Psalm 111 and Prayer Table Report

Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation. (Psalm 111:1)
      Jesus, please help us praise you as we assemble in our congregations this morning.

The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. (Psalm 111:2)
      Father, please restore to all the seminaries of the Episcopal Church the desire to study your works. Thank you for the witness and ministry of Nashotah House and Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.

His work is honorable and glorious, and his righteousness endures forever. (Psalm 111:3)
      We thank you, Holy Spirit, for your works, for the honor of seeing you bring Christ’s glory and righteousness into people’s lives.

He has made his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. (Psalm 111:4)
      LORD, thank you for giving us the Bible so that we might remember your works.

He has given food to those who fear him; he will ever be mindful of His covenant. (Psalm 111:5)
      LORD, it is your covenant — you made it with us — it is not for us to alter it. Help us to be ever mindful of the covenant as you are.

He has declared to his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. (Psalm 111:6)
      LORD, the works of your hand are verity and justice and your precepts are sure; they stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. (From Psalm 111:7-8 ) LORD, we long to see your works at the Diocesan Convention. Come with the power of your Holy Spirit upon all the sessions of the Diocesan Convention. We especially hold up to you the business sessions. Visit them with your truth and righteousness. Stop the mouth of the world and its lies — let your truth be manifest among us. Thank you.

A word received: Pray for my blessing on the Diocesan Convention. Pray that I will accomplish my full purpose there. Pray for new life for the Episcopal Church and for those who have been deceived by the lies of the world.

Trinity Sunday: 111, 112, 113: Job 38:1-11,42:1-5; Revelation 19:4-16; John 1:29-34
Monday: 4, 7; Proverbs 3:11-20; 1 John 3:18-4:6; Matthew 11:1-6

      Notes from the Front Line

Pray for all the details of the Diocesan Convention and those who are doing the work of preparation for it.

I ask all intercessors who are going to the Diocesan Convention to attend the business sessions and surround the deputies with prayer. It is possible that there will be contentious debate over the proposed canons on marriage and the licensing of clergy. Please surround the deputies with prayer and pray for God’s righteous truth to prevail. Thank you. Torre

      Prayer Table Report
      (5-17-08 in front of Christ Church, State St.; 9:20 a.m.-10:30 a.m.)

a–indicates anointed person with Holy Oil
t– indicates received one of Torre’s wooden crosses

t, t — RICKY — Asked for prayers for his mother Rose, who died while he was an infant. He wanted prayers for her because he is not sure where his mother went after she died; he thinks she is in “a good place” but is worried that she might not be. We prayed for the repose of Rose’s soul and that Ricky would come to know peace in this regard and to follow in God’s path himself. Ricky said he is not exactly “a believer” but he is curious and wants to know more. I invited him to come to one of our services on Sunday, and he said maybe he’d “check it out.”

a, t-t-t-t — APRIL — April wanted prayers for her and for her three children, taking a cross for herself and each of her kids. She wanted prayers to stay “clean and sober” so she could be a better mother. I anointed her for healing and freedom from her addiction to alcohol and for her to become the mother God wants her to become.

t–SHALONDA — Young lady; very shy. Asked for prayers for protection from “all the bad s— going on around here” and to be safe. We prayed for safety for her and to be able to stay away from all the bad things around the neighborhood, that God would shield her from anything that is not of Him.

HOWARD — Howard is a repeat visitor to the Table; one of several who appeared today. Howard is an older, nattily-dressed and polite man. He still wears the cross he received over the winter here. He said to me “Thank you for what you guys are doing here; you are showing the people here that there is hope for us to be happy here on Earth and that we don’t have to wait until we get to heaven… God bless you!” He immediately began to recite The Lord’s Prayer and I joined him. He left saying “Thank you” again. (That thank you is for ALL of us at Christ Church, not just people at the weekly Prayer Table.)

a–RICHARD — Richard is another repeater. He was at the Table a week or two ago praying for peace in the world and to be free from alcoholism. Well, he needed a booster shot of prayer today because he said he spent all the money he had last night on drinking and that he slept in an abandoned house overnight. I anointed him for protection from harm and for God to give him freedom from his addiction to drinking. Pray for Richard to stop drinking and to be safe. He is still wearing the cross he got at the Table on the earlier visit.

