John 8:12 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
      Jesus, help us follow you step by step so that we walk by your light. Your word is light and truth for us and is a lamp to our feet.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
      Father, help us daily live in Christ so that we are renewed daily and are part of his new creation. We pray that the ministry of your Holy Spirit will bring renewal to all parts of this diocese.

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, (2 Corinthians 5:18 )
      Holy Spirit, please help us minister reconciliation to those inside and outside of your church.

that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19)
      Father, we want to be fully reconciled with you through your son Jesus. Help us daily live his word of reconciliation.

Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)
      Jesus, help us represent you wherever we go and with whomever we speak. Help people to see you when they see us.

For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
      Jesus, thank you for your righteousness. Thank you for becoming sin for us so that we might become righteous in your father’s sight.

Dec. 31: 46, 48; Isaiah 26:1-9; 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2; John 8:12-19
Holy Name (Jan. 1) : 103; Gen. 17:1-12a, 15-16; Col. 2:6-12; John 16:23b-30

      Notes from the Front Line

Ten years ago in December of 1998 Bishop Dan asked me to start up an intercessory email ministry for the Diocese of Albany. I thank God for this daily opportunity to come into God’s presence. I ask your continued prayers for Jean and me as I continue this ministry. Torre

Isaiah 25:1-9

O LORD, you are my God. I will exalt you, I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things; your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. (Isaiah 25:1)
      Father, help us abide in your counsels of old — they are faithfulness and truth.

For you have made a city a ruin, a fortified city a ruin, a palace of foreigners to be a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. (Isaiah 25:2)
      Jesus, the Episcopal Church is becoming a ruin, the leaders are strangers to the gospel; have mercy on us and rebuild your church. Raise up men and women who will follow in the footsteps of St. Francis.

Therefore the strong people will glorify you; the city of the terrible nations will fear you. (Isaiah 25:3)
      Holy Spirit, teach the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

For you have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. (Isaiah 25:4)
      Jesus, help us make you known to all who come to the prayer table and to our parish; help your people know that you give strength to the poor in their distress, that you are a refuge in the storm, and a shade in the heat.

You will reduce the noise of aliens, as heat in a dry place; as heat in the shadow of a cloud, the song of the terrible ones will be diminished. (Isaiah 25:5)
      Father, still the noise of the aliens who have taken over the Episcopal Church.

And in this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees. (Isaiah 25:6)
      Jesus, we long to sit down at your table with your saints.

And he will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. (Isaiah 25:7)
      Holy Spirit, remove the veil that has been cast over the Episcopal Church and let the light of the gospel shine forth on it.

He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord G OD will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of his people he will take away from all the earth; for the LORD has spoken. (Isaiah 25:8 )
      Lord Jesus, please help us live day by day in the hope of the resurrection.

And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us. this is the LORD; we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” (Isaiah 25:9)
      Jesus, you are God, we wait on you and we will be glad and rejoice in your salvation. Thank you.

A word received: Plead with me for my people. Pray that they will walk in my light. I AM. I AM waiting for my people to return to me and my ways.

Dec. 30: 20, 21:1-7(8-14); Isaiah 25:1-9; Revelation 1:9-20; John 7:53-8:11
Dec. 31: 46, 48; Isaiah 26:1-9; 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2; John 8:12-19

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 18:10-14

“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 18:10)
      Holy Spirit, please guide us in every parish and as a diocese in giving priority to ministry to children and youth. Move our hearts to repentance wherever we hold your little ones in contempt.

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” (Matthew 18:11)
      Jesus, come and save all the lost sheep we encounter at the prayer table and in the work place.

“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?” (Matthew 18:12)
      Father, give us shepherds hearts to seek out the lost and the least!

“And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray.” (Matthew 18:13)
      Jesus, disciple us so that we will learn how to be true shepherds of the flock.

“Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:14)
      Father, help us fully enter into your will so that none of these little ones perish, either by our actions or inactions. Thank you.

A word received: Hear me; listen to me; seek me; pursue me. I AM near; turn to me. I will listen; cry out to me. Acknowledge me in all your ways and I will direct your paths.

