Mark 12:13-17

Then they sent to him some of the Pharisees and the Herodians, to catch him in his words. (Mark 12:13)
      Jesus, I am so tired of clever arguments and words that are spoken to catch people in mistakes. Please replace the present arguments in the Episcopal Church with the light of the gospel.

When they had come, they said to him, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and care about no one; for you do not regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? (Mark 12:14)
      Jesus, we look at the outward shell of a person, you look at and know our hearts. Thank you for caring for us even when our hearts are wayward. Please guide us through all the clever words of men by your word.

Shall we pay, or shall we not pay?” But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius that I may see it.” (Mark 12:15)
      Holy Spirit, guide me into the truth; guide me through every clever argument of man.

So they brought it. And he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” They said to him, “Caesar’s.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at him. (Mark 12:16-17)
      Father, I am stamped with your image — you created me; help me to daily give myself to you and your purposes. Thank you.

       A word received: Yield this day to me for my purposes. Turn to me in hope and expectation for what I will do. Thank me for my faithfulness.

Thursday: 105:1-22; Isaiah 65:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Mark 12:13-27
Friday: 102; Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Tim 5:17-22(23-25); Mark 12:28-34

Albany Intercessor

Diocesan conventions

Arkansas, West Texas, and Lexington are having diocesan conventions this week. Northern Michigan will have a bishop election on Saturday.

Overcoming promises to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3
–To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
–He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death.
–To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.
–To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’— just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.
–He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.
–Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.
–To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

May Your children at these diocesan conventions overcome, dear Lord.

Secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs

The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced that Rev. Canon Joanna Udal is the new Secretary for Anglican Communion Affairs.

“That the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted . . . but not crushed . . . always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus might be manifested in our body” (2 Cor. 4:7-10).

“For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you” (2 Cor. 4:11-12).

Dear Father,
We pray that Joanna’s primary ambition will be for Christ to be revealed through her. Be her strength and power. Even though it be a path of affliction, make her way perfect. When injured and betrayed, may she pray, Father, forgive them. Crown her with Your tender mercies. Amen.
2 Samuel 22:33

Are you praying for your bishop?

If you’re not praying regularly for your bishop, you’re a fool. In our current state, more than the weekly corporate intercession is needed. Don’t assume someone else is taking care of it. I don’t know a single person with a list of the names of the HoB who covers them in prayer every day. Maybe there is such a person, maybe not.
How to pray? Ask God to bless him/her at a point of great need. Ask God to guard him/her against spiritual blindness, fear, confusion, and deception. Ask God to stir in him/her an increased hunger for Holy Scripture. Ask God to guide the use of his/her time to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

I do not cease to pray for my bishop _____ and to desire that _____ might be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that _____ might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to Christ’s glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness. Amen.
Colossians 1:9-11

Mark 11:27-33

Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him. And they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority to do these things?” (Mark 11:27-28 )
      Jesus, the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church are still questioning your authority; have mercy on us.

But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one question; then answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John–was it from heaven or from men? Answer me.” (Mark 11:29-30)
      Father, your call for us to turn away from sin by repentance is as current today as it was when it was proclaimed by John the Baptist; help us heed your call.

And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men’”–they feared the people, for all counted John to have been a prophet indeed. So they answered and said to Jesus, “We do not know.” (Mark 11:31-33a)
      Holy Spirit, as in Elijah’s day, the people falter between two opinions. (1 Kings 18:21) The choice then is the choice now: following God or following the gods of this world; help us choose to serve Jesus.

And Jesus answered and said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” (Mark 11:33b)
      Jesus, St. Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo said, “I believe in order to understand.” Please restore to the leaders and teachers and people of the Episcopal Church a true and lively belief in you so that they may understand. Thank you.

      A word received: Wait for me. Wait for me and my guidance. Wait for me; wait on me. I will shepherd you as a flock. Keep your eyes on me and I will lead you. I will go before you and make a way through for you.

      A word received: You are in my care. I want my people to know what it means to be cared for by my Holy Spirit. He is the Comforter — he will speak comfort to your heart and soul. I want you to invite him in for his comfort in this time. Thank me for sending the Holy Spirit.

