Luke 18:9-14

Also he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: (Luke 18:9)
      Holy Spirit, bring us to immediate repentance whenever we hold anyone in contempt.

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. (Luke 18:10)
      Lord, when we go into your temple, give us a heart to pray according to the mind of your Spirit.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.’” (Luke 18:11)
      Father, I am like other men — I am a sinner who needs to be set free from self-centered prayers. Help me to pray according to the mind of your Spirit.

“‘I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’” (Luke 18:12)
       And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:3) Holy Spirit, have mercy on me and turn my heart into your ways and your love.

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13)
      God, be merciful to me a sinner!

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
      LORD, write this humility on our hearts. Thank you.

       A word received: Pray for this nation. Pray for wise and godly men and women who will lead my people in my ways. Pray for the courts, that they will do true justice. Pray for the Congress and the legislatures, that they will have a spirit of wisdom and discernment. Pray for the President and the Governors, that their hearts will be turned into my ways.

Friday: 40, 54; Deuteronomy 26:1-11; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; Luke 18:9-14
Saturday: 55; Deuteronomy 29:2-15; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Luke 18:15-30

       Notes from the Front Line

***** I ask all intercessors who are going to the Diocesan Convention that they sit in on the business sessions and surround the deputies to the convention with prayer.

***** I may not be able to send out any prayers for a couple of days because I am having our computer serviced.

***** This afternoon from 3:30 to 4:15 The Rev’d Nina George Hacker, The Rev’d Alan Hart and I will be doing a workshop at the Diocesan Convention on the Prayer Table Ministry. Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s anointing on that workshop (and the other workshops as well).

Albany Intercessor

First fruits

Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. Deuteronomy 26:10b

Dear Heavenly Father,
You know the thoughts of our hearts. You cannot be mocked. It is our desire that the prayers from Lent & Beyond will please Your Spirit. Teach us to pray, dear Lord. Open our ears so that we can echo Your words.
Satan tries to wear us down, but Your commands are a prescription for perpetual life. Strengthen Your intercessors so that we will not become weary in doing good. Grant us tenacity and a holy boldness. We want to reap a harvest! Let us do good to all people.
We offer You our prayers as a first fruit. Amen.
Galatians 6:7-10