So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. (Acts 4:18 )
Lord Jesus, this is becoming the pattern in our nation — great pressure is put on your people to not speak or teach in your name.
But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
Holy Spirit, please help us make the choice that Peter and John made: to boldly speak of the things we have seen and heard about Jesus.
So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. (Acts 4:21)
Father, please help us shrug off the threats that come our way and do and say those things which will bring you glory.
For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. (Acts 4:22)
Holy Spirit, move in the healing ministry throughout this diocese and do miracles of healing. Thank you.
And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. (Acts 4:23)
Jesus, we ask your blessing on Bishop Bill as he speaks at the various Deanery meetings starting this week. Be present with your Holy Spirit and give us ears to hear your guidance. Thank you.
[Please attend and pray for Bishop Love’s visits to the Deaneries to meet with the clergy and laity to discuss General Convention 2009. (Meetings will end by 9 PM:)
Sep 8 - Metropolitan Deanery – St. Paul’s, Troy
6:30 PM, Evening Prayer followed by light refreshments and discussion
Sep 10 – Southern Adirondack Deanery - St. James, Lake George
6:30 PM, Evening Prayer followed by light refreshments and discussion
Sep 15 – Upper Hudson Deanery – Calvary Church, Burnt Hills
5:30 PM, Evening Prayer followed by light refreshments and discussion
Sep 17 – Hudson Deanery – Christ Church Coxsackie
6:30 PM Evening Prayer followed light refreshments and discussion
Sep 20 – Western Mohawk Deanery – Christ Church, Herkimer
5:30 PM Evening Prayer followed by dinner and discussion
Sep 27 – St. Lawrence Deanery – Trinity, Potsdam
6 PM Evening Prayer followed by dinner and discussion
Sept 29 – Susquehanna Deanery – St. James, Oneonta
6 PM Evening Prayer followed by dinner and discussion
Oct 6 – Northern Adirondack Deanery – Trinity, Plattsburgh
6 PM Evening Prayer followed by dinner and discussion]
So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, you are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, who by the mouth of your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against his Christ.’” (Acts 4:24-26)
Father, there are so many in authority who are gathered together against you and your son Jesus Christ. Guide us by your Holy Spirit through these times.
“For truly against your holy Servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever your hand and your purpose determined before to be done.” (Acts 4:27-28 )
Holy Father, it was your purposes which triumphed, not theirs; please let us see your purpose triumph in our day.
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to your servants that with all boldness they may speak your word, by stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:29-30)
I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee; let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
[From the Watch Night Service by John Wesley.]
And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31)
Holy Spirit, shake us out of our complacency and timidity and move us to speak your word with all boldness. Thank you.
A word received: Pray for my will and purposes to be revealed to my people.
Pray that my people will desire the desires of my heart.
Pray for the new life that comes when my Spirit and my word penetrate the heart.
Sunday: 63:1-8(9-11), 98; 1 Kings 12:21-33; Acts 4:18-31; John 10:31-42
Monday: 41, 52; 1 Kings 13:1-10; Philippians 1:1-11; Mark 15:40-47
Albany Intercessor
