Rosebud Reservation

Our fellow blogger Rev. Timothy Fountain has called for a 40-day period of prayer and fasting for the Lakota Indian Rosebud Reservation, plagued by a high incidence of suicide.

The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. Ezekiel 37:1-2

Dear Heavenly Father,
We cry out for Your people, the Lakota Indians. They stand in a valley of dry bones. Have mercy.
Send them Your word and open their ears to hear it. Breathe on them and teach them to receive Your Holy Spirit. Lay sinews and flesh and skin upon them. Restore their hope and bring new life, we pray in the name of Your Son Christ Jesus, the Lord of Life. Amen.

Lambeth Palace

The General Synod of the Church of England is now in progress. The Lambeth Conference commences July 16.

The south bank of the Thames, not part of historic London, developed slowly because the land was low and sodden: Lambeth Marsh it was called. The name “Lambeth” embodies “hithe”, a landing on the river: archbishops came and went by water.
Lord, this crisis has continued for years, and we are bogged down. Bring all of the bishops, attending Lambeth Conference and not attending, to a higher rock.
In 1378, John Wycliffe, the translator of the Latin Vulgate into English, was tried for heresy at Lambeth Palace. He had promoted asceticism for the church and the secularization of church property.
Have mercy, Lord. Forgive our greed.
May the bishops attending Lambeth Conference put their whole trust in You, rather than in the security of the world. Prepare their hearts for Your good work by the reading of Holy Scripture.
In 1434, a strong tower was built for the imprisonment of the Lollards, Wycliffe’s followers known as the “poor preachers.”
Have mercy, Lord. Forgive our greed. Forgive us for refusing to recognize Your hand at work when it does not conform to our expectations.
Deliver those who live and work at Lambeth Palace from all unholy bondages, be they addictions, false assumptions, or unhealthy relationships.
In the English peasants’ revolt of 1381 the Palace was attacked, and Simon of Sudbury, Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of Canterbury, captured by the rebels, was later executed. The revolt was a protest of feudalism and taxation.
Have mercy, Lord. Forgive our greed and our violence. Forgive us for saying words that wound one another.
Help us in the Anglican Communion and in the Church of England General Synod meeting today to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.
The Great Hall was ransacked by Cromwellian troops during the English Civil War.
Have mercy, Lord. Forgive us for killing our brothers and sisters in Christ. Forgive our lust for power.
We claim Christ Jesus as head of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. To Him be all glory and honor and power.
A portion of Lambeth Palace was gutted by a direct hit of an incendiary bomb in 1941.
Father, we ask Your blessings on the nation of Germany. We also ask Your blessings on our worthy opponents in our ecclesiastical struggles.
Help us to rebuild Your Church.
Lambeth Palace acts as a home for the Archbishop and his family when in London and as the central office for his national and international ministry.
Lord, we pray that Rowan, Jane, their children, and all of the staff of Lambeth Palace will hold high the cross of Christ. Bless them. Amen.

PRAYER TABLE REPORTS

      PRAYER TABLE REPORT — I

(In front of Christ Church, State. ST., Schenectady, 7-5-08, 9:20 a.m.-11 a.m.; Torre Bissell and Deacon Alan Hart.)

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

      RICHARD — A repeat visitor to the Table. He came a few weeks ago to have us pray for his brother, Jim, who is in the hospital with a pulmonary illness. Richard was sincere, but he was also kind of “goofy” because, as he admitted, “I just had a drink.” (This was at 9:22 a.m..)

      t–CARLOS — A pleasant young man. Said he wanted prayer for “a lot of things” but mostly for his mom, Maria. As the prayers intensified, he admitted he wanted forgiveness for his sins. Torre prayed again for him; he said he is working for the state and doesn’t get to church on a regular basis but prays nightly before he goes to sleep.

      t–JOSEPH — Very serious young man. Wanted prayers for “guidance” in his life. He said he is a Christian and wanted to know what times our services are and asked Alan to write them down for him.

      JAMES (and his wife, MOHAN) — James is a minister in an area church and they were on their way to services. James prayed for us and we prayed for them. James reminded us when he saw our crosses, “Saint Paul wrote about Christ did for us on the cross on almost every page he wrote.”

