President bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East

Bishop Mouneer Anis of Egypt was elected President Bishop of Jerusalem and the Middle East in 2007. The diocese of Egypt has many young Sudanese refugees. Bishop Anis is fluent in Arabic, knowledgeable of the Koran, and committed to dialogue with the Muslim community.

A delegation from TEC visited Egypt and met with several Muslim leaders. They discussed the issue of homosexuality with the Muslims. Bishop Anis said to the delegation

We should have the courage to acknowledge that we are walking in a completely different directions. Our own diocese, spreading from Algeria in the west to the Horn of Africa in the east, faces a variety of cultural pressures of its own. In parts of Africa, including my own diocese, multiple wives and even concubines are still widely accepted and considered culturally normative. So we also face great pressures to ignore the biblical standard of the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman and to yield to the prevailing cultural notions of what is acceptable. However, we understand that part of what it has meant to be faithful Christians over the past two thousand years has been to be countercultural by standing in faithful witness to the Gospel and its demands, and therefore, in opposition to ever changing cultural norms and fashions.

While Anis has been critical of the Episcopal Church concerning human sexuality issues, he also declined to attend the Global Anglican Future Conference in Jerusalem, saying that it was neither the right time nor place for such a meeting. The upcoming primates meeting takes place in his home diocese.

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”  

Psalm 16:1-2

Dear Heavenly Father,

The land of Egypt served as a place of refuge for the family of Israel when famine gripped the land. It served as a place of refuge for Joseph, Mary, and Jesus when Herod sought the death of the Messiah. Now it serves as a place of refuge for the Sudanese.

The leaders of the Anglican Communion will soon assemble in Alexandria. We cry out for them, Lord, for the sorrows of the Anglican Communion are multipled. May the primates always set You before them.

Stay at President Bishop Anis’s right hand. Be his counselor and instruct his heart, even at night. Do not abandon him. Bless Bishop Anis with the wisdom to recognize Your voice and follow Your instructions.

A long time ago, the Christ child may have called Alexandria his home.  May the primates call the Christ their home and flee into His open arms.  Amen.

Covenant Design Group

Rev. Dr. Ephraim Radner has written an open letter to the Covenant Design Group, asking them to work better in the midst of ecclesial disintegration. The following is a prayer for the Covenant Design Group by Dr. Peter Toon:

Almighty God our heavenly Father, we rejoice that your Incarnate Son is the Head of your Church, and that it is your will that the Church on earth should be not only in name but also in practice one, holy, catholic and apostolic in its character and nature.

We ask you mercifully to look upon that branch and jurisdiction of your Church, which is The Anglican Way, and which at this time is experiencing a severe crisis of identity, especially as it seeks ways in maintaining orthodox faith to express both autonomy and interdependency by its provinces. Especially do we pray for the Covenant Design Group, which has the important and urgent task of preparing “An Anglican Covenant” to be a means of binding together in faith, love and ministry the provinces of the Anglican Communion of Churches.

We pray that its members:

The Most Revd Drexel Gomez, West Indies
The Revd Victor Atta-Baffoe, West Africa
The Most Revd Dr John Chew, South East Asia
Ms Sriyanganie Fernando, Ceylon
The Revd Dr Kathy Grieb, USA
The Rt Revd Santosh Marray, Indian Ocean
The Most Revd John Neill, Ireland
The Revd Canon Andrew Norman, England
Chancellor Rubie Nottage, West Indies
The Revd Dr Ephraim Radner, USA
Ms Nomfundo Walaza, Southern Africa

and
The Revd Canon Gregory Cameron, London

will be the faithful recipients of your wisdom and grace and know such a sweet fellowship and common mind that their work will lead to a successful conclusion for the edification and peace of the Church, and for the glory of your holy Name; through the same Jesus Christ our only Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Diocese of Lake Malawi

This diocese has been without a bishop for several years. The last election was disputed, and court cases are outstanding. I don’t pretend to understand all the politics, but the issues of sexuality, the Anglican crisis, foreign-born vs. native-born bishops, and economic aid are factors.