Holy Innocents, December 29 tr. from December 28: 2, 26; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14
Dec. 30: 20, 21:1-7(8-14); Isaiah 25:1-9; Revelation 1:9-20; John 7:53-8:11

Albany Intercessor

Isaiah 62:6-7,10-12

I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the LORD, do not keep silent, (Isaiah 62:6)
      Lord, your church has lapsed into silence about you; let the watchmen rouse us up.

And give him no rest till he establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth. (Isaiah 62:7)
      Father, give us who speak of your church no rest until it is restored as a praise in the earth.

Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples! (Isaiah 62:10)
      Jesus, let your way be firmly established throughout the world.

Indeed the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the world: “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Surely your salvation is coming; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.’” (Isaiah 62:11)
      Holy Spirit, give us sight to recognize wherein lies our salvation.

And they shall call them The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD; and you shall be called Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken. (Isaiah 62:12)
      LORD, guide us continually, and satisfy our souls in the present drought, and strengthen our bones; help us to be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. We ask that those among us shall build the old waste places; and shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and we shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In. (From Isaiah 58:11-12)

A word received: Cry out to me, my people and I will hear you. Cry out to me, and I will answer you.

A word received: Keep coming to me for your children and grandchildren.

First Sunday after Christmas: 93, 96; Isaiah 62:6-7,10-12; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 1:18-25
Holy Innocents, December 29 tr. from December 28: 2, 26; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14

Albany Intercessor

PRAYER TABLE REPORT

(In front of Christ Church, Schenectady; Sat., Dec. 27, 2008; 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Torre Bissell and Deacon Alan Hart.)

a–indicates was anointed with Holy Oil.
t–indicates received a wooden cross (made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.)
c-indicates received one of Christ Church’s cards.

Note: Very heavy rain; perhaps the worst day weather-wise in which we or others have manned the Prayer Table in 2008. So much so that we halted things about 15 minutes early because we had no dry spots left on either of us! Fitting for the last Saturday of the year. Foot traffic was very sparse, but we looked upon that as perhaps a blessing that during this time God was driving crime and indecency INDOORS for awhile off Hamilton Hill.

t–LYNETTE — This young woman was on her way to the bus stop on the corner. She received prayer for security and protection and provision for herself and her family.

MARIE– Poor Marie is a very sad story. She has often been to the Table this fall and early winter. She is a middle-aged single woman who has very little self-esteem and always, always, always asks us for money. You may recognize her. She often comes up to church members on Sundays and begs to them as well, although she appears physically well enough to go out and find some employment. (?????) Anyway, we asked her over for prayer, and she stopped and consented quickly. She said, “Yes, PLEASE pray for me; I am having a hard time today.” She got our prayers and then, of course, asked for money. We said no; we told her that is not what the Prayer Table is about.

a,t,c — LAURIE — This perky young woman walked up to us and asked if she could have ANOTHER cross, because she said she had given hers from a previous visit to a friend who she said needed it more than she did. We prayed for her general well-being first, and then she divulged that she has four cracked ribs, so Deacon Alan also anointed her for healing and protection.

DON — Stopped by for prayer for his wife, PAT, for healing.

t–KAY (or “K“) — This large, young man at first walked up and asked if Bus 55 had stopped recently. We told him, yes, it had just stopped. Then Torre asked if he wanted prayer and he vigorously said “No thanks!” However, about 20 minutes later just as we were preparing to leave during the last deluge of heavy rainfall, he walked over to us and said he had been “thinking it over” and could we pray for him after all? Torre just about tackled him with joy! We prayed for his general provision and protection, and that God would show him signs today that He is working in his life.

t–RAOUL — Raoul walked right up to us in the rain from Swan Street (like he knew we would be there!) just before we closed up shop and said he “definitely needed prayer!” We did not ask what the specific need was; we just prayed for him and he accepted prayer and was very grateful.

Albany Intercessor

John 13:31-35

So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.” (John 13:31)
      Jesus, thank you for paying such an awful price to bring glory to your father.

