Freedom from slavery to sin — Wilberforce Commemoration Collect

In the context of Abp. Mouneer’s remarks to the Times Online, (see post below) I was struck that yesterday was the commemoration of William Wilberforce. Perhaps that fact influenced +Mouneer’s remarks re: the slavery to the flesh. In any case, here is the collect commemorating William Wilberforce. Really timely…!

O God our deliverer,
who didst send thy Son Jesus Christ
to set thy people free from the slavery of sin:
grant that, as thy servant William Wilberforce
toiled against the sin of slavery,
so we may bring compassion to all,
and work for the liberty of all the children of God;
through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

And here is the suggested Post-Communion prayer:

O God our redeemer,
who didst inspire William Wilberforceto witness to thy love
and to labour for the coming of thy kingdom:
grant that we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,
may be fired by thy Spirit
to proclaim the gospel in our daily lives
and never to rest content until thy kingdom come,
on earth as it is in heaven;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer for Abp. Mouneer Anis of Egypt (Primate of Jerusalem & Middle East)

The Times Online has posted some commentary about Lambeth by various bishops, including a long excerpt by Abp. Mouneer Anis of Egypt (Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East).

You can read the whole commentary here.

I was stuck most by these words, and so thankful for Bp. Mouneer’s clarity and honesty, and for his concern for the spiritual health of those in North America, and his warning about slavery to the flesh:

I find that many of our North American friends blame us and criticise us for bringing in the issues of sexuality and homosexuality but in fact they are the ones who are bringing these issues in. Here at Lambeth, you come across many advertisements for events organised by gay and Lesbian activists which are sponsored by the North American Church. If you visit the marketplace at the conference, you will notice that almost half the events promoted on the noticeboard promote homosexuality and are sponsored by the North Americans. And in the end, we, the people who remain loyal to the original teaching of the Anglican Communion, which we received from the Apostles, are blamed. They say that we talk a lot about sexuality and that we need to talk more about poverty, about AIDs, and injustice. They are the ones who are bringing sexuality into this conference. It’s not us. We want to talk about the heart of the issues which divide us, not only sexuality. That is just a symptom of a deeper problem.

They talk about the slavery and say that 200 years ago Christians were opposed to the freedom of slaves and they compare us to those Christians for our attitude to gay and lesbian practises. To be honest, I think this is inviting us to another kind of slavery, slavery of the flesh, to go and do whatever our lusts dictate. Sometimes, I think that maybe because of the pressure in Western culture to push the practise of homosexuality, our friends in the West are pushing these issues. But, on the other hand, I see many who live in the West and still want to preserve the faith and the tradition of the Church. Should we allow culture to pressure the Church or should the Church be distinctive, light and salt to the world? Cardinal Ivan Dias said that we didn’t bring the Gospel to the culture we could end up suffering from spiritual Alzheimers.” the rest

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for Abp. Mouneer, that in his vocation and ministry he may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Acts 1:15-22 and Joshua 24:31

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, (Acts 1:15)
      Holy Spirit, raise up bishops like Peter in our day who will truly lead your people.

“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; (Acts 1:16)
      Holy Spirit, as you spoke through Scripture to your assembled body then, speak through Scripture to the bishops at Lambeth and those bishops who could not go to Lambeth for conscience sake.

for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” (Acts 1:17)
      Jesus, there are numbered among the bishops those who betray you now as Judas did.

(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) (Acts 1:18-19)
      Jesus, we grieve for those bishops who are betraying you by their words and deeds — even now, draw them back from destruction.

“For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’” (Acts 1:20)
      Holy Spirit, as you did with the church then, do in our day and let other, faithful witnesses take up the office of those who have abandoned their office by their unfaithfulness.

“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when he was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)
      Father, raise up bishops in our day who know the saving deeds you have worked among us through your son Jesus.

Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which he had done for Israel. (Joshua 24:31)
      LORD, raise up in our day elders who know your works so that we do not go astray any longer.

A word received: Call my people back to me.

Thursday: 74; Judges 4:4-23; Acts 1:15-26; Matthew 27:55-66
Friday: 73; Judges 5:1-18; Acts 2:1-21; Matthew 28:1-10

Albany Intercessor

Writers’ list

There are many journalists at Lambeth, but no list of names of the journalists. I gathered a list of some writers, mostly from StandFirm’s Around the World page. This list is not intended to be complete, but every prayer helps.

At the foot of the cross

Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Matthew 27:55

O Lord, so many women have followed You and come to Canterbury to care for the needs of Your Church. They have been watching from a distance. May they witness Your resurrection power and share the good news with joy. Amen.