From History of Likomo Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral are many articles which connect it with many historical events and distant places. For example, the cross hanging over the pulpit was made from a piece of wood from the tree under which David Livingstone’s heart was buried in Zambia; the staff at the bishop’s throne has a piece of wood from the staff of Bishop Charles Mackenzie’s staff, and ivory which chief Zimchaya had paid as compensation when his people had killed an innocent man of God, Atlay; and, to satisfy their desire of building a new Jerusalem in the heart of Lake Malawi, some soil was brought all the way from Jerusalem and was placed underneath the high altar in the Cathedral.

Dear Heavenly Father,
The river of the water of life flows through the New Jerusalem, and there stands the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. We cry out for the Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi. Grant this diocese the healing of the nations.
We know You are waiting to be gracious to them. On the basis of God’s Holy Word, empower these people to confess their sins and forgive their enemies. May they return to You, rest upon You, and in quietness trust in You. Through their adversity, may they come to behold You, their Teacher, and hear Your word behind them, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Without a cause, a curse cannot find a resting place. Wash away the curse of this rebellion.
Raise up for them a bishop pure in heart, that he may see the face of God, a bishop who shall reflect the light of Christ. In the name of the Prince of Peace we plea for Lake Malawi. Amen.
Proverbs 26:2, Revelation 22:1-4, Matthew 5:8, Isaiah 30

UPDATE: I am told, via e-mail, that Likomo Cathedral is in the diocese of Northern Malawi, which separated from the diocese of Lake Malawi in 1994-1995. Thanks for all your help, readers!

Mark 2:1-12

And again he entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that he was in the house. (Mark 2:1)
      Jesus, let it be heard that you are in our homes!

Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And he preached the word to them. (Mark 2:2)
      Jesus, we pray that your word will be preached to us week by week throughout this diocese.

Then they came to him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. (Mark 2:3)
      Father, we pray that every parish in this diocese will be a place where people are drawn to Jesus for healing.

And when they could not come near him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where he was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. (Mark 2:4)
      Holy Spirit, give us that same persistence in prayer that these four men had in bringing their sick friend to Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” (Mark 2:5)
      Thank you, Jesus; I was paralyzed by sin and you forgave me. Thank you.

And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Mark 2:6-7)
      Lord, set us free from grumbling, murmuring, and complaining.

But immediately, when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, he said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts?” (Mark 2:8 )
      O LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; you understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it. (Psalm 139:1-6)

“Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”–he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Mark 2:9-11)
      Holy Spirit, help all of us in this diocese know and proclaim that Jesus has the power to forgive sins.

Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” (Mark 2:12)
      Jesus, visit us with your mighty deeds. Set us free from the paralysis of “politeness” that keeps us from sharing the good news of salvation. Thank you.

A word received: Pray for my children to be drawn to me.

Thursday: 18:1-20; Isaiah 41:17-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12
Friday: 16, 17; Isaiah 42: (1-9)10-17; Ephesians 3:1-13; Mark 2:13-22

Albany Intercessor

Archbishop of Southern Africa

The Church of the Province of Southern Africa is the oldest in Africa. The twenty-four dioceses of the Province extend beyond the Republic of South Africa and include the islands of St. Helena and Tristan da Cunha, Mozambique (Lebombo and Niassa), the Republic of Namibia, the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Kingdom of Swaziland and Angola. On January 1, 2008, Rt. Rev. Thabo Cecil Makgoba began his work as Archbishop of Cape Town and Metropolitan and Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
In his Charge to his bishops, he said

. . . I am inviting all of you to join me in rededicating ourselves to be sekgo sa metse, Spirit-filled channels of peace with justice, and yeast for forgiveness and reconciliation, in whatever ways God calls us in this new chapter of our lives. . . . We must be sekgo sa metse wherever old divisions of the past or new inequalities of the present rear their heads – whether of race, or wealth, or status, or power; whether in politics, or sport, or on university campuses, or even within our churches. Archbishop Clayton once said “The Church, the body of Christ, has a prophetic duty to stand for righteousness. She must do so… It is not her duty to be popular. It is her duty to speak the truth.” In this way, we bear a moral duty to ensure that the past does not destroy the future.

