For the Orthodox Remnant in the Episcopal Church

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12: 1-3 (NIV)  (From today’s readings in the Eucharistic Lectionary)

Father in Heaven, we confess that our faith falls far short.  It is not even the size of the tiniest mustard seed.  When we see the turmoil and rancor in our church, we grow discouraged.  When we hear of lawsuits, we despair over the possibility that we can ever again be one in Christ.  When we see godly bishops deposed through procedures that do not even follow our own canons, our thoughts become hateful and mean-spirited. 

Please, Father, help us to throw off the sins of discouragement and despair and hatefulness that entangle us.  Help us to fix our eyes not on goals of our own devising, but only on the prize of the Your upward call in Christ Jesus.  Place on our minds and hearts a steadfast determination to consider only Jesus, who endured the cross and its shame and considered it a joy to do your will.  Convict our timid souls of our lack of faith in your almighty power, of our failure to believe in your faithfulness to your promises, and of our failure to fully credit the victory over sin and death that Jesus has already won.  Father, we believe.  Help us in our unbelief.

Amen.                        

Psalm 74:18-23

Remember this, that the enemy has reproached, O LORD, and that a foolish people has blasphemed your name. (Psalm 74:18)
      LORD, the Episcopal Church has become that foolish people; have mercy on us.

Oh, do not deliver the life of your turtledove to the wild beast! do not forget the life of your poor forever. (Psalm 74:19)
      Jesus, protect your faithful dioceses and people; remember your little ones and the poor who look to you in hope.

Have respect to the covenant; for the dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty. (Psalm 74:20)
      Father, we are asking you to be faithful even when we have been unfaithful. The Episcopal Church has become a place of cruelty where aged and faithful bishops and clergy are hunted down.

Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed! Let the poor and needy praise your name. (Psalm 74:21)
      Jesus, remember us, now that you have come into your kingdom.

Arise, O God, plead your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches you daily. (Psalm 74:22)
      LORD, the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church have become a daily reproach to you; have mercy on us.

      Do not forget the voice of your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against you increases continually. (Psalm 74:23)

A word received: You are in my care. Don’t be afraid.

Wednesday: 74: Lamentations 2:1-9; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11; Mark 12:1-11
Maundy Thursday: 142, 143: Lamentations 2:10-18; 1 Corinthians 10:14-17; 11:27-32; Mark 14:12-25

Albany Intercessor