Reflection on Nigel

The reports of the incremental improvements of Nigel’s condition remind me of the dawning of a new day. One of the lessons to come from this experience is the value of perseverance.
JW

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight . . . . Philippians 1:9

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2b-4

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Bright Morning Star

Jesus, we walk in a dark valley. Yet, we fear no evil for You are with us. Even when we can’t discern where You are, we know You are there. We claim the promise, Blessed are all who take refuge in You. You are the Good Shepherd.
You manifest the love that Your righteous Father has for You. May that love be in us. Help us in the Episcopal Church to hold onto Your love, to overcome by Your love, and to do Your will to the end. Help us to be obedient. Shine in our hearts, Bright Morning Star. Amen.
Psalm 2:12, 23:4, John 17:20-26, Revelation 2:24-28

Fr. Nigel update and Nehemiah 9:5b-12

Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:12 p.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel, Monday 11/09/09, 10:12 p.m.
      Fr. Nigel Mumford remains in critical condition on his 31st day in the hospital, but the good news is that your prayers are working! Although he is critical, he has improved slightly. Since his sedative has been eliminated, he is starting to awaken very slowly and his eyes are opening. He has been able to focus on Lynn and has even given her a slight smile, but then drifts off again. He is aware of his surroundings but his body is extremely weak.
      His fever has been up and down, but it is lower today so your prayers are working against whatever is causing it — thank you Lord for this healing.
Please pray for:

*      protection against blood clots

*      his lungs that they may heal so that he can be removed from the ventilator

*      that his fever be back to normal and that the cause of the fever be eliminated

*      a clearing of the medications from his muscles and tissues so that he can start to move again

*      rest and strength for Lynn and all the Mumford family

      We praise God for the healing that has taken place thus far. Your prayers are working so please keep them coming. May God bless and reward you for your faithfulness.

      “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

Today’s prayer note:
“Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! “Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!” (Nehemiah 9:5b)
      Father, we bless you for who you are and for what you have done and are doing.

“You alone are the Lord; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all. the host of heaven worships you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
      LORD, set your people free of horoscopes: you created the heavens and the host of heaven worships you. Help us worship you only and be guided by you.

“You are the Lord God, who chose Abram, and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans, and gave him the name Abraham;” (Nehemiah 9:7)
      Jesus, you have chosen us and marked us out as your own: help us to be faithful to you.

“You found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites — to give it to his descendants. you have performed your words, for you are righteous.” (Nehemiah 9:8 )
      Holy Spirit, please help us separate ourselves from all who have returned to the surrounding paganism and sexual immorality of our time.

“You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea.” (Nehemiah 9:9)
      Jesus, you have seen the affliction of those who are sick and their families, and have had mercy on them. Thank you. Thank you for all that you are doing for Fr. Nigel and for Lynn.

“You showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his servants, and against all the people of his land. For you knew that they acted proudly against them. so you made a name for yourself, as it is this day.” (Nehemiah 9:10)
      Father, help us see the signs and wonders you are doing in our day.

“And you divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors you threw into the deep, as a stone into the mighty waters.” (Nehemiah 9:11)
      Jesus, bless the remaining faithful dioceses and parishes in the Episcopal Church and help them escape the corruption that is afflicting the Episcopal Church.

“Moreover you led them by day with a cloudy pillar, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the road which they should travel.” (Nehemiah 9:12)
      Holy Spirit, lead us day by day. Thank you.

      A word received on how to teach the Sunday School class yesterday: Engage the people with my word. Ask them how they changed the direction of their lives by my word.

Monday: 80; Nehemiah 9:1-15(16-25); Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 15:1-20
Tuesday: 78:1-39; Nehemiah 9:26-38; Revelation 18:9-20; Matthew 15:21-28

Albany Intercessor