When interviewed, he said

The bishop listens to where God’s people are in terms of the issues and brings the needs and concerns of God’s people before God in prayer. My role is to hear what God is saying to all God’s people.

In October 2008, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, bestowed on him the Anglican Communion’s highest award, the Cross of St Augustine.

I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys.
I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.
I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set pines in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together,
So that people may see and know, may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. Isaiah 41:18-20

Dear Heavenly Father,
We pray that Archbishop Makgoba will be a vessel of living water in the Anglican Province of Southern Africa and at the primates meeting in Alexandria. Open his ears to hear Your voice and his heart to receive Your words. May he be like a tree planted by the rivers of living water, bringing forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Bring forth peace and justice, forgiveness and reconciliation, righteousness and truth at the primates meeting.
May we see the work of the primates meeting and know that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it. Amen.

Mere Anglicanism

The Mere Anglicanism Conference commences today. The theme will be the engagement of secularism and Islam.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of salvation. Imbue those attending this conference with Your grace to do the good works in Christ Jesus which You have prepared for them. Amen.
Ephesians 2:8-10

The Lord’s Resistance Army

The Ugandan army reports a little progress in their pursuit of the LRA, but the leaders still evade capture.

Lord Jesus, this rebel group has been in existence for twenty years! Stir intercessors from the four corners of the earth to bring this petition to You. Together we take the sword of the Spirit and cut a trapdoor in the floor of heaven. We lift this evil stronghold that has ravaged Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Southern Sudan, and the Central African Republic up to Your feet. Forgive our sins and break this stronghold, we pray. Amen.
Mark 2:1-12

PRAYER TABLE REPORT

(Wednesday, January 14, 2009, 12:45-2:00 p.m., in front of Christ Church, Schenectady; Scott Underhill)

Note: Neither Deacon Alan nor Torre could make the table this afternoon, so I did it solo for the first time. God provided people despite the frigid temperatures (~10 deg) and wind (wind chill -10 deg).

t–indicates received one of the wooden crosses Torre gets from Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

MAIL MAN — As the table was being set up, the mail man walked by stating if you are out tomorrow, he really will be impressed. Forecast for tomorrow calls for colder temperatures.

FERNANDO — As he quickly walked by, he did not stop for prayer because he was on the way for an interview. Prayed him success in his job search (a common theme among today’s visitors).

c — ROBIN — This young man asked for work so he could provide for his family. He gave thanks for his family’s good health.

(Four middle age woman in a nice SUV stopped in front of the table because of the traffic light. The passenger window came down a bit and the driver yelled out “Prayer! We need more prayer!” AMEN sister I yelled back)

(Man with a cane walked by politely refusing prayer but saying “You sure are dedicated”)

c — TONY — Young man came from across the street when I yelled to him. When he found out what the table was for he sat down. We prayed for him to find work and a good place to live. I asked him if he needed prayer for anything else and he stated he had just come from the funeral of his ex-girlfriend’s grandmother. We prayed for her soul and comfort to the grieving family and friends.

(A man in the minivan pulled into the driveway and stopped next to the table. He rolled down the window and said “I got to ask you, what possess you to be out here on a cold day like today?” I simply say “God!” “Figures” he replies. When asked if he wanted prayer, he said no thank you and turned around in the parking lot and drove off.)

(A man on a bike rides by on the opposite side of the street for the second time. He gets off the bike and bends down to pick something off of the street. It is a crushed cigarette container. Seeing it empty he throws it back onto the ground. I yell, “Do you need prayer?” He looks back at me and laughs…”No prayer there” indicating lack of cigarettes. He leaves, riding into the cold wind. I pray for those who live in conditions like that).

