For Nigel’s lungs

November 16, 2009

Creator God,
You are enthroned on praise. We praise the delicate beauty of the created order of Nigel’s lungs. We extol the beauty of the airways branching like a tree–the trachea, the bronchi, the bronchioles, and the alveoli. We praise the delicate interface of the capillaries and the airspaces and the intricacies of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide.
We praise You, Lord. Nigel’s lungs are fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works.

O Jesus, You are the Lion of the tribe of Judah. If there are any organisms that inhabit Nigel’s lungs, devour them now.

O Holy Spirit, Breath of Life, hover over Nigel’s lungs. You covered Nigel in his mother’s womb. Cover him now. If there are any dysfunctional immune responses that are contributing to his illness, bring order out of the chaos. Cleanse and purify his airways. We pray that the rhythmical sweeping motion of the cilia will move the mucus and debris out of his lungs. May the movement of the cilia throughout his airways be like a celebration, a dance of joy. Amen.


Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford, Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:43 a.m.

November 16, 2009

Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:43 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford
Monday 11/16/09

Fr. Nigel Mumford is stable- thank you LORD! — but he continues on the critical list because he is still on the ventilator. He is receiving brief sessions of physical therapy to help him regain use of his arms and legs and his general mobility. He is unable to communicate, so that is extremely frustrating for him, so please keep that in your prayers.

*      Please pray for healing and rejuvenation of his lungs so that he can be removed from the ventilator.

*      Please pray for the sedation to leave his muscles and tissues so that he can regain use of his body.

*      Please pray for God’s peace to be with Fr. Nigel as he struggles to understand his situation.

*      Please pray for strength for Lynn as she travels this long road.

*      We praise you and thank you Lord for the immense healing that has taken place and for the healing that will take place. May Your Will be done.

*      The following is a message from Fr. Nigel’s parents in England:

If somehow there is a chance of you saying an ENORMOUSE Thank you from David and me and our family and so many concerned friends over here for their devotion to prayer. We are absolutely sure that every word is used and put into action by The Father, through His Son Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. and that none of this suffering will be wasted, but when it is handed back to Him He will recycle it to His greater Glory… with very much love and thanks, David and Jean.

*      Blessings on all of you for your continued prayers. Fr. Nigel continues to need them and will need them for the long recovery ahead.

Albany Intercessor


Day of judgment

November 16, 2009

Revelation 20:12-15
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

May God have mercy on us all.


Psalm 89:1-4

November 16, 2009

I will sing of the mercies of the lord forever; with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 89:1)
      Father, please help us daily speak of your faithfulness.

For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; your faithfulness you shall establish in the very heavens.” (Psalm 89:2)
      Jesus, establish your faithfulness in our hearts.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn to my servant David:” (Psalm 89:3)
      Holy Spirit, please help us fully enter into this covenant life.

“‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.’” (Psalm 89:4)
      LORD, establish your throne in our hearts.

Monday: 89:1-18; 1 Maccabees 3:1-24 or Habakkuk 2:1-4,9-20; Revelation 20:7-15; Matthew 17:1-13
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; 1 Maccabees 3:25-41 or Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; Revelation 21:1-8; Matthew 17:14-21

Albany Intercessor


Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford, Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:01 a.m.

November 15, 2009

Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:01 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford
Sunday 11/15/09
      Fr. Nigel Mumford continues on the critical list but he is stable, which is a huge blessing. The ups and downs of the past 37 days have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, so the stability of the past week or so is truly a blessing. His ventilator settings have been reduced a smidgeon, so that is heading in the right direction in order to get him off of the ventilator. Thank you Lord for the healing that is taking place.

*      Please continue your prayers for a rejuvenation of his lungs that they may be healed so that he may be removed from the ventilator.

*      Please give Praise and Thanksgiving to our Lord who hears our prayers and answers them and that His will may be done.

The Mumfords have sent a message that they would like to pass on to all of you faithful in your prayers:
“If somehow there is a chance of you saying an ENORMOUSE Thank you from David and I and our family and so many concerned friends over here for their devotion to prayer. We are absolutely sure that every word is used and put into action by The Father, through His Son Jesus and in the power of the Holy Spirit. and that none of this suffering will be wasted, but when it is handed back to Him He will recycle it to His greater Glory… with very much love and thanks, David and Jean.”


