Mark 10:1-16

Then he arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to him again, and as he was accustomed, he taught them again. (Mark 10:1)
      Jesus, please come and teach us in this diocese.

The Pharisees came and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing him. And he answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:2-9)
      Holy Spirit, please move in the marriages in this diocese. Restore to your people the sanctity of the vows they have made to you.

In the house his disciples also asked him again about the same matter. So he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:10-12)
      Jesus, you worked with and drew people to yourself whose lives and marriages had gotten messed up. Please renew the lives of those who have been divorced.

Then they brought little children to him, that he might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16)
      Father, please move in the various Sunday School and youth ministry programs of this diocese. We pray for the children of this diocese, that as they come to know Jesus, they will come to know your love as a father for them. We hold up all those children who are growing up with absentee fathers — that they will come to know your love for them. Thank you.

      A word received: Listen, listen to my word. Pray for listening hearts that heed my word.

Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; 2 Samuel 14:1-20; Acts 21:1-14; Mark 10:1-16
Wednesday: 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; 2 Samuel 14:21-33; Acts 21:15-26; Mark 10:17-31

Albany Intercessor

Savannah litigation

The court hearing of Christ Church, Savannah, GA is Friday, August 14.

Because Your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify You.
I will praise You as long as I live,
and in Your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise You.
On my bed I remember You;
I think of You through the watches of the night.
Because You are my help,
I sing in the shadow of Your wings.
My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:3-8

O Lord, may Your children in Savannah think of You through the watches of the night, sing in the shadow of Your wings, and cling to You throughout this litigation. In Your name, we lift up this court hearing. Amen.

Mark 9:42-50

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
      Lord Jesus, we pray for the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church who are causing your little ones who believe in you to stumble: please bring them to repentance before it is too late. We cry out to you for you little ones who believe in you, that you will raise up faithful shepherds to lead them back to you.

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched–where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:43-44)
      Holy Spirit, please help us turn away from those things which are destructive to our souls.

“And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame, rather than having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched–where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:45-46)
      Holy Spirit, please help us turn away from those things which are destructive to our souls.

“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire–where ‘Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:47-48 )
      Holy Spirit, please help us turn away from those things which are destructive to our souls.

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.” (Mark 9:49)
      Father, please baptize us anew with the fire of your Holy Spirit.

“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50)
      Lord, season us with flavor of the gospel and your peace. Thank you.

      A word received: Come to me; return to me.
      My people have wandered far from me.
      Pray for shepherds who will lead my people back to me.
      Pray for my anointing and guidance for those faithful shepherds.

Monday: 89:1-18; 2 Samuel 13:23-39; Acts 20:17-38; Mark 9:42-50
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; 2 Samuel 14:1-20; Acts 21:1-14; Mark 10:1-16

Albany Intercessor

South Carolina

Our Father,
We are fallen creatures, limited in understanding. Your Holy Word teaches us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. How can Your Church in South Carolina stand against the schemes of Satan?
We pray that they will be strong in You.
May Jesus wrap Himself around the visceral emotions of each person in attendance at Thursday’s meeting. He is the Truth.
May Jesus shield each person’s heart. He is our righteousness.
May Jesus fit each person with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. He is the Way.
May Jesus stand between each person and Satan. May He knock down the strongholds of false thinking that lead to death, like cattle chutes leading to the slaughter yard. He is the Life.
May the Word of God cut a path forward.
May the Holy Spirit flow freely through each person’s spirit that they may be alert to the movement of God and follow that path in boldness. Amen.
Ephesians 6:10-20

Romans 15:1-13

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)
      Holy Spirit, please help us bear with the failings of those who are weak in faith.

Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. (Romans 15:2)
      Holy Spirit, help us please our neighbors — neighbors in the church, in our communities, and at work — so that they are built up in faith.

For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” (Romans 15:3)
      Jesus, thank you for all you bore for us.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
      Father, I come to you for all those who are weary and discouraged by the actions of the Episcopal Church that you will bring them to patient endurance and encouragement as they read the Scriptures.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, (Romans 15:5)
      Holy Spirit, please give us your mind about others in the Episcopal Church.

so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:6)
      Jesus, please help your faithful people in the Episcopal Church have one heart and one mouth as we glorify your father.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)
      Jesus, please help us receive one another so that we bring glory to your father.

For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs (Romans 15:8 )
      Jesus, thank you for becoming a servant so that the promises made to the patriarchs could be fulfilled.

so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.” (Romans 15:9)
      Holy Spirit, please help us speak about Jesus to those who do not know him and sing aloud his praises.