IVAN — As this older gentleman walks by I ask him if he needs prayer. He said, “Got Work?” I reply “I have God who can help you with work.” Ivan continues to walk down the street. I get up to offer him a cross, but due to the cold in my thighs, I couldn’t catch up.

2 Young Ladies come across the street asking if this is where the drug tests are done. I tell them no, but I would like to pray for them. They are in a hurry, saying they will be back. As they go to leave, one of them starts to say “I am having a difficult situation…” but before she can continue, she is dragged away from the other.

MARJORIE — An older woman who has been to the table before. She said she did not have any prayer request, so we prayed for continued health and protection.

c,t — JAMIE — This proper woman got off the bus and was hesitant when asked for prayer. With a smile she sits down. “I am homeless. I was living in an apartment in Troy with a woman who was doing drugs. I had to get away from the scene, so I came to the City Mission in Schenectady a couple days to get away. I really need an apartment.” We prayed that God would open up an avenue for her that would lead her to the life He wanted her to lead. After praying she asked for directions, which I did not have, so I took her to see Lorraine, the parish secretary, who helped her out and gave her our news letter. I invited her to church on Sunday morning and asked her if she knew Barbara Ayers, a parishioner who works at the City Mission. Amazingly, Jamie said yes, Barbara lead the morning devotional. Pray that Jamie finds her physical needs being met and comes worship our Lord with us on Sunday.

HENRY — The enthusiastic young man with a large smile asked for a new job; he was out delivering brochures. I looked at his bare hands. “Do you have gloves,” I asked. “No.” I gave him my gloves. He was truly grateful. How wonderful Jesus is.

CONNIE — A parishioner at Christ Church asked for strength in her fight to remain clean. After putting the table away, was able to drive her downtown to where she was staying.

One a final note: I was at a conference this Monday, where several people from churches outside of the Schenectady Area commented how they love receiving this prayer table report and praying for those who come. Thank you all for the prayers; this ministry is truly a blessing. Attached are a couple pictures I took today to give you an idea of what the prayer table looks like and where it is situated (today the table was set up in the driveway to be in the sun).

The prayer table

[Prayer table outlined -- it's amazing how God gives people driving by the ability to see it.]

Bishop Charles Koete of Melanesia

There are at least 200,000 Anglicans out of an estimated population of 700,000 in Melanesia. The primacy is vacant, and Rt. Rev. Charles Koete will represent the province. Koete, rector of the Parish of Tulagi, Gela Islands, is the first Bishop of the Diocese of Central Solomons. He is also the paramount chief of Gela.

Gela lies between Guadalcanal and Malaita and is often caught between these warring islands during ethnic conflicts, which can disrupt the flow of supplies to these subsistence communities. In 2003 Bp Koete welcomed a multinational force sent to intervene in the tensions. Mary Koete, a community elder on Gela Island, said “It may be hard but the important thing is we’ve got to address the root cause of the problem. If we can’t do that openly and honestly with trust then I should think that we will not be as noble as we should be.”

Foreign logging companies had exploited the Solomon Islands. The Solomon Islands is one of the world’s least developed countries and did not have adequate laws to protect its natural resources. The Bishop banned all logging activities in his diocese. He went to a new logging campsite near Bola village on South Gela and raised a wooden rugged cross with a notice halting further work on the site. A resolution passed by the Diocesan Synod declared logging is not development but destruction. A spokesperson said, “All diocese can make decisions on their own which affect their members. And in this case the diocese synod has made a stand, and that is the authority that the bishop has in enforcing that decision on this particular logging operation.”

Prayer from the Melanesian Mission:

O Jesus,
Be the canoe that holds me up in the sea of life;
Be the rudder that keeps me in the straight road;
Be the outrigger that supports me in times of temptation.
Let your Spirit be my sail that carries me through each day.
Keep my body strong so I can paddle steadfastly
on in the voyage of life. Amen

Dear Lord, may it be so for Bishop Koete at the primates meeting in Alexandria. Amen.