Blood shed in the Mohawk valley

November 15, 2009

Dear Heavenly Father,
How beautiful is Your creation in the Mohawk valley. How we have sinned by spilling blood throughout this valley. Forgive us our sins. Forgive the sins of our Native American, Dutch, French, British, and American ancestors who shed blood in multiple wars. Forgive our sins–the blood shed in violence and in abortion. Have mercy, Lord. Have mercy.
May every site in this valley where blood spilt in hate cries out be planted with seeds of love. Open portals for Your angels to ascend and
descend at these sites. Love! Love! Love! We speak a sowing of love throughout the Mohawk valley. Amen.


Mark 13:14-23

November 15, 2009

“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” (Mark 13:14)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize the signs of the times we are in.

“Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house.” (Mark 13:15)
      Holy Spirit, please help us leave behind anything that would ensnare us.

“And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.” (Mark 13:16)
      Lord Jesus, no possession is as important as our lives. Please help us have a right perspective on things.

“But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days!” (Mark 13:17)
      Jesus, have mercy on all refugees, especially pregnant women and nursing mothers.

“And pray that your flight may not be in winter.” (Mark 13:18 )
      Father, we pray that the time of destruction will not come upon us, but if it does come, that you will give us strength by your Holy Spirit to endure.

“For in those days there will be tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the creation which God created until this time, nor ever shall be.” (Mark 13:19)
      Jesus, you have warned us of times of tribulation and we are still surprised by them.

“And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom He chose, He shortened the days.” (Mark 13:20)
      Father, please shorten the days of our times of tribulation.

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, He is there!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Mark 13:21-22)
      Jesus, many false prophets and teachers have risen up both inside and outside your church; have mercy on us and help us walk only in your ways.

“But take heed; see, I have told you all things beforehand.” (Mark 13:23)
      Jesus, please help us take heed of your warnings. Thank you.

      Lord, my times are in your hand; you are the stability of my times. You are my hiding place; you are my refuge, and underneath are your everlasting arms. Thank you. (Ps 31:15, Is 33:6, Ps 32:7, Dt 33:27)

Sunday: 66, 67; 1 Maccabees 2:29-43, 49-50 or Habakkuk 1:1-4(5-11)12-2:1; Acts 28:14b-23; Luke 16:1-13
Monday: 89:1-18; 1 Maccabees 3:1-24 or Habakkuk 2:1-4,9-20; Revelation 20:7-15; Matthew 17:1-13

Albany Intercessor


Prayer Table reports from Schenectady and Lake Luzerne–please pray for these people!

November 14, 2009

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report November 14, 9:25-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Don Foust
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

It rained constantly during this Saturday. Sometimes the rain was so hard, that it was difficult to hear the prayer requests. Yet people still came in search of prayer. Many people who stopped were not seeking prayers for themselves, but for others. We are always amazed at the tremendous need and the tremendous faith of the residents of Hamilton Hill.

The Prayer Table has become a regular stop for a number of folks in the Neighborhood, and we have added their names to the bottom of the Prayer Table Report.

Jim–regular–”I am doing well”. We thanked God for the change in Jim’s life and prayed for continual healing of Jim’s memories.

Steve–Wants to re-establish his driver’s license in order to obtain a new job; however because of a past accident, he must pay restitution for damages. In is a considerable sum of money for Steve to re-pay. Steve does not know what to do. We prayed for God’s intervention and guidance.

+Gwendolyn–This young woman recently had a miscarriage. Her baby was no be named Margaritte. We prayed for peace in her life and that she would have other children.

+Roxanne–repeat visitor–We prayed for her personal safety and the safety of her family.

+Donald–”I am a believer”. Donald hung up his cell phone in mid-conversion so that he could obtain prayer. We prayed for guidance in his life.

+Michael–young man–We prayed for healing. Michael is having difficulty breathing.

+Winnette–”Pray for my sister “Munch“. She is incarcerated and just went into a diabetic coma. We prayed for healing for Munch and thanked God for family members like Winnette who care for their siblings. We gave her a Bible. Pray for continuing strength in Winnette’s life.

+Joy–We prayed for protection.

+John–older gentleman–”Pray for peace. So many are losing their lives trying to keep the peace”. We prayed for peace in Iraq, Afghanistan, as well as on the streets of Schenectady.

David– repeat visitor–on his way to services at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Swan Street. We thanked God for David’s witnessing to others. David came back and said he would try to attend the 8:00 am service at Christ Church.

