Be still and know that He is God

World financial markets are in turmoil.

Our church is in turmoil.

We are in an election season.

There is much to be unsettled and uncertain about.

But some things ARE certain. The love of God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is certain and steadfast. His mercies are new THIS morning, as they are every morning. May the Lord strengthen and comfort our hearts with the knowledge of Who He is, of His steadfast love, and the sure knowledge that we can trust His promises because of what He has already done for us in Jesus.

Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Be Still and Know that He is God” comes to mind. May the truth of these words be a comfort and an anchor for us all in troubled times.

Enjoy the music: Be Still and Know

(Steven Curtis Chapman, from his 1999 album Speechless.  iTunes link)

Psalm 94:1-15

O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs–O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth! (Psalm 94:1)
      LORD God, we have sinned and our sins accuse us; let your light shine forth in the Episcopal Church.

Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud. (Psalm 94:2)
      Jesus, in your mercy bring the proud of the Episcopal Church to humility.

LORD, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph? (Psalm 94:3)
      Father, how long will you permit the wicked to triumph in the Episcopal Church?

      Jesus, they utter speech, and speak insolent things; all the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. They break in pieces your people, O Lord, and afflict your heritage. They depose righteous bishops and priests and drive away parishes that are faithful to the gospel. Yet they say, “The LORD does not see, nor does the God of Jacob understand.” (From Psalm 94:4-7)

      Holy Spirit, the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church claim to know more than your word; have mercy on us.

Understand, you senseless among the people; and you fools, when will you be wise? He who planted the ear, shall he not hear? He who formed the eye, shall he not see? He who instructs the nations, shall he not correct, he who teaches man knowledge? (Psalm 94:8-10)
      LORD, you know our thoughts, that they are futile; bring us to repentance in the Episcopal Church. (From Psalm 94:11)

Blessed is the man whom you instruct, O LORD, and teach out of your law, (Psalm 94:12)
      Holy Spirit, help us receive this blessing.

That you may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. (Psalm 94:13)
      Father, help us enter into your rest in these days of adversity.

For the LORD will not cast off his people, nor will he forsake his inheritance. But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. (Psalm 94:14-15)
      Come soon, Lord Jesus, and visit your people!

A word received: I AM with you.

Tuesday: 94, [95]; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26
Wednesday: 119:121-144; Hosea 4:11-19; Acts 21:15-26; Luke 5:27-39

Albany Intercessor

40 days for life

Dear Heavenly Father,
You are King! Let our nation rejoice! Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne, and we tremble at Your glory. Every god must bow to You, for You are supreme over all the earth. You are exalted far above all other gods. You protect the lives of Your godly people and rescue them from the wicked. We rejoice in You and praise Your holy name.
You love those who hate evil. Make Your light shine upon all those who strive to save the lives of the unborn. Anoint them with the oil of gladness.
Honor Anglicans for Life. We especially ask Your blessing on its president, Mrs. Georgette Forney, and its board of directors: Mr. David Bickel, Chairman; Mrs. Marianne Finnie; The Rev. Richard Grant; The Rev. Brad Jones; Mr. Julian McPhillips; The Rev. Dr. Robert S. Munday; Mrs. Jenny Noyes; Mr. Dick Schwaab; The Rt. Rev. Henry Scriven; Mrs. Kathleen Sweet; and Mr. Ray Yorke. Amen.
Psalm 97

Anglicans for Life website

Luke 5:4-11

When he had stopped speaking, he said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)
      Jesus, please help us hear and respond when you tell us to launch out into the deep.

But Simon answered and said to him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at your word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5)
      Holy Spirit, please encourage all those faithful pastors who have toiled through the night and caught nothing; help them make another effort at Jesus bidding.

And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. (Luke 5:6)
      Jesus, help us all desire the fruitfulness that comes from obeying your word.

So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. (Luke 5:7)
      Father, we pray for the churches in any area where your sovereign work is evident, that they will cooperate with one another so that the entire catch is brought in.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8 )
      Holy Spirit, help us recognize, as Simon Peter did, that we too are sinful people. Let the signs of your work among us stir us to such a response as his.