Matthias and Mouneer

Today’s lectionary recounts the addition of Matthias to the apostles. Church tradition says that Matthias preached in Judea and Ethiopia and was crucified in Caucasian Georgia. Let us pray for Mouneer Anis, primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East. This province covers Judea and Ethiopia. There is no Anglican province that covers Georgia.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Arise, O God, and come to the aid of Your Church. Speak to Your servant Mouneer who stands at his watch. Speak to him that he may reveal Your words plainly and share them with the Anglican Communion. Pour down Your Holy Spirit upon him. May he plead Your cause and be Your witness at the Lambeth Conference. Amen.
Habakkuk 2:1-2

God is able

Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 24,25

Journalists

2 Corinthians 13:14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Mary, mother of Jesus

Mary, mother of Jesus, your Son has showed Himself alive after His passion.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Your Son is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Mary, mother of Jesus, the church is His body. Join us in prayer and supplication for the Anglican Communion as we await the Holy Spirit.
Acts 1:3,14

We cry out

While they waited, Ehud got away. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah. Judges 3:26
Lord, we cry out for Your people. Let us escape ungodliness and pass beyond the idolatry of our culture.
He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more. Psalm 72:6-7
Lord, we cry out for Your people. Come down like rain upon the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. Come down to Canterbury. May the righteous flourish in the Anglican Communion and abundance of peace endure.

Acts 1:4-8

And being assembled together with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, “which,” he said, “you have heard from me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4-5)
      Father, whenever your people assemble together, help us wait for your promise of the Holy Spirit. Baptize us anew with your Holy Spirit.

Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, saying, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)
      Jesus, will you at this time restore the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion? Please come soon!

And he said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:7-8 )
      Father, our times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute your faithful people. (From Psalm 31:15) Empower us daily to be your witnesses to our families, our friends, our parishes, our communities, and the work place.

Wednesday: 119:73-96; Judges 3:12-30; Acts 1:1-14; Matthew 27:45-54
Thursday: 74; Judges 4:4-23; Acts 1:15-26; Matthew 27:55-66

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:33:16 -0400
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative Prayer Report
Dear Welcome Home Intercessors,
      Thank you for continuing to uphold this retreat in prayer. On this second day the fruit of your prayer is beginning to be evident. Our blessed Lord is present to meet every need of those who need healing.
      The morning presentation on PTSD by the clinical social worker led the veterans to begin sharing their experiences. Afterwards a more private session of Healing of Memories and Telling Their Stories gave opportunity for them to speak more deeply of their issues. Many spoke their stories, and two men had individual prayer ministry. The loving presence of the Holy Spirit was very present and healing has begun for many of the combatants.
      The private ministry to the wives was continued in two separate sessions. This was reported, also, of being very blessed.
      The weather here has been lovely. A cookout at the pond was provided for lunch and there was free time this afternoon for all to rest and relax. A massage therapist was available for those who desired to relieve stress and anxiety.
      After the two stand-up comedians did their show tonight, Nigel opened the floor for any in the audience to tell their jokes. There was much fun and laughter to end a day of tears and released tensions.
      Lift up the veterans and the ministry team during the last healing service in the morning.
      Pray, also, that the Lord will continue the healing that has begun here this week.
       Join us for the Closing Ceremony at the Spiritual Life Center in the Great Hall at 11:00 for 11:30am to honor these veterans.
Lynne Riley and Susan LaDuke On-Site Intercessors

***** Christ the King Spiritual Life Center News:
The School of Healing Prayer®
      Are you interested in the ministry of healing? Perhaps your church has been considering a healing service or healing prayer team, but aren’t quite sure where to start. The School of Healing Prayer® is a comprehensive program designed to train individuals for the ministry of healing in their home church. Christ the King Center offers the School of Healing Prayer in three levels, using the program designed by Francis MacNutt.
Christ the King offers the School of Healing Prayer classes throughout the year, in two ways:
      As a four-day class from Sunday evening to Wednesday afternoon, in which participants stay on-site.
      As a six-week commuter class with meetings from 4-9 PM on Sunday nights, dinner included.
Upcoming Classes
      Aug 10-13: Level 3 (4-day)
      Sept 7 – Oct 12: Level 2 (6-week)
      Oct 12-15: Level 1 (4-day)
      Oct 19-22: Level 2 (4-day)
      We offer all three levels in a continuous cycle throughout the year. If you can’t make any of these, there will be more! You can always find upcoming dates on our Healing Ministry Events Calendar.
Ready to sign up? Please contact Sandra at 518-692-9550 to register.