News article on Central Solomon Synod
Description of logging exploitation in Solomon Islands, p. 14-15
Litany of the Melanesian Mission
Wiki article on Church of the Province of Melanesia

Addendum to primate list

Received via e-mail from Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion–

Three provinces are currently without a primate. When a primacy is vacant, the Senior Bishop or the Dean of the Province is invited to represent the Province at the Meeting.

Bp Albert Chama will represent Central Africa,
Bp Charles Koete Melanesia; and
Bp Errol Brooks West Indies.

Archbishop of Tanzania

The Bishop of Dar es Salaam, the Rt. Rev. Valentino Mokiwa was elected Archbishop of Tanzania on Feb 28. An Anglo-Catholic, Bishop Mokiwa was part of the majority in the Tanzanian House of Bishops that voted to break relations with the US Episcopal Church. Prior to his election as Archbishop, he made a visitation to Holy Trinity Anglican Church in San Diego, a breakaway parish of the Diocese of San Diego that had affiliated with the Province of the Southern Cone.
His first year has been full. He challenged the government’s contracts with the foreign multinational gold mining companies. In August fighting broke out in the small town of Nguruka in the diocese of Western Tanganyika near Lake Victoria after Muslim evangelists accused an Anglican evangelist of blaspheming Islam.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your servant Valentino. Take hold of his right hand and speak to him, “Do not fear. I will help you.” Show him the way forward in Tanzania and in Alexandria. Amen.
Isaiah 41:13

Mark 1:35

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, he went out and departed to a solitary place; and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
      Holy Spirit, build into the lives of your people in this diocese the daily discipline of watching with Jesus in prayer for an hour. Help us all offer up the first fruit of our day by rising early and spending time alone with him.

A word received: Hope in me; wait on me.

Wednesday: 119:1-24; Isaiah 41:1-16; Ephesians 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45
Thursday: 18:1-20; Isaiah 41:17-29; Ephesians 2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** PTL! My eye surgery to remove a cataract seems to have gone well. Now I have two plastic eyes, just like Jean. Torre

Albany Intercessor

Anglican Primates Picture Gallery 2009, part 1

Last Update: January 14, 2009 (Part 2 will be posted separately later this week.)

Note: clicking on each photo will give you a larger image.

This entry is available for download and printing as a Word document HERE.

***

Anglican Communion Primates: A Picture Gallery (part 1)

The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia
The Most Revd William Brown Turei
photo credit: The Episcopal Church Online

Primate since Feb. 2006. ACO biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province News (ACO),  Province News (Conger), Province website and news page

God, who from of old taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: grant ______ by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

***

The Anglican Church of Australia
The Most Revd Phillip John Aspinall
Photo Credit: BBC

Primate since July 2005. ACO biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website

Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the Church to lead us into all truth: bless ___________ with the Spirit’s grace and presence. Keep him and the Primates steadfast in faith and united in love, that they may manifest your glory and prepare the way of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

***

The Church of Bangladesh
The Rt Revd Paul Sishir Sarkar – NEW PRIMATE
(We have been unable to find a picture or biography)

Primate since November 2007, L&B 2007 Profile (Bangladesh), 2009 Profile,  Province news (Conger)

God of power, whose Holy Spirit renews your people. May the boldness of the Spirit transform ______, the gentleness of the Spirit lead ___________, and the gifts of the Spirit equip ______ to serve and worship you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

***

Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil
The Most Revd Maurício José Araújo de Andrade
Photo Credit: Diocese Anglicana de Brasília

Primate since July 2006, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website

Eternal God, giver of love and power, your Son Jesus Christ has sent us into all the world to preach the gospel of his kingdom: confirm __________ in this mission, and help him to live the good news we proclaim; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

***

The Episcopal Church of Burundi
The Most Revd Bernard Ntahoturi
Photo Credit: The Rev. George Conger

Primate since June 2005, ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Province website, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Almighty God, who called your Church to witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help ________ to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

***

The Anglican Church of Canada
The Most Revd Frederick J Hiltz – NEW PRIMATE
Photo Credit: Anglican Church of Canada

Primate since July 2007, ACO biography, L&B 2009 Profile, ACC website biography, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Anglican Journal

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for _________, 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.