“If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him immediately.” (John 13:32)
      Jesus, your glory is the way of the cross — help us take up our cross daily and follow you so that we too may see the glory of God.

“Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you.” (John 13:33)
      Thank you, Holy Spirit, for coming to us and bringing us your comfort.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34)
      Father, please let the love of Jesus dwell in every heart in this diocese.

“By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
      Jesus, please let your love be shown forth in us throughout this diocese. Prepare our hearts with your love as we look forward to the Diocesan Convention in June. Thank you.

A word received: Cry out to me for my witnesses. Pray for my witnesses to keep their eyes on me. Pray for my servants who testify about me that they will be faithful in all circumstances.

St. John, December 27: 97, 98; Proverbs 8:22-30; John 13:20-35
Holy Innocents, December 28: 2, 26; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14

Albany Intercessor

Acts 6:1-7

Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. (Acts 6:1)
      Holy Spirit, guide us as you did these first disciples in settling disputes in the church.

Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.” (Acts 6:2)
      Jesus, restore to the apostolic leaders of your church the clear priority of serving your word.

“Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;” (Acts 6:3)
      Holy Father, raise up throughout this diocese men and women who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom and are of good reputation to serve as deacons.

“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)
      Holy Spirit, move the leaders of the Episcopal Church to giving themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, (Acts 6:5)
      Jesus, bless and guide with your Holy Spirit the vestries, the Commission on Ministry, the Standing Committee, and Bishop Bill in putting forth men and women to be ordained deacons in your church.

whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. (Acts 6:6)
      Holy Spirit, guide Bishop Bill and all the bishops of the Episcopal Church as they pray and prepare to lay hands on men and women for ordination to the deaconate.

Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7)
      Father, we pray that your word will spread to every corner of this diocese and that the number of disciples will be multiplied, and that all of the priests in this diocese will be obedient to the faith. Thank you.

      Holy Spirit, fall upon all of the deacons of this diocese with your power, your gifts, and grow in them your fruit. Thank you.

St. Stephen, December 26: 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Acts 6:1-7
St. John, December 27: 97, 98; Proverbs 8:22-30; John 13:20-35

Albany Intercessor

Zechariah 2:10-13

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the LORD. (Zechariah 2:10)
      Thank you for coming among us, Jesus.

“Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become my people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. (Zechariah 2:11)
      Father, we pray that this nation will be joined to you, that you will abide among us, and that we will all know you have sent Jesus to us.

And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. (Zechariah 2:12)
      Father, I pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May they prosper that love you. Peace be inside your city walls and prosperity within your palaces. And for the sake of my brothers and companions, I will say, ‘Peace be with you.’ Because of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek to do you good. (Psalm 122:6-9)

Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he is aroused from his holy habitation!” (Zechariah 2:13)
      Holy Spirit, teach us how to keep a holy silence before our Savior and Lord. Thank you.

A word received: I AM calling my people back to me. They have wandered in a desert place. There is no moisture there and they perish for lack of my Holy Spirit. Pray for my people to return to me. I AM calling — listen to me my people. Return to me. I AM he who can nourish you. Return to me.

Christmas Day: 2, 85; Zech. 2:10-13; 1 John 4:7-16; John 3:31-26
St. Stephen, December 26: 28, 30; 2 Chronicles 24:17-22; Wisdom 4:7-15; Acts 6:1-7; Acts 7:59-8:8

Albany Intercessor

PRAYER TABLE REPORT

Wednesday, December 24, 2008; 11:50-1:00 a.m. in front of Christ Church, Schenectady; Torre Bissell, Scott Underhill and Erin Underhill (Scott’s daughter).

+–indicates received one of Torre’s crosses made by Dennis Adams of N.C.

Note: Rain, cold.

+Joe, +Marianne (Joe’s wife), and +Yasir (their son) — for Joe’s “sick brother, Richard and protection for my family.”

+Lori and Joe — she asked for prayers for upcoming shoulder surgery and for members of her family: Ashley and Luise. She was already wearing crosses from two previous times at the prayer table but asked for another one.

+David — asked prayers for protection and provision for his family.