+Iris–middle-aged woman–As Deacon Alan Hart would say, “there is always one person who really gets to you“. Today that person was Iris. When asked if she needed prayer, Iris responded, “O Lord, YES”. She is raising 8 grandchildren and she has no husband. Four of the children are teen-agers. Iris was totally drained. She goes to Church nearly every day. We prayed for strength and provision for today. We also thanked God for women like Iris who will shoulder the burden of carrying for the relatives. We suggested that she pray for God’s strength “one day at a time”. During our time together, Iris was weeping. Please pray for Iris. She is in constant need of God’s strength. Pray also that her grandchildren would have hearts of obedience and would turn to God.

William– young man–opened his shirt to show he was wearing a Dennis Adams wooden cross. Said he had stopped by the Prayer Table on Wednesday. We prayed for continual blessings in his life.

+Judy– older woman– We prayed for health. Judy wanted to know if there were still AA meetings at Christ Church. We suggested she call the Church office for details.

+Sharon– young woman. We prayed for guidance and protection in Sharon’s life. After leaving the Prayer Table, a car stopped and Sharon got in. Please pray for a change in Sharon’s life “on the street”.

Prayer Table Regulars

Kayla– Pray for healing in her life after being raped. Pray for her mother Laura, her son Nassir, her brother Josh, and Josh’s son Deanthony.

Jim–Pray for healing in his life from abusive parents and for his personal peace after the death of his 31 year old son Robert.

Bill–Pray for his health and no more epileptic seizures. This middle-aged man has lived alone; please pray for companionship.

Lucinada and Eddiberto–Pray for protection for their family

Paulette and her children Monique and Taishawn–Pray for provision for this family

Clarence–Pray for direction as he seeks to change his life.

Linda–Pray for her family in Guyana

PRAYER TABLE REPORT
(Sat., Nov. 14., 11:15 a.m.-noon; in front of entrance to the Parish Hall of St. Mary’s of Lake Luzerne; deacon alan hart)

a–indicates anointed with Holy Oil.
t– indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

(Note: This Prayer Table was held 45 minutes before our weekly Community Luncheon. It is the 5th or 6th Table we have hosted here in the past few months. There was light, steady rain today but it dod not prevent people from coming to His table for prayer.)

t–EDITH — She sought prayer for continued good health for herself and her family, and for our country to remain strong and under His watchful eyes.

t–SHARON — This woman, a repeat visitor to the Table, asked for prayer that she will be able to sell her property and move to another location in the Luzerne-Hadley-Corinth area. She, too, wanted prayer for continued good health.

t,t — CATHY and ALEXIS — Cathy, and adult, asked for prayer for the smooth transition of the sale of her house to a new home. Alexis, a delightful young schoolgirl, did not ask for prayer, but we prayed that she will come to know and love the Lord in a new, wonderful way and realize that God loves her sooooo much!

t,a — DAVITA — This bright, happy girl of perhaps 9 or 10 years old, came to the table by herself (she lives nearby) and smiled and came RIGHT over to the Table at the height of the rainstorm! She wanted prayer ” … just that everything will keep going so well.” We prayed that she would continue to do well in her schoolwork and that her family will have good health.

t–ANGIE — She is another repeat visitor. She continued to seek prayer for her husband DENNIS, who has been ill and needs prayer for return to good health. Angie, already wearing one of the wooden crosses, asked for a cross for Dennis.

t–MARY LOU — She asked for prayer and protection for her grandaughter, DODIE. Dodie has been ill and having trouble recovering from her illness.

Albany Intercessor


Fr. Nigel Update 11:23 AM

November 14, 2009

Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:23AM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel Mumford

Saturday 11/14/09

Fr. Nigel continues on the critical list but he is stable and improving — Thank you Lord! Although he is still on the ventilator, he is much more awake and recognizes his family and the different nurses and doctors. Even though he cannot talk, he has shown his sense of humor by making some very funny faces in response to questions. Although it is frustrating for him because he isn’t able to communicate (he is such a huge communicator) he is able to express a lot through his facial expressions. He is beginning to move his fingers, feet and shoulders so your prayers for the cleansing of his body of the sedation are working so well — please keep them coming. The difference of just one day is truly a result of your prayers and God’s everlasting presence.

All of his other vital signs are normal. His temperature went up briefly but went back to normal. All of his organs are functioning properly.

      Please pray for a rejuvenation of his lungs that they may heal and the ventilator can be removed.

      Please continue to pray for the washing of the sedation from his body.

      Praise be to our God who has healed Fr. Nigel and continues to heal him every day.

      Praise be to our God for Lynn’s continued strength — may He continue to give her His peace.