***

The Church of the Province of Central Africa
currently vacant
Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

***

Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America
The Most Revd Martin de Jesus Barahona
photo credit: Episcopal Life Online

Primate since 2002,  ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Wikipedia, Province news (ACO), Province overview

Almighty God, you have entrusted to your Church a share in the ministry of your Son our great high priest: inspire _________ by your Holy Spirit to offer himself to you, that strengthened by your power, he may work for the increase of your kingdom and set forward the eternal praise of your name; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

***

Province de L’Eglise Anglicane Du Congo
The Most Revd Dr. Fidèle Dirokpa
Photo Credit: The Rev. George Conger

Primate since: 2002, L&B 2007 Profile, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

God our Father, Lord of all the world, through your Son you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church: hear our prayer for ____________ that in his vocation and ministry he may be an instrument of your love, and give to your servant ________ the needful gifts of grace; 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.

***

The Church of England, Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Revd Rowan Douglas Williams
photo credit: Archbishop of Canterbury website (Lambeth Palace)

Primate since: 1999 (Wales), 2003 (Abp. of Canterbury), ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Bidding Prayer, Abp. of Canterbury website

Heavenly Father, whose ascended Son gave gifts of leadership and service to the Church:  strengthen ____________ and the Primates to be good stewards of your manifold grace;  through him who came not to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many, Jesus Christ our Lord.

***

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui
The Most Revd Paul Kwong
Photo Credit: The Episcopal Church Online

Primate since: Feb. 2007, ACO Biography, L&B 2007 Profile, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website

Almighty God, whose Son revealed in signs and miracles the wonder of your saving presence: renew ________ with your heavenly grace, and in all his weakness sustain him by your mighty power; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

***

The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean
The Most Revd Gerald James (Ian) Ernest
PhotoCredit: Picasa web (Lambeth 08 gallery)

Primate since: Feb. 2006, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Go before ______ Lord, in all he does with your most gracious favour, and guide him with your continual help, that in all his works begun, continued and ended in you, he may glorify your holy name, and finally by your mercy receive everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

***

The Church of Ireland
The Most Revd Alan Edwin Thomas Harper
Photo Credit: Church of Ireland website

Primate since: Jan. 2007, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Church of Ireland news page

Holy God, we see your glory in the face of Jesus Christ: may __________ reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save. This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

***

The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan)
The Most Revd Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu
Photo Credit: Celinda Scott, Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (e-mailed to us)

Primate since: May 2006, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province news releases

Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give ________ the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever.

***

The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & The Middle East
The Most Revd Dr Mouneer Hanna Anis
Photo Credit: Episcopal News Service

Primate since: Feb. 2007, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Primate’s blog

Almighty Father, who in your great mercy gladdened the disciples with the sight of the risen Lord: give ________ such knowledge of Christ’s presence, that he may be strengthened and sustained by his risen life and serve you continually in righteousness and truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

***

The Anglican Church of Kenya
The Most Revd Benjamin M P Nzimbi
Photo Credit: Anglican Church of Kenya

Primate since: 2002, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province website, Province press releases

O Lord, from whom all good things come: grant to ___________ your humble servant, that by your holy inspiration he may think those things that are good, and by your merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

***

The Anglican Church of Korea
The Most Revd Francis Kyung Jo Park
Photo credit: The Rev. George Conger

Primate since: June 2006, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Risen Christ, you filled your disciples with boldness and fresh hope: strengthen _______ to proclaim your risen life and fill him with your peace, to the glory of God the Father.

***

The Church of the Province of Melanesia
Currently vacant, election scheduled for March 2009

Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger), Province overview, Province website (Melanesian Mission)

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La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico
The Most Revd Carlos Touche-Porter
Photo Credit: Episcopal Life Online

Primate since: Feb. 2004, ACO Biography, L&B Profile 2007, Province news (ACO), Province news (Conger)

Eternal God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life: grant _______ to walk in his way, to rejoice in his truth, and to share his risen life; who is alive and reigns, now and for ever.