+Lenore — asked prayers for problems she has been having at work, thanked God she didn’t lose her job, asked for prayers to get a better job. She also asked prayers for her finances and a car.

+Jamal — prayed for protection and provision

+Tanya (mom), +Timothy, and +Melvin (sons) — prayed for protection and provision

+Ricky — asked for prayers for his cousin Johnnie who is having stomach problems.

+Sandra — wanted prayer because “everything has been going wrong”.

+++Mary — wanted prayers and crosses for herself, her mother and her brother.

++++++Robert — had come to the prayer table two years ago and was still wearing his cross (“I never take it off, even in the shower or when I’m sleeping.”) He was on his was down to Coney Island to see his family for Christmas. He took six crosses to give to his family and friends there.

Albany Intercessor

Luke 1:67-79

Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: (Luke 1:67)
      Holy Spirit, fill us and enable us to speak your word.

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people,” (Luke 1:68 )
      Father, thank you for sending Jesus to visit and redeem us. We bless you for your kindness to us.

“And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,” (Luke 1:69)
      Father, thank you for doing what we are unable to do: raising up salvation for us.

“As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began,” (Luke 1:70)
      Father, thank you for the witness of your prophets. Please restore to the common life of the Episcopal Church a hunger to heed your word through them.

“That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,” (Luke 1:71)
      Jesus, save us from the hand of all who hate your word.

“To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,” (Luke 1:72)
      Holy Spirit, please help us remember the covenant!

“The oath which he swore to our father Abraham:” (Luke 1:73)
      Father, thank you that by faith in Jesus we have become children of Abraham and heirs to your promises to him.

“To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,” (Luke 1:74)
      Holy Spirit, please fill us with your peace that passes all understanding so that we may serve Jesus without fear.

“In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:75)
      Father, I long to serve you in holiness and righteousness, please purify my heart.

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,” (Luke 1:76)
      Father, thank you for the life and witness of John the Baptist.

“To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,” (Luke 1:77)
      Lord, this can only be done on your terms, not ours. In John’s day the leaders and teachers of your people refused to accept his witness, (Luke 7:30) and they are doing the same in our day. Have mercy on us, Lord.

“Through the tender mercy of our god, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us;” (Luke 1:78 )
      Jesus, thank you for all your tender mercies toward us; thank you for visiting and redeeming us.

“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,” (Luke 1:79a)
      Jesus, thank you for being the light to bring us through this time of darkness in the church. Please help us take each step by your light. Thank you.

“To guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:79b)
      Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)

A word received: Don’t be afraid. I AM LORD. You are in my care; my hand upholds you.

A word received: You are in my care. My eye is upon you. Do not fear what men fear, fear me. I AM holy and I call you to be holy.

Dec. 24: 45, 46; Isaiah 35:1-10; Revelation 22:12-17, 21; Luke 1:67-80
Christmas Day: 2, 85; Zech. 2:10-13; 1 John 4:7-16; John 3:31-26

Albany Intercessor

Words Received

A word received: Don’t be afraid. I AM LORD. You are in my care; my hand upholds you.

A word received: You are in my care. My eye is upon you. Do not fear what men fear, fear me. I AM holy and I call you to be holy.

Tuesday: 66, 67; Isaiah 11:10-16; Revelation 20:11-21:8; Luke 1:5-25
Dec. 24: 45, 46; Isaiah 35:1-10; Revelation 22:12-17, 21; Luke 1:67-80

      Words Received for a Sunday School lesson in January

“Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?’” (Genesis 50:18-19) A word received: Joseph know that I am the LORD and that judgment is mine. His many trials had taught him to trust me.

“‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.’” (Genesis 50:20) A word received: There is no whitewash here of his brothers’ sin against him, there is instead an open acknowledgment both of what they did and what I did. I want you to acknowledge me in all your ways. (Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.”) Do not cover over sin but expose it to my light.

“‘Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:21) A word received: I want you to make the same effort at reconciliation and restoration of relationships that Joseph did. He is modeling what I did on the cross.

Albany Intercessor

Psalm 66:5-10

Come and see the works of God; he is awesome in his doing toward the sons of men. (Psalm 66:5)
      Jesus, you are awesome in your deeds among us. Help us draw others to you.

