(Sat., Feb. 7, 2009; 9:30-10:30 a.m. in front of Christ Church, Schenectady; Torre Bissell, David Carlson and Deacon Alan Hart.)
Note: Very cold morning but, … not as cold as some, warmer than some recent others. It was 12 degrees according to the thermometer on Torre’s front porch. And … People came!
t–indicates received one of the wooden crosses Torre gets from Dennis Adams of North Carolina.
c– indicates took one of our Christ Church cards
(no one was anointed because forgetful Deacon Alan forgot his oil stock today.)
(Our first and only real refusal of the day) — a young man going to and from Dollar General. He told us “No thanks; I pray to Jehovah.”
t–JOANNA — This woman, middle-aged, was a little tipsy and having trouble negotiating walking a straight line, was trying her best to hide it and accepted prayer. She asked “For God to provide for me.” When we finished she smiled and said “You guys made my day.”
t–DUDLEY — This friendly man asked for prayer for “health and safety.”
BILL — A frequent visitor to the Table, Bill this time asked for prayers for his two friends, DIAMOND and DIANA. He did not go into details but said they have needs. They have been making bad choices and they need prayer. Bill also asked for advice on how to pray for them and be firm. (Side note: Earlier this week, Bill was at the bus stop when the Evelyn Ballard funeral was concluding outside the front entrance. He stood by and bowed his head when the casket came out, and he said to Deacon Alan, “I’m sorry for the loss you folks are feeling.”) This is another example of how the Prayer Table has made our community and its members all part of a family.
t,c– ROBIN — Robin, too, has been to the Table before. She fervently asked for prayer for her daughter (TARA) and her grandchildren (SCOTTY, “MOOMOO” and “MICHI“; the last two are nicknames.) Tara is in an abusive relationship, and Robin wants prayer for the protection and safety of the mother and children.
(A woman in a van heading West saw our Table and its sign, and she slowed almost to a stop and shouted to us “Pray for snow removal!”)
LAHMA — He visited our Table last week and stopped again. he prayed for protection and provision for himself and his wife ANNECY.
LINVAL — This mas was on his way to preach at a nearby neighborhood church, so we prayed for God’s word to be spoken through Linval and heard and lived at his church today.
JOE — Here is our “special” visitor of the day. (There’s always one that stands out!) Joe was crossing the street and came over most reluctantly in answer to our offer for prayer. He accepted prayer after David asked how he was and he said very sadly “I’ve been better.” Joe wasn’t letting us in to what was heavy on his heart, but we prayed that God will be with Joe today to walk through this troubled time with him. He was wearing a “U.S. Marines” baseball cap. God, You know Joe’s circumstances and needs. Help Joe, Oh Lord.
STEVE — We prayed for his provision this day and all days.
LESTER — Our troubled friend who has such a problem with alcohol was resistant today, as he has been in recent weeks. He was on the other side of the street (probably on purpose) and simply waved at us and said he had to get somewhere. We guessed that he is ashamed and we would know he had been drinking again but as one of us pointed out, “It hasn’t stopped him in other weeks.” Please pray for Lester to be freed from his addiction.
DESDEMONA — On her way to an area church service, she stopped in our parking lot. We prayed for her life to be blessed today and for the success of her church service.
Final note and thought: Lord, no matter where we are sent and no matter how separate we become in the coming days and weeks and months and years, let us all always remember that we are ever walking in your sight and that we are all part of Your greater church; we will always remain what you made us — a family in Christ.
Albany Intercessor
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