      ( A woman smiled as she walked by and we asked if she wanted prayer. She said she was a Wiccan and politely refused our gesture.)

       Note: At this point Torre prayed for the woman as she walked away from us. We also prayed together that the corner convenient store down the street (State and Hawk) which seems to have attracted drug traffic lately will be cleaned up and doused with God’s intervention. Earlier, before we came to church, we prayed in front of the infamous Bed and Breakfast place on Union Street that all ungodly activity there will be driven away and the persons who run it and the visitors who come will be cleansed and transformed.

      t–BRIAN — Wanted general prayers for his well-being.

      a,t — NATHAN — You all know young Nathan. He’s the red-headed boy of about 11 or 12 who often attends our services. We were very concerned about Nathan. He said he “…just moved back into the neighborhood” and we prayed for him. He seemed very lost and unsteady on his feet, and we were concerned for him. He was getting ready to get on a bus but then turned away from it and walked back State Street toward downtown (where Deacon Alan had seen him by the Bank of America several days ago.) He is the only person Alan anointed with oil today — for protection from whatever seems to be troubling him. Please pray for Nathan; he seems very troubled about something but was not letting us know what it is. He DID accept our prayers for protection and safety.

      t–JOHN — A very bright older man got off a bus holding tickets for South Carolina where he is traveling today to start his job as a college professor in Spartansburg. We prayed for him for travel mercies and protection.

      t– COREY — This young man came to God’s Table not once but twice. The first time it was with hesitancy; he asked for prayers ” .. for blessings to keep me safe.” Torre gave him a cross. Corey came back a half hour later and said he had been to the Table a few weeks ago and asked prayers for his girlfriend. Torre prayed with fervor for him and Corey said he has accepted Jesus as his savior before but has been “backsliding” and obviously was seeking a new start. We prayed for him to accept Jesus’ forgiveness and a fresh start. He is starting a new job and wanted prayers to be steadfast this time and “make it work.”

      MARY — Very troubled woman who wanted prayer for her son LAURITZ and his children; she is worried that Lauritz is not being a good father to her grandkids.

      t–RUE and her mother (t–didn’t get her name.) — These were Spanish-speaking ladies going by with groceries who were curious about the Table. Rue seemed to understand the prayers and accepted the cross. Her mom was distant and untrusting at first but then seemed to realize what was happening when Torre gave her the cross. She started to say something but then stopped and walked on.

      t–MATTHEW and t– LOUIS — Two teen-aged boys stopped on their bicycles and wanted prayers for their Aunt Jane who recently passed away. Matthew was wearing a homemade T-shirt that read “R.I.P Aunt Jane.”

      t–RICHARD — An older homeless man who was walking with a golf putter for a cane. He obviously had just awakened from sleeping in or near the garage of the closed-down crackhouse next to our church. He thanked us for our prayers of provision and protection.

      THE BUS DRIVER — … did not stop today but waved at us as he passed.

      t–(Name withheld) — Deacon Alan thought it best not to use this man’s name, even though his gave name to us. He is a “con artist” well-known to a few members of our church after hitting us up for our help and then causing trouble at several levels. This man is a liar who says untruths; says one thing and does another. He has been in trouble repeatedly with the law and has caused trouble in the courtroom at his hearings. But … as Torre pointed out to Alan, God brought him to the Table for help and it is not our place to judge this man, only to pray for him. He did seem grateful for our prayers.

      PRAYER TABLE –II

(Deacon Mary Carol Hart in front of ST. Andrew’s, Scotia, 10-11a.m.)

      The Table was blessed this morning by many people who nodded, waved and seemed appreciative that Deacon MaryCarol was “out there” in their presence. Pray for the continued growth of the Table.)