a– PAT (Frank Upshur’s daughter) — Pat is going on a trip this week to Atlantic City to see her granddaughter who is soon to give birth. She asked for travel mercies and also to be protected once she gets there. “I’m going to be in Satan’s territory; there are a lot of bad things going on down there with all those casinos, and I will be with a lot of relatives who are not going to be too receptive to my Christianity. Some of them believe but not all of them.” Pray, too, for her family members (Frank, Keith and Nick) who need our prayers. Keith has found a job; pray that he has success in it. Nick has a disease similiar to Sickle Cell Anemia but not quite the same.

a , t — CHRISTINA — Here is today’s story which stands out among all the rest (there is always one!) Christina walked toward the table from the parking lot side in obvious distress. She was crying. She saw the Prayer Table sign and then saw me and Steve Evans (who was taking a break from trimming our front hedges.) She sat down with us and said her marriage is falling apart and she wanted prayers to save it… that she and her husband would love each other again. I anointed her for healing and God’s intervention in this situation, that God would become central to their lives and their marriage and to heal all the hurt that is there now. Amazingly, she then reached into her pocketbook and took out a wad of money and tried to hand it to me and said “Here, take this! It’s all the money I have, and I want you to have it.” I told her of course no such thing would happen, and she tried again. I could see there was a $10 bill and a bunch of dollar bills all folded up, and I told her we don’t want your money, we just want to help. Steve chimed in and said “That’s not what this Table is about!” She then asked what time our services are and would I write the times down for her. I did, and she said she would be coming to church tomorrow. God bless her. Please pray that she comes tomorrow to one or both of the services.

t– ROBERT and MIGUEL — Just after Christina left, these two men started from across the street with their eyes right on Steve and myself. Steve said, “Looks like you’ve got two more customers coming!” He was right. Robert is a repeater at the Table, still wearing his cross. He wanted me to pray for “things to get better.” Miguel, a first-timer, wanted prayers for his ex-wife. Robert laughed and asked why, and Miguel said with a straight face — “Why NOT? She’s a good woman. I want prayers for her.” Robert, too, said he was coming to church tomorrow.

(Nameless man) — A man walked by and at first said “I’ll be back.” A few minutes later he came from the convenient store on the corner and came to me and tried to hand me two quarters. He said ‘I want you to have this because I appreciate what your church is doing with this Table. You are showing everyone on the streets around here that you CARE, and I want to help you.” I politely refused the money and invited him to accept prayers, but he put up his hands and said “No, I’m good. But thanks.”

THE BUS DRIVER — After two weeks without seeing him, the bus driver stopped just as I was closing down the Table. He opened the doors and talked from his driver’s seat for a half minute or so. He said he is “not too good, not too bad…” and is grateful for our prayers for him and his wife.”

also —- after I closed the Table I visited JIMMY (Larry’s son) at Ellis Hospital. Several relatives were in the room, as was our Erich Kaminsky. Jimmy was about the same as Friday, maybe a tiny bit better. I anointed him for God’s love to pour out in a mighty way on Jimmy and to let him feel God’s love through this whole thing, to know He is right in the room through everything. He smiled when I told him I would be back tomorrow and he gave my hand a strong squeeze and said “BE here!”

——– Deacon Alan Hart

Albany Intercessor

Psalm 104:27-31

These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season. (Psalm 104:27)
      Father, we too wait for you and your provision for us. Please give us this day’s bread, and because we cannot live by bread alone, please give us this day’s word.

What you give them they gather in; you open your hand, they are filled with good. (Psalm 104:28 )
      Jesus, please open your hand to us so that we will be filled with your good.

You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. (Psalm 104:29)
      Father, you have hidden your face from the Episcopal Church and it is dying for lack of the breath of your Holy Spirit. Have mercy on us and restore us to new life in you.

You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104:30)
      Holy Spirit, come forth upon us in this diocese and renew the face of the earth.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works. (Psalm 104:31)
      Amen, LORD, give us your blessing.

A word received: Pray for my people to be faithful as they prepare of the Diocesan Convention. Pray that they will listen to my voice. Pray for my will to be accomplished there.

Saturday: 104; Ezekiel 47:1-12; 1 John 3:11-18; Matthew 10:34-42
Trinity Sunday: 111, 112, 113: Job 38:1-11,42:1-5; Revelation 19:4-16; John 1:29-34

      Notes from the Front Line

Pray for all the details of the Diocesan Convention and those who are doing the work of preparation for it.

Albany Intercessor

Graduation invocation

This invocation was just delivered by my husband, Rev. George Woodliff III, at the high school graduation of our daughter.