      Thanks be to God for all of you prayer warriors — from your lips to God’s ears!


Mohawk valley

November 14, 2009

Dear Jesus,
You are descended from the family of King David, birthed in the praise of the hosts of heaven. Upon You rests the mantle of wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord.
Stand over the Mohawk valley. Our understanding is dim, but we claim the promise that God’s word shall not return to Him empty. God’s word in the Mohawk valley shall accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. Jesus, smite the oppressor over the Mohawk valley with the rod of Your mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of Your lips.
Jesus, You are clothed in righteousness and faithfulness. Lift up Your hand to recover Your children in the Mohawk valley. Gather the poor, the meek, the downtrodden, and the outcast into Your arms. Bring them into the Church, the body of Christ.
Recover Your children! Recover Your children! Recover Your children!
At Your birth, the angels sang,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

Let Your favor rest upon the Mohawk valley this day. Let Your favor rest upon Nigel this day.
Recovery come to Nigel! Recovery come to Nigel! Recovery come to Nigel! Amen.
Isaiah 11, 55:11, Luke 2:14


Joel 3:14-17

November 14, 2009

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14)
      Jesus, please bring all those who are sitting on the fence to a decision for you.

The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will diminish their brightness. (Joel 3:15)
      Jesus, so much that seemed bright and hopeful in your church has a diminished splendor. Help us by your Holy Spirit to keep our eyes fixed on you where true joy and light may be found.

The Lord also will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; but the Lord will be a shelter for his people, and the strength of the children of Israel. (Joel 3:16)
      Father, speak to your people; help us hear your voice. Shelter your people and restore their strength.

“So you shall know that I am the Lord your God, dwelling in Zion my holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, and no aliens shall ever pass through her again.” (Joel 3:17)
      Holy Spirit, restore holiness to the Episcopal Church. Cleanse and purify it: it is filled with many who do not know Jesus and are alien to the Gospel. Have mercy on us. Thank you.

Saturday: 87, 90; 1 Maccabees 2:1-28 or Joel 3:9-17; Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 16:21-28
Sunday: 66, 67; 1 Maccabees 2:29-43, 49-50 or Habakkuk 1:1-4(5-11)12-2:1; Acts 28:14b-23; Luke 16:1-13

      Notes from the Front Line

Pray for this Gospel initiative (from the Diocese of South Carolina web site):
      Seven Episcopal Dioceses Meet to Begin Missional Relationships
      Clergy and lay representatives from seven dioceses in The Episcopal Church, as well as six bishops with Episcopal jurisdiction, met in Charleston, S.C. on November 3-4, 2009 to consider ways they might assist each other in more effectively reaching their communities and the world for Christ. More specifically, in keeping with General Convention resolution B030, which encouraged domestic Dioceses within The Episcopal Church to enter into missional relationship, this meeting encouraged the dioceses to consider what resources they can share with each other and work more closely to further the Gospel mission. Evangelizing and reaching the unchurched; catechizing and discipling the converted; assisting members in generational faithfulness; renewing, strengthening and growing existing parishes; and planting new congregations to reach their communities with the Gospel were the areas of greatest interest.
      To this end, through the work of some of the Communion Partner bishops and rectors, along with others, these Dioceses in Missional Relationships will begin by hosting two initiatives for the purpose of encouraging and equipping missionally focused dioceses, congregations and individuals through:
      1. Establishing a website for sharing resources and networking for ministry and mission. It is their intention to have this ministry-networking initiative functioning in an initial stage during Epiphany 2010; and,
      2. Sponsoring a large venue three day event in Dallas, September 23-25, 2010. This event will be for the purpose of encouraging, empowering, emboldening and equipping missionally focused individuals, congregations and dioceses, as well as providing resources to assist each other to be more effective in reaching their communities for Christ and his Church.
      Dioceses presently involved in this Gospel initiative are Albany, Central Florida, Dallas, North Dakota, South Carolina, Springfield, and Western Louisiana.
Pictured in photo, from left to right, are: The Rt. Rev. James Stanton (Dallas), the Rt. Rev. John Howe (Central Florida), the Rt. Rev. Bruce MacPherson (Western Louisiana), the Rt. Rev. William Love (Albany), the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence (South Carolina), and the Rt. Rev. Peter Beckwith (Springfield).

