And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. (Acts 28:17-23)
Holy Spirit, bring all of us to such a knowledge of the Scriptures that we can use them to persuade people that Jesus is the Christ of God.
And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. (Acts 28:24)
Jesus, that is true of our witness today.
So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you will see, and not perceive;”‘” (Acts 28:25-26)
Father, have mercy on us for this is true of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church today.
“‘”For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.”‘” (Acts 28:27)
A word received (10/8/06): Keep asking for eyes to see.
A word received (10/9/06): I Am calling my church back to me. I Am calling my bride to me. Pray for listening ears. Pray for this day by day.
A word received (11/9/06): Listen, listen my people for my word to you. Listen as you read scripture. Listen, listen to what I Am saying to you.
“Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” (Acts 28:28 )
Holy Spirit, help us go out with the gospel to all who will hear it.
And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves. (Acts 28:29)
Lord, that dispute is now raging in the Episcopal Church, in your mercy rescue all who have a heart to receive your gospel. Thank you.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. (Acts 28:30-31)
Holy Spirit, please give us a heart as you did Paul to seize every opportunity to preach and share the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you.
A word received: I told Francis to rebuild my church.
This is my call to my people now: rebuild my church.
Set my church on the firm foundation of the faith and gospel I delivered to the saints.
Solomon built a building for my people to worship in.
The building is not the church — the church is my people.
Pray for my people to be restored to me and made whole again.
Saturday: 20, 21:1-7(8-14); 1 Kings 7:51-8:21; Acts 28:17-31; Mark 14:43-52
Sunday: 148, 149, 150; 1 Kings 8:22-30(31-40); 1 Timothy 4:7b-16; John 8:47-59
Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table report August 29, 9:20-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Howard Smith (It was a “misty, moisty morning, and cloudy was the weather…” Not many people out today.)
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.
+ Sasha prayers for family and knee
+ John: prayers for family and the Lord’s Provision
Woman: walked by, “you can pray for me if you want”
+ Heather: healing
+ Jeff: family
+ Gloria: Family and everything
+ Jim: soft heart and blessings
+++ Howard: for Nicole, for protection
+ Vincent: protection & provisions
Albany Intercessor