Again, it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” (Romans 15:10)
      Jesus, help us rejoice in you with your people.

And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and sing praises to him, all you peoples.” (Romans 15:11)
      Jesus, please help us turn to you in faith and praise you.

And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.” (Romans 15:12)
      Jesus, so rule and reign in our hearts that hope is restored for your church and your people.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
      Amen and amen!

Sunday: 66, 67; 2 Samuel 13:1-22; Rom. 15:1-13; John 3:22-36
Monday: 89:1-18; 2 Samuel 13:23-39; Acts 20:17-38; Mark 9:42-50

Albany Intercessor

South Carolina

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4

Dear Jesus,
We trust in You and in Your desire to take the diocese of South Carolina to the abiding place you have prepared for them. May each clergy person look to You in the days leading up to the clergy conference. Help each one to rest in Your presence. Disentangle their minds, souls, and bodies that they may wholly lean upon You. Mold their spirits by the Holy Spirit for the glory of Your Father’s name. Amen.

More comment thread prayers

Prayers for South Carolina from T19–

Art copied from his devotional book:
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Undergroundpewster copied from John Rutter’s “Clare Benediction”:
“May the light of His presence be your guide
May He guard you and uphold you;
May His Spirit be ever by your side.”

Sherri2 wrote:
Prayers rising for the Diocese of South Carolina, for her bishop and for all her clergy, that they may come together in faith, love and charity, hearts and minds open, and that you, O Lord, will be in their midst to guide and succor them and shine your light on the way that you would have them take. Have mercy on them, O Lord,and on all of us. Amen.

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table report Saturday, August 8, 9:30-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Don Foust
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

+Tony-older man–asked to “get back on the right track with his girl friend” and for improved finances so he can move out of the motel and into an apartment–prayed for relationships and provision.

Man passing by on the street–prayed for blessings in his life

Lynda (regular) and her husband +Reyford–Lynda stops by the Prayer Table nearly every Saturday. This is the first time we met her husband Reyford. He usually works on Saturdays. We prayed for their 4 children back in Guyana.

+Pedro–middle-aged man–prayed for health (both mental and physical) for his wife Iris.

+Vincent and +Penny–this couple is engaged to be married. Vincent asked for prayers for his children and his family. Penny asked for prayers for her sobriety.

+Taiwan–This young man has walked by the Prayer Table for several weeks without stopping; today he stopped and asked for prayers for his family and his kids.

+Jamique–young man–asked for forgiveness for his sins–He has given his life to Christ. Suggested he join a Church group or Bible study to help to remove temptation from his life. Jamique said he worked on Sundays. We then suggested a Church that meets on Saturdays (Seventh Day Adventists around the corner) or go to a Saturday evening service.

+Demere–young man–asked for prayers for his mother (Josette).

+Wilburt–said this has been a tough year for him–lost his job–car was repossessed. Prayed for provision. He then said he was glad he came to the Prayer Table. Told us “People are afraid to come over here”.

+DeAndre–young man–prayed for his daughters.

Jim–regular–Each week Jim stops by the Prayer Table he opens up a little more. We prayed for his deceased son (Robert) who passed away on August 17, 2007 at age 31. Robert’s death devastated Jim, but now he accepts that his son is at peace in Heaven. Jim asked that we pray for his friend Bill. Bill’s son suddenly disappeared from his job 5 years ago in Glens Falls and his father has not heard from him. Bill eats little and is now a chain-smoker. We prayed for peace in Bill’s life.

+Becky–young woman–prayed for her children.

Moustaffa–young Muslim man from Iraq–has been here for 4 months and speaks little English. Torre spoke a few phrases to him in Arabic and Moustaffa was amazed. We prayed for blessings in his life. Seemed intrigued by the concept of a Prayer Table.

+Laura–young Hispanic woman and her young son Amarra–prayed for protection for this young family.

Albany Intercessor

Various scriptures and prayers from the past week

Psalm 93:1-5

The Lord reigns, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, he has girded himself with strength. Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved. (Psalm 93:1)
      LORD, we ask you to come and rule and reign in the Episcopal Church. There is an order which you have established — please restore that order to the Episcopal Church.

Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. (Psalm 93:2)
      Jesus, please come and establish your throne in the hearts and minds of the leaders and teachers and people of the Episcopal Church.

The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. (Psalm 93:3)
      Father, as with Paul, we too are being blown around by the pounding seas. You carried Paul and all with him safely through to shelter on Malta; please carry us through the present storm in the Episcopal Church to a safe harbor.