Albany Intercessor


Fr. Nigel Update 11:06 AMFr. Nigel Update 11:06 AM

November 13, 2009

Fr. Nigel Update 11:06 AM
Friday 11/13/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues in critical but stable condition. He continues to be on a ventilator and his oxygen levels are stable. As he is moved around by the nurses, oxygen is used so his numbers go up and down in relation to that, but generally his numbers are stable.
He is awake and responding to questions with a slight nod, although the sedative is still lingering in his system. He is aware that Lynn is there and he even smiles at her. As the sedative works its way out of his body he will be able to concentrate more and begin to move. So prayer for the sedative to be flushed out of his muscles and tissues would be great.
He had a slight fever yesterday, which is not uncommon for pneumonia, but for two previous days his fever had been normal. The rest of his vital signs are good.
So let’s pray for:
His lungs to be healed expeditiously by the Breath of our Lord so that he can be removed from the ventilator
The sedative be rinsed from his body by the Living Water of our Lord
We praise you Lord that Fr. Nigel’s vital signs are all stable and that his organs are all working through Your healing touch
We praise and thank you Lord for all your prayer warriors who continue to pray for Fr. Nigel and all your children who need healing
Please keep Lynn in your prayers for strength and stamina for the long road ahead.
Blessings to you all.
Elizabeth Strickland


Matthew 16:13-20

November 13, 2009

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (Matthew 16:13)
      Jesus, please help your people in the Episcopal Church give a true answer to your question.

So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” (Matthew 16:14)
      Jesus, there are so many conflicting answers being heard in your church today. Restore to your people a true knowledge of you.

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15)
      Jesus, you are the Christ, the son of the living God. You are my friend and my redeemer.

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
      Holy Spirit, please help all of us not only know who Jesus is, but also know him personally.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)
      Father, please reveal Jesus to all of us in this diocese and the Episcopal Church.

“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 )
      Holy Spirit, we pray the church today will be built on the rock of apostolic knowledge and teaching with Jesus as the head cornerstone.

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)
      Jesus, you are holy and true and you have the key of David; you open and no one can shut and you shut and no one can open. (Revelation 3:7) Open the floodgates of heaven to us. Thank you.

Then he commanded his disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ. (Matthew 16:20)
      Jesus, please help us know when it is time to speak and time to remain silent. When it is time to speak, guide our speaking by your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

Friday: 88; 1 Maccabees 1:41-63 or Joel 2:28-3:8; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 16:13-20
Saturday: 87, 90; 1 Maccabees 2:1-28 or Joel 3:9-17; Revelation 20:1-6; Matthew 16:21-28

Albany Intercessor


Fr. Nigel Update 8:38 AM

November 12, 2009

Fr. Nigel Update 8:38 AM

Thursday 11/12/09
Fr. Nigel continues to make progress in amounts equal to a “mustard seed”. He is awake off and on and recognizes Lynn and is able to nod when asked a question. Because the sedation is still in the muscles and tissues and organs of his body, he has limited movement of his body but is able to squeeze Lynn’s hand. The nurses are moving his arms and legs to stimulate his limbs and get the oxygen and blood moving. His vitals are all steady and his temperature is normal – Praise the Lord!!
Please continue to pray for:
Complete healing of his lungs so that the ventilator can be removed
Flushing out of the sedation from his body so that he can regain movement and clear-headedness
Strength for Fr. Nigel as he begins processing all that is happening around him
Peace and strength for Lynn as she tends to Fr. Nigel, and for all of the Mumford family

Thank you all so much for your ever present prayers. It is through God’s Grace as He listens to your prayers that Fr. Nigel is where he is today.

Elizabeth Strickland


Matthew 16:5-12

November 12, 2009

Now when his disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:5-6)
      Jesus, please help us hear and respond to what you are saying.

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” (Matthew 16:7)
      Holy Spirit, please help us turn to you for guidance and understanding rather than relying solely on our human reasoning.

      Jesus, the church has gone off the rails by its reliance on human reasoning. Please draw us back to you and your reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?–but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:8-11)
      Father, help us daily ask and thank you and bless you for our daily bread and provision. Father, help us look to you to provide for us.

Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:12)
      Jesus, help us to beware of rigid teaching of the law which cares nothing for the people it is being applied to, and help us beware of those who use church office as a place to exercise power over others. Thank you for the ministry of Bishop Bill and the leadership of this diocese.

Thursday: [83] or 23, 27; 1 Maccabees 1:1-28 or Joel 2:21-27; Revelation 19:1-10; Matthew 16:1-12
Friday: 88; 1 Maccabees 1:41-63 or Joel 2:28-3:8; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 16:13-20

Albany Intercessor