Wednesday: 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; Isa 63:15-64:9; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27-12:12
Thursday: 105:1-22; Isaiah 65:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Mark 12:13-27

Albany Intercessor

Welcome Home Initiative

To All Who Support the Welcome Home Initiative with Prayer–

Our next Welcome Home Initiative approaches in five weeks – March 23 through 25. Begin laying down a covering fire of prayer for this WHI:

*      for Fr. Nigel Mumford, Bishop Dave Bena and Noel Dawes as they prepare to lead the retreat.
*      for Sandra Lester and the administrative details she oversees.
*      for Sue Ellen Reutsch and the oversight of mental health issues; for Mary Ellen Bena and ministry to military wives.
*      for the raising up of Prayer Team members for this retreat and for the on-site Intercessors Team; for wisdom and guidance in the selection of those who will have direct contact with the men and women God is calling to attend this retreat.
*      for the hands which prepare and the hearts that pray over quilts and care b askets made up for the warriors and their families. Care baskets are assembled by our local Daughters of the King but more volunteers could be used.
*      for sound ministry finances in these difficult economic times; for the continuing donations which enable us to offer this Retreat free to warriors and their families.
*      for God’s call to warriors to come to the Welcome Home Initiative Retreat. At present we have had expressions of interest in the upcoming March WHI from warriors in the British Armed forces, from chaplains processing returning troops across the U.S., from ministry streams hoping to contribute to healing and prayer for the armed forces; even from a warrior/minister serving in Israel. Pray for the right mix of men and women attending this retreat, f or their travel, and for ministry to the families they bring with them. We know of some with interest for whom the travel expense is a barrier: pray that God will break down any barrier, if this is the time and place for these men and women to begin to be healed by Christ.
*      for good weather that week. A winter storm during the last retreat interfered with some arrangements and dampened attendance to the Closing Ceremony. Pray for God’s providence through all circumstances and for His will to be done at this retreat.
*      for continued, enthusiastic local community support to be shown at the Closing Ceremony, Wednesday, March 25, gathering at 11:00 a.m. in the CtK’s Great Hall.
*      Pray also for Noel Dawes this week as he travels to Florida, speaking primarily to a group of military, fire, police and hospital chaplains, as well as making other contacts for the several military ministries he represents. Pray for travel mercies, for good contacts made at the Lord’s initiation, for the various presentations he has to make, and for lives to be touched and transformed by the message of the ministry of healing in Christ’s name. Noel and Meryl’s 18-month old granddaughter is currently undergoing treatment for cancer – a major concern in their lives right now: pray for compplete healing and protection for little Charlotte.

And offer praise to God for the outpouring of opportunities to share about the Welcome Home Initiative in the larger military community which have been forthcoming in the past several months. In the wake of Fr. Nigel’s key visit to the Pentagon in December, healing prayer is now being offered at services for the military in the Washington, D.C., area at Ft. Belvoir, VA, with hope to begin services in the Pentagon Chapel very soon. A senior Army Chaplain present at the December meeting is planning to attend the School of Healing Prayer here at the Oratory of Christ the King. Fr. Nigel, Noel and Sandra are representing the WHI at various conferences this spring and summer. More details for prayer coverage will be released soon.

If you know of any member of the armed forces — currently serving, recently released from combat duty or having seen combat in any military conflict – please recommend them to the Welcome Home Initiative Healing Retreats. The Welcome Home Initiative is free to combat veterans of all wars and their immediate families: they are only responsible for their travel expenses. For more information see our website at www.christ-the-king-center.org/WelcomeHome or call Sandra Lester at (518 ) 692-9550 ext. 202.

God’s blessing to each of you who has a heart for praying for t he men and women who have risked so much to defend our freedoms.

Sister Mary Elizabeth, CSM
For the Oratory of Christ the Healer, Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY

Albany Intercessor

Anglican Consultative Council

The ACC will convene in May in Jamaica.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We lift up the members of the ACC. Enlighten their eyes with Your Word so that they may comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height of Your love. Remove all spiritual cataracts and scales from their eyes that they may understand Your deep thoughts. Bless them, we pray. Amen.
Psalm 19:8, 92:5, Acts 9:18, Luke 10:23, Ephesians 3:18

Thinking about Lent…

Greetings all. This is Karen who is back in Africa after a 2 1/2 month home leave in the U.S. Now that my travels are over, I’m beginning to try to settle back into a routine, and am wondering how blogging fits into that routine.

Our Advent resources and devotionals were really popular and seemed to fill a need if our site traffic coming from Google and other searches is to be believed. I’m hoping to be able to do something similar for Lent, but am not sure what I/we can commit to.

I’d welcome suggestions and requests from our readers as to what you’d appreciate seeing posted here, and I’d also appreciate prayers that we all would be faithful to the Lord’s calling in what/how we blog during Lent. Thanks!