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Acknowledgments and Notes:

Photos: Thanks to ENS, ACNS, and Global South Anglican blog for permission to use photos from their websites. We have attempted to provide detailed photo credits for all pictures, with links to their original context.

A note on the prayers: All the prayers here are from the Church of England Common Worship website, from the page of Collects and Post-Communion prayers. Prayers have usually been very slightly adapted to make them appropriate to use as intercessions for others. There was no attempt to pick a prayer for a specific primate, so nothing should be inferred from what prayer is listed for a particular bishop. Instead, prayers were chosen that focused on themes of guidance, mission and evangelism, the empowering of the Holy Spirit, leadership, servanthood, faithfulness to Christ — which we considered important themes and prayer needs for all the Primates, thus we assume the prayers are interchangeable for any Primate.

Copyright: This compilation of photos, links and prayers was prepared in January 2009 by the Lent & Beyond blog team (http://anglicanprayer.wordpress.com/) to facilitate intercession for the Anglican Primates. Please feel free to distribute it widely as long as proper attribution is given, including the link to Lent & Beyond.

For more information, contact us at: AnglicanPrayer@gmail.com

Ecumenical fast for Zimbabwe growing

South African civic and church leaders have launched a campaign and hunger strike to press its government to find an urgent solution to the crisis. Desmond Tutu said he was now fasting once a week. “If we would [only] have more people saying ‘I will fast’, maybe one day a week – just to identify myself with my sisters and brothers in Zimbabwe.”
Africa’s largest grouping of churches, All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), in Maputo, Mozambique, set aside January 25, 2009 as a special ‘Africa Day of Prayer and Fasting for Justice in Zimbabwe’.
Christian Aid has posted this prayer:

Lord of justice and wisdom, in whom we place our hope, we place before you the crisis facing the country of Zimbabwe.
We pray for immediate aid, wise leadership and an end to injustice at this critical time, as disease and extreme food shortages threaten to grip the nation.
Compassionate God, we know of your special love for the poor. We pray for relief for those who suffer, and action from those who watch their suffering.
As we stand alongside the people of Zimbabwe in prayer, we passionately oppose the social injustice and oppression affecting that nation.
We know that your love extends further than we can ever ask or imagine and pray for your protection, healing and close presence there.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen

Past prayers for Zimbabwe here, here, and here.

Ephesians 1:15-23

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: (Ephesians 1:15-16)
      Lord Jesus, we pray that our common life in this diocese will be marked by faith in you and love for one another, that we will pray and give thanks for each other.

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him, (Ephesians 1:17)
      Father, please give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of you.

the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18 )
      Holy Spirit, please open the eyes of our understanding so that we will all know the hope of Jesus’ calling and the riches and glory of his inheritance in the saints of this diocese.

and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power (Ephesians 1:19)
      Jesus, by the greatness of your power you replaced our unbelief with belief and gave us hope in your resurrection. Thank you.

which he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, (Ephesians 1:20)
      Jesus, thank you, that by your death and resurrection and the sanctifying power of your Holy Spirit, we can have confidence in you when we come before you for judgment.

far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (Ephesians 1:21)
      Father, we pray that every power, might, dominion, and authority in the Episcopal Church will submit itself to the lordship of your son Jesus Christ.

And he put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:22)
      Holy Spirit, please help the leaders and teachers and people of the Episcopal Church to acknowledge you as head over all things in the church and then live that out.

which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:23)
      Jesus, as your physical body was raised to new life at your resurrection, we pray that your body the church will be raised to new life by your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

A word received: Prepare the way for me; prepare the way for me by prayer and intercession.

Tuesday: 5, 6; Isaiah 40:25-31; Ephesians 1:15-23; Mark 1:14-28
Wednesday: 119:1-24; Isaiah 41:1-16; Ephesians 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45

Albany Intercessor