The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea. (Psalm 93:4)
      Thank you, Jesus, that we are in your care.

Your testimonies are very sure; holiness adorns your house, O Lord, forever. (Psalm 93:5)
      Holy Spirit, your word and the statutes you have delivered to your people stand forever. Bring us to the holiness you desire for us.

      A word received: Pray for my people to be a holy people. Pray for my people to be adorned with holiness.

Mark 8:11-15

Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, testing him. (Mark 8:11)
      Have mercy on us, Jesus, for our church leaders continue to dispute with you and test you.

But he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” (Mark 8:12)
      Father, help us come to Jesus on his terms rather than trying to do it on our terms.

And he left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. (Mark 8:13)
      Holy Spirit, please help the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church understand that there will come a time when Jesus just moves on and leaves them behind. Please move their hearts to repentance.

Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. (Mark 8:14)
      Holy Spirit, please remind us when we become forgetful of all that you have done for us.

Then he charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” (Mark 8:15)
      Jesus, please help us recognize these leavens for what they are: a rigid legalism which shuts out your grace and a grasping for power which destroys your people. Help us repent whenever we are tempted by either of these leavens. Thank you.

      [The "leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod" are neither "liberal" nor "conservative" issues, but can be characteristic of any group. The "leaven of the Pharisees" was a rigid legalism which required people to use their definitions and only their definitions. As a conservative I am aware of the rigidities of the liberals' politically correct theology, but I am also aware that there is a hardness of heart among some of the conservatives. Jesus also accused the Pharisees of substituting their own rules for God's rules.
      The "leaven of Herod" is a grasping for power for oneself at any cost. The behavior of the Presiding Bishop and some of the other bishops has been very Herodian. But I am also distressed by the misuse of power that I have seen by some conservative clergy and bishops and I wonder about the power structures that have been set in place for the new Anglican Province of North America.
      I was also struck by the way these two leavens parallel the temptations of Jesus by Satan. Satan was misusing Scripture and rigidly applying it to a context where it didn't belong. The leaven of Herod was Satan's temptation of Jesus to take power over the kingdoms of this world. Clearly Jesus is concerned that his disciples avoid both leavens. Torre]

      A word received: Be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod. I want my people, my disciples to recognize these in themselves as well as in others.

Psalm 78:1

Give ear, O my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. (Psalm 78:1)
      O sovereign Lord, restore to your people and to your church listening hearts — give us hearts to heed your word.

Mark 8:34-38

When he had called the people to himself, with his disciples also, he said to them, “Whoever desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Mark 8:34)
      Holy Spirit, please help each of us lay aside our personal agenda — our desires and hopes (no matter how good or noble) — in order to follow Jesus.

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. (Mark 8:35)
      Jesus, I offer my life to you for your purposes once again. Please help me lose anything that hinders my embracing the gospel and following you.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36)
      Father, there is a heavenly accounting that the Episcopal Church and its leaders and teachers are missing out on. As with Esau, it has sold its soul for a “mess of pottage”. (Genesis 25:29-34)

Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mark 8:37)
      Even now, Jesus, help the Episcopal Church repent of selling its soul for the sake of political correctness and the kingdoms of this world.

For whoever is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38 )
      Father, please help us follow Jesus in this diocese and never despise the shame of the cross. Help us embrace the road that lies ahead in order to follow him. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray for my people. Pray for the work of my Spirit among them. The disciples at Ephesus received my Spirit with power and were changed. I want my people to receive me and my Spirit and lead changed lives.

Psalm 83:1-5

Do not keep silent, O God! do not hold your peace, and do not be still, O God! (Psalm 83:1)
      LORD, speak you word to your people — give them ears to hear and hearts to respond.

For behold, your enemies make a tumult; and those who hate you have lifted up their head. (Psalm 83:2)
      Father, there is the sound of war in the camp and many have departed from you for other gods.

They have taken crafty counsel against your people, and consulted together against your sheltered ones. (Psalm 83:3)
      Holy Spirit, confuse their counsel.

They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” (Psalm 83:4)
      Jesus the leaders of the Episcopal Church seek to exterminate your faithful witnesses from among them.

For they have consulted together with one consent; they form a confederacy against you: (Psalm 83:5)
      Lord Jesus, have mercy on your faithful people.

      A word received: Rest in me. I AM with you. Keep looking to me; I AM with you. Look to me in the storm. I AM the rock to stand on — there is no other.

Psalm 88:1-4

O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. (Psalm 88:1)
      LORD, thank you for hearing our cries and saving us.

Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. (Psalm 88:2)
      Jesus, please hear our cries as we pray for the Episcopal Church.

For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. (Psalm 88:3)
      Father, we are troubled by the actions and decisions of the Episcopal Church; have mercy on us and help us walk in your ways.

I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength, (Psalm 88:4)
      Holy Spirit, all of our strength comes from you, lead us through these troubled times. Thank you.

      A word received: Hope in me. Place your hope in me. Keep looking to me.

Acts 20:17-21

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you, serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews; how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house, testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:17-21)
      Holy Spirit, please give the bishops of the Episcopal Church such a testimony.

      A word received: Yield your lives to me for my purposes.

Albany Intercessor

Another SF commenter prays

Matthew A (formerly mousestalker) said:

Pray for the Diocese of South Carolina, it’s bishop, leaders, priests and laity. Pray that they may yield themselves unto God’s will and that they may clearly discern the same. God grant them the courage and resolve to follow Him to the end. God soften all their hearts that they may hear each other with charity and in humility. Grant that He will give them courage that they have the wherewithall to persevere on the straight and narrow path. Bless them in all of their Godly pursuits. Keep them safe in their Creator’s bosom.

South Carolina

2 Samuel 12:24-25 (New International Version)
Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and lay with her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The LORD loved him; and because the LORD loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah.
The name Solomon means ‘peaceable’ and the name Jedidiah means ‘beloved of the Lord’. As long as Solomon found his identity in being loved by the Lord, he became the wise king. But when he found his identity in being the wise king, he was given over to idolatry.

Lord, we pray that every participant in Thursday’s clergy conference in South Carolina will find their identity in Your desire for them in Your love, rather than in prestige or opinions.

Hat tip: Francis Frangipane

South Carolina

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. Psalm 105:5

Dear Lord,
We remember that when Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the wilderness, she placed her son under a shrub because she did not want to watch his death. You heard the boy’s cry.
Lord, we do not want to watch the death of the Diocese of South Carolina. Hear our cry.
We remember that You sent an angel to Hagar in the wilderness. The angel said, “Fear not. God has heard the voice of the boy where he is.”
Hear each cry, wherever that person is, and commission Your holy angels to the Diocese of South Carolina.
We remember that the angel instructed Hagar to lift the boy up and take him by the hand.
May every clergy person and lay leader lift up the abandoned and take them by the hand.
Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well of water.
May every act of trust in You supernaturally reveal a well of living water.
She gave the boy drink.
May they serve one other.
God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness.
Stay with them in the wilderness.
May we remember the wonders You have done, Your miracles, and the judgments You pronounced.
Genesis 21:14-20

South Carolina

Dear Jesus,
You love the people of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. You feed and care for them as Your own body. You gave Yourself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.
Speak to the clergy of this diocese through Holy Scripture. Stir them to pick up the Bible and read. Through Your Holy Spirit, lead each one to the particular passages of scripture that You want them to understand. Release Your Spirit to sit upon each clergy person and fill them until the words they speak are Your words.
We cry out for a church named Delight and a land named Married, for a church filled with God’s glory.
In Your hand, may this diocese be as radiant as a royal diadem. In Your hand, may it be without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish. In Your hand, may it be holy and blameless.
May God rejoice over the diocese of South Carolina like a bridegroom rejoicing over his bride. Amen.
Ephesians 5:25-32, Acts 2:3-4, Isaiah 62:2-5

South Carolina

Dear Lord,
In His body, Jesus put to death the hostility between Jew and Gentile, reconciling them through the cross. We pray that the clergy of South Carolina will come together as members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.
May they have the mind of Christ and lay aside demands for their own rights. Let any offense be that of Jesus, the offense of obeying the Father and serving others.
Together, may they be a holy temple in the Lord, filled with Your praises, and built into a dwelling place for God. Amen.
Ephesians 2:14-22

South Carolina menu

*This post is “sticky” – look for new entries below this one*

List of leaders and Ephesians 3 prayer–The church as an expression of God’s manifold wisdom
Prayers gathered from comment threads
Ephesians 4 prayer–The church as the body of Christ
Rock prayer–A plea for supernatural revelation
Ephesians 2 prayer–The church as the temple of God
Ephesians 5 prayer–The church as the bride of Christ
Hagar prayer–Remembering God’s wonders
Jedidiah prayer–Plea for identity in God’s desire
Another comment thread prayer
More comment thread prayers
Abiding place prayer
Ephesians 6 prayer–The armor of God
‘No more fishing here’–Forgiveness
Bishop’s letter with Thursday’s schedule
Spiritual warfare