And they led Jesus away to the high priest; and with him were assembled all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes. (Mark 14:53)
Lord, even today you are on trial before the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church. They are judging you and don’t recognize that you will judge them.
But Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire. (Mark 14:54)
Jesus, so many of your disciples follow you at a distance. Warm their hearts with the fire of your Holy Spirit.
Now the chief priests and all the council sought testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but found none. (Mark 14:55)
Holy Spirit, please guide the bishops and chief priests of the Episcopal Church so that they look in the Bible for true testimony about Jesus.
For many bore false witness against him, but their testimonies did not agree. (Mark 14:56)
Father, please help the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church hear your testimony about Jesus: “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) and “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear him!” (Matthew 17:5)
Then some rose up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” But not even then did their testimony agree. (Mark 14:57-59)
Jesus, please help your church hear your clear testimony about your death and resurrection.
And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do you answer nothing? What is it these men testify against you?” But he kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, saying to him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” (Mark 14:60-61)
Holy Spirit, help the chief priests and elders of the Episcopal Church ask these questions with humble hearts and help them respond to your answers to these questions.
Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)
Lord, help your church hear your answer.
Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?” And they all condemned him to be deserving of death. Then some began to spit on him, and to blindfold him, and to beat him, and to say to him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck him with the palms of their hands. (Mark 14:63-65)
Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would allow your son to go through all this for our sakes. Thank you.
A word received: Pray for my people — pray that they will know me from the least to the greatest.
Pray for the refining fire of my Holy Spirit.
Pray for new life and hope for my people.
Monday: 25; 2 Chronicles 6:32-7:7; James 2:1-13; Mark 14:53-65
Tuesday: 26, 28; 1 Kings 8:65-9:9; James 2:14-26; Mark 14:66-72
Albany Intercessor
