of Meribah.
8  ‘Hear, O my people, and I will admonish you: 
   O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
9  ‘There shall be no strange god among you; 
   you shall not worship a foreign god.
10  ‘I am the Lord your God,
      who brought you up from the land of Egypt; 
   open your mouth wide and I shall fill it.’
11  But my people would not hear my voice 
   and Israel would not obey me.
12  So I sent them away in the stubbornness of their hearts, 
   and let them walk after their own counsels.
13  O that my people would listen to me, 
   that Israel would walk in my ways!
14  Then I should soon put down their enemies 
   and turn my hand against their adversaries.
15  Those who hate the Lord would be humbled before him, 
   and their punishment would last for ever.
16  But Israel would I feed with the finest wheat 
   and with honey from the rock would I satisfy them.
1  Alleluia.
      I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, 
   in the company of the faithful and in the congregation.
2  The works of the Lord are great, 
   sought out by all who delight in them.
3  His work is full of majesty and honour 
   and his righteousness endures for ever.
4  He appointed a memorial for his marvellous deeds; 
   the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
5  He gave food to those who feared him; 
   he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6  He showed his people the power of his works 
   in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7  The works of his hands are truth and justice; 
   all his commandments are sure.
8  They stand fast for ever and ever; 
   they are done in truth and equity.
9  He sent redemption to his people;
      he commanded his covenant for ever; 
   holy and awesome is his name.
10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
      a good understanding have those who live by it; 
   his praise endures for ever.
5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow
God of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed

Hosea 11:1–11 (Listen)

The Lord’s Love for Israel

11:1   When Israel was a child, I loved him,
    and out of Egypt I called my son.
  The more they were called,
    the more they went away;
  they kept sacrificing to the Baals
    and burning offerings to idols.
  Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk;
    I took them up by their arms,
    but they did not know that I healed them.
  I led them with cords of kindness,1
    with the bands of love,
  and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws,
    and I bent down to them and fed them.
  They shall not2 return to the land of Egypt,
    but Assyria shall be their king,
    because they have refused to return to me.
  The sword shall rage against their cities,
    consume the bars of their gates,
    and devour them because of their own counsels.
  My people are bent on turning away from me,
    and though they call out to the Most High,
    he shall not raise them up at all.
  How can I give you up, O Ephraim?
    How can I hand you over, O Israel?
  How can I make you like Admah?
    How can I treat you like Zeboiim?
  My heart recoils within me;
    my compassion grows warm and tender.
  I will not execute my burning anger;
    I will not again destroy Ephraim;
  for I am God and not a man,
    the Holy One in your midst,
    and I will not come in wrath.3
10   They shall go after the LORD;
    he will roar like a lion;
  when he roars,
    his children shall come trembling from the west;
11   they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt,
    and like doves from the land of Assyria,
    and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD.

Footnotes

[1] 11:4 Or humaneness; Hebrew man
[2] 11:5 Or surely
[3] 11:9 Or into the city

(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, The Song of Mary (Magnificat)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord:
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
Who has looked with favour on his lowly servant:
from this day all generations will call me blessed;
The Almighty has done great things for me:
and holy is his name
God has mercy on those who fear him:
from generation to generation.
The Lord has shown strength with his arm:
and scattered the proud in the conceit
Casting down the mighty from their thrones:
and lifting up the lowly.
God has filled the hungry with good things:
and sent the rich away empty.
He has come to the aid of his servant Israel:
to remember the promise of mercy,
The promise made to our forebears:
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Luke 1:47-55
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.
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.
May our Lord Jesus Christ, and God our Father, comfort our hearts and establish them in every good work and word. Amen.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17