House of Bishops March 7

“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it; and whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

Mark 8: 34-38

Father in Heaven,

We pray today for your servants in The Episcopal Church House of Bishops.  May they come after you, Lord.  May they follow you.  May they take up their crosses.  May they boldly proclaim that there is no salvation in heaven or earth but your cross.  May they seek not their own lives but rather seek only to lose themselves alongside Jesus at Calvary.  May they be given new life in Christ.  May they seek no wordly profit, but instead lay up treasure in heaven.  May they turn aside from our own adulterous and sinful generation, unashamed to lead our church to the foot of the cross, unashamed to declare that Jesus Christ alone is Lord, that Jesus Christ alone is savior, that Jesus Christ alone is the name to which every knee must bow. 

We believe that you have a plan for them, Father.  Grant to us faith in our times of doubt and despair.  We beg you, Father.  Have mercy on them.  Lead them to faith.  Draw them to your son.  Bless them.  Protect them.  May they glorify your name.      Amen.

Psalm 73

Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. (Psalm 73:1)
      Thank you for your goodness.

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. (Psalm 73:2)
      If I say, “My foot slips,” your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up. (Psalm 94:18) Thank you.

For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psalm 73:3)
      A word received: Look to me; keep your eyes on me.

      Lord, help me keep my attention on you.

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. (Psalm 73:25)
      Jesus, you are my hope and my desire.

My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)
      Father, thank you for your kindness to me.

For indeed, those who are far from you shall perish; you have destroyed all those who desert you for harlotry. (Psalm 73:27)
      Holy Spirit, help me do my part in presenting the gospel so that others may be plucked from the fires of Hell. (From Zechariah 3:2)

But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all Your works. (Psalm 73:28)
      LORD, you are my hope and my delight, my portion in the land of the living. Thank you.

      I am continually with you; you hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73:23-24)

Thursday: 73; Exodus 1:6-22; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Mark 8:27-9:1
Friday: 107:1-32: Exodus 2:1-22; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3; Mark 9:2-13

Albany Intercessor