He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in him. (Psalm 66:6)
      Holy Spirit, help us rejoice wherever we see the works of God among us.

He rules by his power forever; his eyes observe the nations; do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. (Psalm 66:7)
      Father, we pray that Jesus will rule and reign in our hearts and that the rebellious in the Episcopal Church will cease to exalt themselves.

Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of his praise to be heard, (Psalm 66:8 )
      Father, we bless you; let our praise of you lead us into worship of you.

Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved. (Psalm 66:9)
      Jesus, you are the rock we want to stand on — don’t let our feet be moved.

For you, O God, have tested us; you have refined us as silver is refined. (Psalm 66:10)
      Holy Spirit, please continue to winnow and refine our hearts so that every impurity is removed. Thank you.

Tuesday: 66, 67; Isaiah 11:10-16; Revelation 20:11-21:8; Luke 1:5-25
Dec. 24: 45, 46; Isaiah 35:1-10; Revelation 22:12-17, 21; Luke 1:67-80

Albany Intercessor

Advent Favorites: Within Our Grasp (St. Leo the Great)

Originally Posted Thursday, December 8, 2005

Within our grasp

Filed under: Advent Devotionals, Saints & Church Fathers — Karen B.

Invisible in His own nature,
God, in His great love
became visible in ours.

Beyond our grasp
in His great love
He chose to come
within our grasp.

– St. Leo the Great
(1002-1054)

Isaiah 11:1-9

There shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. (Isaiah 11:1)
      Jesus, we need the rod of your discipline in our common life in the Episcopal Church. Come soon, Lord Jesus; come soon.

The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:2)
      Holy Spirit, we need your wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge. Restore to our common life the fear of the LORD so that we may gain wisdom.

His delight is in the fear of the LORD, and he shall not judge by the sight of his eyes, nor decide by the hearing of his ears; (Isaiah 11:3)
      Lord Jesus, I trust in you and your judgment.

But with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. (Isaiah 11:4)
      Father, bless us with your son’s righteousness so that we may truly minister to the poor and the meek of the earth.

Righteousness shall be the belt of his loins, and faithfulness the belt of his waist. (Isaiah 11:5)
      Jesus, clothe us with your righteousness and faithfulness.

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6)
      Holy Spirit, please help us come to the Christ Child this Christmas and be lead by him.

“The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 11:7)
      Jesus, only you can bring about such reconciliation in the Episcopal Church. Come soon, Lord Jesus; come soon.

“The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper’s den.” (Isaiah 11:8 )
      Holy Father, John called the leaders and teachers of his day a “brood of vipers”. We pray for the day in the Episcopal Church when the young will no longer received harm from its leaders and teachers.

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9)
      Father, we pray for an end to the hurt and destruction in the Episcopal Church. Help us know Jesus’ peace that passes all understanding this Christmas. Thank you.

Monday: 61, 62; Isaiah 11:1-9; Revelation 20:1-10; John 5:30-47
Tuesday: 66, 67; Isaiah 11:10-16; Revelation 20:11-21:8; Luke 1:5-25

Albany Intercessor

Advent Favorites — Henri Nouwen: Teach Me to Pray

Originally Posted Monday, December 5, 2005

Henri Nouwen — Teach Me to Pray

Filed under: Prayers & Prayer Themes, Advent Devotionals — Karen B.

This prayer by Henri Nouwen was included in an Advent Devotional Guide that Truro Church published a few years ago. It is very appropriate for Advent with its theme on waiting on the Lord, resting in His presence, and asking the Lord to “create new doors” in our lives that we might draw closer to Him.
———–

Teach Me to Pray
Henri Nouwen

Every day I see again that only you can teach me to pray,
only you can set my heart at rest.
Only you can let me dwell in your presence.

No book, no concept or theory will ever bring me close to you
unless you yourself are the one who lets them become the doors to you.

But Lord, let me at least remain open to your initiative.
Let me wait patiently and attentively for the hour when you will come
and break through the walls I have erected.

Create new doors.
Teach me, O Lord, to pray