For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish which they had taken; and so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. (Luke 5:9-10a)
      Lord, we long for the day when we are astonished by your work among us. Move in our hearts by your Holy Spirit so that we are expectant of great things.

And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.” So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed him. (Luke 5:10b-11)
      Jesus, when you speak to us, when you call any of us to be fishers of men, we pray that we will be willing to forsake all and follow you. Thank you.

Monday: 89:19-52; Hosea 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11
Tuesday: 94, [95]; Hosea 4:1-10; Acts 21:1-14; Luke 5:12-26

Albany Intercessor

40 days for life

Oh, Lord, the many names of Baal that have passed our lips! Have mercy. Take them away!
Wipe our lips clean. Bring the United States and the Episcopal Church to repentance for the sins of sexual immorality and abortion, and fill our lips with the proclamation, You are our God! Open a door of hope over our nation and over our church, we pray. Amen.

A brief reflection on the valley of Achor.

Bishop elections

This seems like a short list. I imagine it is incomplete. Please leave a comment for additions or corrections.

Dear Lord,
We lift up these dioceses in transition or in a bishop search process–Rio Grande, Saskatchewan, Georgia, Northern Michigan, South Dakota, Northwest Texas, Pennsylvania, and any others we don’t remember. We pray for them

To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly.

Richard of Chichester

Pectoral cross design

A pectoral cross is being designed and made for Bishop coadjutor-elect Andrew Doyle of Texas. You artists might enjoy the website that describes the process.

Psalm 19:7-11 and Prayer Table Report

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; (Psalm 19:7a)
      Father, please let your law bring conversion to our souls.

The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; (Psalm 19:7b)
      Holy Spirit, help us receive the testimonies of God in Scripture so that we may gain wisdom.

The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; (Psalm 19:8a)
      Jesus, please help us receive your words so that we may find true and lasting joy.

The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; (Psalm 19:8b)
      Father, let your commandments guide our sight. Set our nation free from pornography.

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; (Psalm 19:9a)
      Holy Spirit, let your cleansing fire come upon us so that we may truly and rightfully fear God.

The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:9b)
      Jesus, please help us seek after your righteousness.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (Psalm 19:10)
      LORD, restore to your church the sweetness of your word and judgments. Thank you.

Moreover by them your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:11)
      LORD, help us heed the warnings you have given us in Scripture so that we may enter into the great reward: eternal life with you.

Sunday: 19, 46; Hosea 2:2-14; James 3:1-13; Matthew 13:44-52
Monday: 89:19-52; Hosea 2:14-23; Acts 20:17-38; Luke 5:1-11

      PRAYER TABLE REPORT

Sat., Sept. 28, 2008, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., in front of Christ Church, Schenectady; Torre Bissell and Deacon Howard Smith. It was a “misty, moisty morning” and not many people were out on the street.

+ indicates received a wooden crosses. (Note: the wooden crosses we give out are made by Dennis Adams in North Carolina.)

+Matthew — young man going to work — prayed for him on the job.

+Louis — young man waiting for the bus — prayed for protection and provision for him and his family and friends.

Howard — man — prayed for a new job for him.

Willie — man (already had a cross) — prayed for protection and provision for him and his family and friends.

+Jeff — man age 50 — “A couple of weeks ago I collapsed — pain shot down my legs, and I have carpal tunnel — got fired for being out of work while sick.” He told us that he was a good man. We prayed for healing for Jeff and that he would come to know his need for Jesus.

+Charles — man — “Get rid of this cold and for my family.” he asked about evening services.

Connie — cut on forehead from hitting a table when she had a seizure. She wanted prayer for the 500 lb. man who killed his baby.

+Flower — woman — “God is good.” She wanted prayer for “everything.”

Albany Intercessor

Southern Virginia

The Rev. Holly Hollerith was elected bishop of Southern Virginia. SF commenter southernvirginia1 posted this prayer.