1 Timothy 2:1-8

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, (1 Timothy 2:1)
      Jesus, please help all of us pray according to the mind of your Spirit.

for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:2)
      Father, we pray for wisdom for your servants who govern us:
            for Barack, our President
            for David, our Governor
            for Brian, our Mayor
            for Katherine, our Presiding Bishop
            for Bill, our Bishop
            for Brad, our Rector
      Anoint all of these with wisdom and discretion and protect them and their families.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our savior, (1 Timothy 2:3)
      Holy Spirit, please help us know and do the good you have set before us.

who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)
      Jesus, please help us desire what you desire, and do what you want us to do. Guide us and help us speak your truth and share the gospel with all we meet.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5)
      Jesus, thank you for paying the price for us, thank you for interceding for us day by day.

who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (1 Timothy 2:6)
      Father, thank you for sending Jesus to pay for the debt of my sins.

for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle–I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying–a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. (1 Timothy 2:7)
      Holy Spirit, anoint the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church with your words of truth — help them to be faithful witnesses to all.

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; (1 Timothy 2:8 )
      Father, help us lift up holy hands in prayer wherever we are and pray according to the mind of your Spirit. Thank you for the Daughters of the King, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, and the Sisters of St. Mary who daily intercede for us. Raise up more vocations to this life of prayer.

      A word received: Pray for my kingdom. Pray for my will to be established in my body, the church. Pray for hearts that are turned to me in repentance. Pray for my people to place their hope and trust in me. Pray for my people to hunger for my word.

Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; Isaiah 63:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-2:8; Mark 11:12-26
Wednesday: 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; Isa 63:15-64:9; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27-12:12

Albany Intercessor

Pro-life pastor faces sentencing

Read about it here. Right now I’m at a loss for words. If you are so led, please post a prayer in the comments.

Lord’s Resistance Army

Joseph Kony is believed to be trapped in a swamp in the Garamba jungle. Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen have failed to surrender despite telling authorities that they wished to.

The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. Psalm 18:15

O Lord! Rebuke the hiding places of these men. Rebuke the demonic spirits that enable their escape. Rebuke the people that shelter them and their resources. Send them reeling with the blast of Your breath. Destroy the stronghold of the Lord’s Resistance Army. In the name of Jesus, we plea. Amen.

Rampage in Congo.

Psalm 89:1-5

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever; (Psalm 89:1a)
      Thank you, Jesus, for your mercy toward us — for not giving us what we deserve.

With my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 89:1b)
      Holy Spirit, please help me daily speak of Jesus’ faithfulness toward me and my family.

For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; your faithfulness you shall establish in the very heavens.” (Psalm 89:2)
      Father, build up your mercy in the Episcopal Church. Help us daily treat one another with your love and compassion.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen,” (Psalm 89:3a)
      Father, help us live out our covenant life in faithfulness.

“I have sworn to my servant David: ‘Your seed I will establish forever, and build up your throne to all generations.’” (Psalm 89:3b-4)
      Jesus, please establish your kingdom in our hearts and minds.

And the heavens will praise your wonders, O LORD; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the saints. (Psalm 89:5)
      Lord Jesus, please help us praise you; help us praise your name whenever we assemble together as your body. Thank you.

Monday: 89:1-18; Isaiah 63:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; Isaiah 63:7-14; 1 Timothy 1:18-2:8; Mark 11:12-26

Albany Intercessor

Isaiah 40:1-5

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
Lord, we in the Anglican Communion cry out for Your comfort. How long, O Lord, how long?
A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
Stir our spirits, Lord, to seek Your face in daily spiritual disciplines. Teach us to be faithful in the small things. We are erratic in our discipleship. Forgive our infidelity and help us develop constant hearts.
And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
Thank You for showing us Jesus in the small things. Amen.

Spring calendar

The next few months will be a whirlwind of diocesan conventions, provincial synods in preparation for General Convention, a bishop election and a primate election, the Anglican Consultative Council meeting, and Lent. Please make additions or corrections in the comments.

John 8:12-19

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, thank you for being the light to bring us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. Please help us take each step by your light. Thank you.

The Pharisees therefore said to him, “You bear witness of yourself; your witness is not true.” (John 8:13)
      Holy Spirit, convince the leaders and teachers of your people today of the truth of Jesus’ witness.

Jesus answered and said to them, “Even if I bear witness of myself, my witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from and where I am going. You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, my judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the father who sent me. It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. I am one who bears witness of myself, and the father who sent me bears witness of me.” (John 8:14-18 )
      Father, help us to hear your witness about Jesus.

Then they said to him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you had known me, you would have known my father also.” (John 8:19)
      Jesus, thank you for making your father known to us.

      A word received: I AM waiting for my people to return to me. I AM waiting for hearts that are warmed by the fire of my Holy Spirit. I AM waiting for my people to desire more of me. Come to me; I AM waiting for you.

Sunday: 66, 67; Isaiah 62:6-12; 1 John 2:3-11; John 8:12-19
Monday: 89:1-18; Isaiah 63:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:1-17; Mark 11:1-11

Albany Intercessor