Day 342 - Tuesday after the Second Sunday in Advent

Read | Day 342 | Tuesday | December 8

Ephesians 5: 15-20, 21-33

Ephesians 6: 1-4, 5-9, 10-20, 21-24

Colossians 1: 1-2, 3-14, 15-23

Background | The Center for Biblical Studies | Colossians

Scholars continue to debate whether this letter was written by Paul or whether, like Ephesians, someone who claimed Paul’s authority wrote it.  Perhaps in this case the author was someone who knew Paul. The final verse, 4:18, claims that Paul wrote the final greeting, suggesting that a secretary penned the rest of the letter. For some, this would sufficiently explain the difference in the Greek style of Colossians compared to letters that are not disputed.

Colossians has some overlap with Ephesians. Both refer to believers as having already been raised from the dead, meaning they have been given a new life in Christ and their behaviors should thus follow (3:1-17). Above all, being raised with Christ should bring unity to the body through the practice of live and humility.The list of household rules in 3:18-4:1 also parallel Ephesians 5:22-6:9. more ... click here

Reading |  Live by the Spirit, don't be a drunk, relationship and respect between married people; children and slaves obey, put on the whole armor to of God to fight evil and live in righteousness.

Next |  Day 343 | Wednesday | December 9

Colossians 1: 24– 2: 5

Colossians 2: 6-23

Colossians 3: 1-17, 18– 4: 1

Colossians 4: 2-6, 7-18

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For All Sorts and Conditions

O God, the creator and preserver of all, we humbly beseech you for all sorts and conditions of people; that you would be pleased to make your ways known unto them, your saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for your holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by your good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to your fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please you to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Source | Book of Common Prayer | Mission St Clare | Click here