Almighty God, and most merciful Father, who, of thine infinite goodness, hast given thy only and dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer, and the Author of everlasting life; who, after that he had made perfect our redemption by his death, and was ascended into heaven, poured down his gifts abundantly upon men, making some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors and Doctors, to the edifying and making perfect his Church; Grant, we beseech thee, to this thy servant, such grace, that he may evermore be ready to spread abroad thy Gospel, the glad tidings of reconciliation with thee; and use the authority given him, not to destruction, but to salvation; not to hurt, but to help; so that, as a wise and faithful servant, giving to thy family their portion in due season, he may at last be received into everlasting joy; through the same Jesus Christ out Lord, who, with thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.
BCP (557,8)

40 days for life

Bless our God, O peoples!
Give him a thunderous welcome!
Didn’t he set us on the road to life?
Didn’t he keep us out of the ditch?
He trained us first,
passed us like silver through refining fires,
Brought us into hardscrabble country,
pushed us to our very limit,
Road-tested us inside and out,
took us to hell and back;
Finally he brought us
to this well-watered place.
Psalm 66:8-12 The Message

We bless You, Lord, for even in our adversity You are setting us on the road to life. Amen.

A silversmith explains this metaphor.

Psalm 136:1-3

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! For his mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:1)
      LORD, thank you for your goodness and enduring mercy.

Oh, give thanks to the God of gods! For his mercy endures forever. (Psalm 136:2)
      Father, thank you for making Jesus Lord over all and showing us your enduring mercy through him.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords! For his mercy endures forever: (Psalm 136:3)
      Jesus, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit with power on us so that we can know you as Lord of all. Thank you for enduring the cross so that we can know your mercy.

A word received: I AM — there is no other. Pray for those who are deluded about this. Pray they will turn to me.

A word received: Don’t be afraid.

Saturday: 136; Hosea 1:1-2:1; Acts 20:1-16; Luke 4:38-44
Sunday: 19, 46; Hosea 2:2-14; James 3:1-13; Matthew 13:44-52

Please pray for the prayer table ministry today.

Albany Intercessor

Southern Virginia

Bishop election today.

Lord, we cry out for a fountain of living water to spring forth in the Episcopal diocese of Southern Virginia. Guard the diocese from false teachers, hirelings, fase prophets, and idolaters. Strengthen the voting delegates to not give way to worldly ideas. Let Your favor be upon this election. Confirm the work of the hands of Your faithful people. Amen.

40 days for life

Dear Jesus,
You are the Lord of life. Even the demons know that You are Christ, the Son of God. You laid Your hands on every one of the sick and healed them. You rebuked the demons.
Our nation is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from You. Over 3,000 human beings will be killed by abortion today, and the blood is on our hands.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
We proclaim that You are Christ, the Son of God. Rebuke our nation’s demons, we pray. Take pity and bring this nation to new life in You. Amen.
Hosea 1:2, Luke 4:38-41

Monthly call for life is a pro-life intercessory prayer site.

Financial crisis

Commenter Miss Sparling posted this at StandFirm:

This is the prayer request that I put on our church’s prayer chain today. . . .
I would like to encourage everyone to be praying for our nation’s leaders at this time of national financial crisis. Pray that God would give wisdom to our President, to the Congress, to Cabinet members, and to all of their advisers. Pray that they will act not in their own interest or for their own power but for the good of the nation. Pray that God would give them open ears to receive and understand wise counsel, and pray that He would thwart foolish advice, so that that those who must make these decisions might “reason together” and come to wise and good conclusions. Pray that those who know the Lord in the Congress and administration would honor Him and do and say what is pleasing in His sight. Pray for repentance for those who enriched themselves to the hurt of many. Pray that God will have mercy on our nation. And pray that many will turn to the Lord and put their trust in Him.

Luke 4:31-32

Then he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. (Luke 4:31-32)
      Jesus, please be present throughout this diocese in the teaching that takes place here. So fill the teaching with the power of your Holy Spirit that we too will be astonished by what we hear and by the authority with which the teaching is given. Lord, let all the teaching in this diocese be true to your word.

A word received: Yield this day to me — let me be in charge this day.

Friday: 91, 92; Esther 8:1-8,15-17; Acts 19:21-41; Luke 4:31-37
Saturday: 136; Hosea 1:1-2:1; Acts 20:1-16; Luke 4:38-44

Please pray for the prayer table ministry tomorrow.

Albany Intercessor