Praying the Apostles’ Creed

I BELIEVE in God the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you that it all depends on your strength and might, and not ours.
Maker of heaven and earth;
      The heavens declare your glory, and the firmament shows forth your handiwork. (Psalm 19:1) The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing to you. (Psalm 65:13)
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
      Jesus, there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved but yours. (Acts 4:12)
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
      Holy Spirit, thank you for what you have brought forth in Jesus.
Born of the Virgin Mary;
      Father, thank you that Mary was willing to say, “Yes,” to the angel Gabriel. Thank you for the risk she was willing to take for us.
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      Jesus, thank you for what you were willing to suffer for our salvation; please help us to endure what we must suffer to see the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion restored to Apostolic faith.
Was crucified, dead, and buried;
      Holy Father, please restore to the common life of your people the saving knowledge of what Jesus endured by his crucifixion, death, and burial.
He descended into hell;
      Jesus, you went to the place of the dead to preach to the dead that they might live according to God in the spirit. Thank you. (1 Peter 4:6)
The third day he rose again from the dead;
      Thank you, Jesus; for by your resurrection we have been raised to new life in your Spirit.
He ascended into heaven,
      Jesus, thank you for being taken up into heaven in the sight of your apostolic witnesses. Help us live day by day in the hope that as you were taken up into heaven, so you will come back in like manner. (Acts 1:11)
And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
      As with the dying thief on the cross, we too say, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
      Jesus, thank you that there is now no condemnation for those who are in you, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
      Holy Spirit, your law of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Thank you. (Romans 8:2)
The holy Catholick Church;
      Thank you for your church, Jesus; please help it to be a true vessel of your gospel in all places and in all times.
The Communion of Saints;
      THEREFORE with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Glory be to thee, O Lord most High. Amen. (BCP 1662)
The Forgiveness of sins;
      Thank you, Jesus, for washing me with your precious blood and forgiving my sins.
The Resurrection of the body,
      LORD, please help me live day by day in the hope of the resurrection: for I know that my redeemer lives, and he shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger. How my heart yearns within me! (Job 19:25-27)
And the Life everlasting. Amen.
      Father, I live in the hope of living forever in your presence. Thank you for this hope that sustains me day by day. Amen.

A word received: Cry out to me for my people: pray for leaders and teachers who will be faithful to my word.

Friday: 141, 143:1-11(12); Numbers 24:1-13; Romans 8:12-17; Matthew 22:15-22
Saturday: 104; Numbers 24:12-25; Romans 8:18-25; Matthew 22:23-40

      Notes from the Front Line

***** A Novena for Vocations to the Community of St. Mary

      Prayers to be Said Daily

      St. Mary’s Convent, 242 Cloister Way, Greenwich, NY 12834-7922
      (518 ) 692-3028, www.stmaryseast.org e-mail: melizcsm@aol.com

      ”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8 )

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

      Collect for the Community of St. Mary:
Almighty God, who chose the blessed Virgin Mary to be the Mother of your Incarnate Son, grant to us your servants who bear her name so to yield ourselves to the operation of the Holy Spirit that we may be acceptable in your sight and may bring forth to you the fruit of good works, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sixth Day: For Monastic Witness and Dedication in Modern Times
Lord Jesus Christ, who called St. Anthony and the first monks to carry ascetic discipline into the desert and to engage in spiritual warfare, call men and women today to take up single-minded discipline as monks and nuns to carry your Gospel message of truth, bringing peace into the chaotic moral and spiritual world of our times. Amen.

Albany Intercessor

A Prayer for Lambeth Bishops, July 5th

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for [the Anglican bishops and primates, especially those attending the Lambeth Conference,] that in their vocation and ministry they 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. (adapted from CoE Common Worship Collects)

Selected Passages from today’s lectionary:

Numbers 24:13 ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the Lord speaks, that will I speak’

(posted by KB)

All of Lent & Beyond’s Lambeth prayers and resources are here.

Our pagan roots

Our present is shaped by the sins of the past. So, I’m beginning at the beginning and looking at our pagan roots.

O God, our hope is in You. You alone are our rock and our salvation.
We confess that our Celtic, Roman, Viking, and tribal ancestors worshipped idols made of stone.
O God, our hope is in You. You alone are our rock and our salvation.
We confess the Anglican Communion’s reliance on wealth, rather than on You.
O God, our hope is in You. You alone are our rock and our salvation.
We confess our greed.
O God, our hope is in You. You alone are our rock and our salvation.
By trusting in money, we have hardened our hearts.
O God, our hope is in You. You alone are our rock and our salvation.
To the needs of the destitute, our hearts are like stone.
O God, our hope is in You. You alone are our rock and our salvation.
Have mercy, Lord, and forgive us of our idolatry.
Psalm 62:5b-6a, Colossians 3:5