Tanzania

Tanzania has elected a new primate, Bishop Valentino L. Mokiwa of the Diocese of Dar es Salaam.  Today’s psalm seems so appropriate, I will simply post it.  May Bishop Valentino dwell in the shelter of the Most High.

 Psalm 91 NIV

 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
       will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
       my God, in whom I trust.”

 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare
       and from the deadly pestilence.

 4 He will cover you with his feathers,
       and under his wings you will find refuge;
       his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

 5 You will not fear the terror of night,
       nor the arrow that flies by day,

 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
       nor the plague that destroys at midday.

 7 A thousand may fall at your side,
       ten thousand at your right hand,
       but it will not come near you.

 8 You will only observe with your eyes
       and see the punishment of the wicked.

 9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
       even the LORD, who is my refuge-

 10 then no harm will befall you,
       no disaster will come near your tent.

 11 For he will command his angels concerning you
       to guard you in all your ways;

 12 they will lift you up in their hands,
       so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
       you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
       I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
       I will be with him in trouble,
       I will deliver him and honor him.

 16 With long life will I satisfy him
       and show him my salvation.” 

Mark 6:45-52 and Luke 18:41

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he sent the multitude away. And when he had sent them away, he departed to the mountain to pray. Now when evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea; and he was alone on the land. (Mark 6:45-47)
      Jesus, please help us be at the task you have given us.

Then he saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. (Mark 6:48)
      Jesus, so many of your intercessors for the Episcopal Church are weary from straining at the oars and the wind is against us. Have mercy on us and come to us as you came to these disciples.

And when they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; (Mark 6:49)
      Jesus, when you visit us, we shall probably be surprised (and frightened) as the disciples, but come anyway.

for they all saw him and were troubled. But immediately he talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. ” (Mark 6:50)
      Holy Spirit, please help every intercessor for the Episcopal Church hear these words of Jesus and take comfort from them.

Then he went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. (Mark 6:51)
      Jesus, please help every intercessor for this diocese know in some tangible way that you are with them.

For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened. (Mark 6:52)
      Father, we too often lack understanding because our hearts are hardened. Please let the continual dew of your Holy Spirit come down upon us and soften our hearts. Thank you.

“‘What do you want me to do for you?’ He said, ‘Lord, that I may receive my sight’” (Luke 18:41).
      Lord, help us in the Episcopal Church receive our sight.

       A word received: “Come to me all that travail and are heavily burdened.” Offer your burdens to me.

Praying the Nicene Creed daily: maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.

Friday: 91, 92: Genesis 47:1-26; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; Mark 6:47-56
Saturday: 136: Genesis 47:27-48:7; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Mark 7:1-23

Albany Intercessor