Albany Intercessor

God is able

There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?
James 4:12

Make a Way

The Holy Spirit prompted a friend of mine, a lay woman from Mississippi, to write this prayer.–JW
Gracious Father, giver of all good and perfect things,
I come humbly before you with a grateful heart thanking you for all the blessings in this life, the means of Grace and the Hope of Glory.
Grant, Father of all Mercies, that Thy gracious hand will uphold and direct this day at the Lambeth Conference.
Cause the Holy Spirit to descend on all Bishops and attendees.
Raise up Your Godly Bishops.
Cause Your will to be done.
Make a Way, Dear Lord, for the orthodox Christians who believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God; Jesus as the only way to Salvation; and You as one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I pray especially for our Bishop Gray and wife Kathy. Enter his heart, mind and spirit. Cause his eyes to be opened, Lord, to the error of the Revisionists’ ways and agenda.
Warm his heart. Wrap Your holy angels aroudn him. Bind Satan from him and all Bishops at Lambeth.
Cause Your will to supercede all agendas, Lord, that will give us a way forward that we may break forth in a New Beginning.
We know not how, nor do we pretend to have the answer, but You Lord know–You are all powerful, all knowing.
Lord, have Your way.
In Jesus’ name I pray.

Were you there?

Today’s lectionary reading is on the crucifixion (Mt 27:45-54). These words are from the African-American spiritual.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed Him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?
Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?

A stained glass window depicting the crucifixion at Canterbury Cathedral can be found here.

Matthew 27:32-36

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27:32)
      Jesus, please help us bear your cross, even when it is thrust upon us.

And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, they gave him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when he had tasted it, he would not drink. (Matthew 27:33-34)
      Jesus, you refused the gall which would have deadened your pain on the cross: thank you for taking onto yourself all the pain and suffering of the world. Thank you for receiving my pain.

Then they crucified him, and divided his garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” (Matthew 27:35)
      Jesus, everything was stripped from you and you still forgave them; please help us forgive when things are taken from us.

Sitting down, they kept watch over him there. (Matthew 27:36)
      Once again, Jesus, we have the opportunity to watch and pray with you; don’t let us fail you this time.

[A lithograph my parents bought in Arizona when I was a baby.]

Tuesday: 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Judges 2:1-5,11-23; Romans 16:17-27; Matthew 27:32-44
Wednesday: 119:73-96; Judges 3:12-30; Acts 1:1-14; Matthew 27:45-54

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for two of our intercessors: Renee and April. Both women have been diagnosed with cancer.

***** Date: Mon, 28 Jul 2008
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative Retrteat – Monday – Day 1
Dear Welcome Home Initiative Intercessors-
      Blessings with thanksgiving to each of you for your prayers for the second Welcome Home Initiative retreat. The retreatants arrived today, 8 veterans, 2 wives, representing several branches of the American military with combat duty in Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Afghanistan. Several have family members serving in Iraq.
      After an afternoon prayer and training meeting of the Ministry Team, the group came together with the retreatants. Each veteran has been paired up this time with a member of the Prayer Team. Pray for open hearts and bonding of these pairs.
      Tonight Fr. Nigel shared his story of combat, his experience with PSTD, and ongoing healing over many years. He encouraged the veteran combatants to believe they can be set free, because “Christ came to set the captives free. The wounds of trauma and the issues of the past need to be handed over to the Lord.” We’re excited to see the Lord already working as these men open up and begin to share their stories. It speaks to an environment of trust quickly being established.
      On Tuesday morning there will be a clinical presentations on PTSD, followed by a time for healing of memories and “telling your story”. An individual ministry for spouses will also take place. Free time has been left open in the afternoon for all to enjoy the beauty of this place and the recreational facilities. This is a time, also, for getting in touch with themselves and sharing their combat stories with each other.
      Please keep the Ministry Team- Fr. Nigel Mumford, Dave Bena, Noel Dawes, and clinical nurse Sue Ellen Ruetsch- as well as members of the Prayer Team and On-Site Intercessors in your prayers. Pray that the Holy Spirit will come upon each person to heal the hearts and souls of these men who have given so much in the service of their country.
      For those of who wish to attend the Welcome Home Closing Ceremony on Wednesday, please meet at the Great Hall at 11am.
Lynne Riley and Susan LaDuke, On-Site Intercessors

Albany Intercessor