Father, we invite and invoke Your divine presence at this graduation ceremony and to be with these graduates.
We ask that from this day forward You help them to remember Your Son Jesus and His words:
–As they walk out the door of _____ and through other doors in their lives, help them to remember that Jesus said, “I am the door.”
–As they seek enlightenment through greater knowledge, help them to remember that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
–As they seek their path through life and are tempted by many distractions, help them to remember that Jesus said, “I am the way.”
–As they seek to understand the deeper and ultimate meaning of their lives, help them to remember that Jesus said, “I am the truth.”
–As they seek fulfillment and the pursuit of happiness, help them to remember that Jesus said, “I am the life–abundant and eternal life.”

Father, watch over them, protect, them, provide for them, guard them, guide them, and give them Your grace to enable them to persevere to the end. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Matthew 10:24-33

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.” (Matthew 10:24)
      Help us to follow where you lead, Jesus.

“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” (Matthew 10:25)
      Help us to be like you, Jesus, whatever the cost.

“Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” (Matthew 10:26)
      Jesus, set us and all our diocesan leaders free from fear. Reveal for all to see the intentions and motives of those who attack our diocesan leaders.

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.” (Matthew 10:27)
      Holy Spirit, put on all of us the shoes of the preparation to share the gospel of peace. Help us proclaim the gospel openly and fearlessly.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 )
      Father, help us all daily put on the shield of faith by which we may quench every fiery dart from the evil one.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.” (Matthew 10:29)
      Lord, you have borne us up on eagles’ wings and you have never dropped us. Thank you.

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:30)
      Jesus, you are the one who sets the rising and the setting of the sun. All our times are in your hands. Set us free from fear.

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:31)
      Jesus, thank you for breaking into our lives and redeeming us at the cost of your precious blood.

“Therefore whoever confesses me before men, him I will also confess before my father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)
      Help us to openly confess you, Jesus. Place in our hands the sword of your Spirit which is your word.

“But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33)
      Father, Just as you shut the mouths of the lions so that they could not devour Daniel, we ask you to shut the mouths of all those who would attack your faithful ones. Please do this mighty work at the Diocesan Convention. Thank you.

A word received: You are in my care. I AM with you. Pray for the restoration of true faith in the Episcopal Church.

Friday: 141, 143:1-11(12); Ezekiel 39:21-29; 1 John 3:1-10; Matthew 10:24-33
Saturday: 104; Ezekiel 47:1-12; 1 John 3:11-18; Matthew 10:34-42

Albany Intercessor

Courage

As many as 300 Anglican men from around the nation are expected to gather in mid-May in California for a spirit-filled retreat rich in world-class teaching, led by the dynamic Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda. The weekend, set for May 16–18, is being planned and convened again this year by the Men’s Commission of St. James Anglican Church, Newport Beach, California. St. James is a member of the Network’s International Conference. John McLaughlin, the Men’s Weekend chairman, says the retreat seeks to fill men with the “courage to weather the storm” that swirls around the movement for orthodoxy.” He emphasized the pan-Anglican nature of the retreat, which attracts members from a variety of anglican Common Cause groups within the United States.
Presenters for the retreat, in addition to the Ugandan Primate, will be the Rt. Rev. John A. M. Guernsey, Bishop for Congregations in America, The Anglican Province of Uganda, The Rt. Rev. David C. Anderson, Bishop, Convocation of Anglicans in North America, and Rt. Rev. Robinson Cavalcanti, Bishop, Diocese of Recife, Province of the Southern Cone.

God the Father, You led the children of Israel through the waters of the Red Sea to their freedom from slavery. God the Son, You paid the price of our freedom from sin with the blood of Your death. God the Spirit, You witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. We ask that the three witnesses: the Spirit, the water, and the blood fortify Henry, John, David, Robinson, and all the men attending this conference for the establishment of Your kingdom on earth and the glory of Your name. Amen.
1 John 5:6-10

Honduras

The diocese of Honduras convenes this weekend.

We call to You, Lord to help this diocese. Receive our prayers as incense, our uplifted hands as an evening sacrifice.
Place a guard at their mouths and a sentry at the door of their lips. Keep them from wanting to do wrong and from joining evil people in their wickedness. May they keep trusting in You, Sovereign Lord. Protect them, keep them from death. Hold them back from the snares of evildoers that they may go unharmed. Amen.
Psalm 141

For our nation

From Faith & Family
Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry, You have given us food in abundance; In a world where so many are hurting, You offer to bind up our wounds; In a world where so many are lonely, You offer friendship to every heart; In a world longing for peace, You offer hope. Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant. Have mercy upon us, Lord. Our nation is at a crossroads this year; we look to You to be our strength and shield. Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor You and to respond to the wisdom from above so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured. In God’s holy name, Amen.

Matthew 10:16-23

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
      Guide Bishop Bill as attends meetings of the House of Bishops. Guide Bishop Dave as he goes forth to minister to those who have left the Episcopal Church.

“But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues.” (Matthew 10:17)
      Lord, the councils of the Episcopal Church have become corrupt in their use of power — please protect and guide all who must come before them.

“You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” (Matthew 10:18 )
      Holy Spirit, please help your faithful people give a good testimony wherever they are brought.

“But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak;” (Matthew 10:19)
      Holy Spirit, thank you for your faithful witness to and through your saints.

“for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:20)
      Father, please send your Holy Spirit upon those who speak for the cannons on Marriage and Standards for Clergy at the Diocesan Convention.

“Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death.” (Matthew 10:21)
      Father, we are in such a time when so many do what is right in their own eyes without heed of you; have mercy on us in the Episcopal Church.

“And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)
      Jesus, help us stand our ground and endure to the end for your sake.

“When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” (Matthew 10:23)
      Come soon, Lord Jesus, for many flee the Episcopal Church daily.

“… that you may know what is the hope of his calling… ” (Ephesians 1:18 ).
      Holy Spirit, help all of us in this diocese to know the hope of our calling in Jesus.

A word received: Keep praying for the Episcopal Church. It is my church; it belongs to me.

Thursday: 134, 135; Ezekiel 37:21b-28; 1 John 2:18-29; Matthew 10:16-23
Friday: 141, 143:1-11(12); Ezekiel 39:21-29; 1 John 3:1-10; Matthew 10:24-33

Albany Intercessor

The warnings of Scripture

One of the blessings of the Internet has been the network of ministry support among folks who are geographically separated. Anglicans for Life, headquartered in Pennsylvania, is compiling a collection of pro-life scriptures, prayer, and liturgies. They are using some of the prayers posted here at Lent & Beyond, prayers that were written in Mississippi. Yesterday, after editing the collection, I read here a word received in New York: “Pray for my people to heed the warnings I give them in Scripture.” The warnings of Scripture had been much on my mind that day, and my spirit was stirred.

Ezekiel 34:1-16

And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, (Ezekiel 34:1)
      Help us to hearken to your word, LORD.

“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? (Ezekiel 34:2)
      Holy Spirit, move the hearts of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church to feed their flocks.

You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. (Ezekiel 34:3)
      Have mercy on your flock, Jesus, and feed us all with your word each day.

The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. (Ezekiel 34:4)
      Father, please bring the shepherds of the Episcopal Church to repentance.

So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. (Ezekiel 34:5)
      Lord, your flock is being scattered, have mercy on us: a thousand leave the Episcopal Church each week. Turn us around.

My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill; yes, my flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one was seeking or searching for them.” (Ezekiel 34:6)
      Holy Spirit, please bring the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church to repentance and give them true shepherds’ hearts.

‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD: (Ezekiel 34:7)
      Holy Spirit, give the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church ears to hear what you are saying to them.

“As I live,” says the Lord GOD, “surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed my flock”– (Ezekiel 34:8 )
      Have mercy on us, Lord, and raise up true shepherds to feed and care for your flock.

therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD! (Ezekiel 34:9)
      Father, help the shepherds of the Episcopal Church hearken to your word.

Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my flock at their hand; I will cause them to cease feeding the sheep, and the shepherds shall feed themselves no more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouths, that they may no longer be food for them.” (Ezekiel 34:10)
      Deliver your people out of the hands of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church. Thank you for your faithful shepherds, Bishop Bill and Bishop Dave.

‘For thus says the Lord GOD: “Indeed I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. (Ezekiel 34:11)
      Thank you, Jesus.

As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out my sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. (Ezekiel 34:12-13)
      Jesus, thank you for your faithfulness.

I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. (Ezekiel 34:14)
      Come soon, Lord Jesus; come soon!

I will feed my flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord GOD. “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.” (Ezekiel 34:15-16)
      Holy Spirit, please raise up true shepherds in every parish of this diocese. Thank you.

A word received: My people are walking apart from me. My people need to heed my word to them in Scripture.

Wednesday: 128, 129, 130; Ezekiel 34:1-16; 1 John 2:12-17; Matthew 10:5-15
Thursday: 134, 135; Ezekiel 37:21b-28; 1 John 2:18-29; Matthew 10:16-23

Albany Intercessor