Father Nigel Mumford

Psalm 73:26 (Young’s Literal Translation)
Consumed hath been my flesh and my heart, The rock of my heart and my portion [is] God to the age.

Dear Jesus,
Nigel’s strength has been sapped and his flesh denuded. Yet You are his strength. Cast the hem of Your mantle over him. Clothe his spirit in righteousness and humility. Restore the balance between the ventilation and perfusion in his pulmonary parenchyma, and clothe his lungs in soundness. Clothe his skeleton with increased muscle mass. Clothe his bedsore in skin. Clothe his heart with joy. You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. You are his portion now and forevermore. Amen.

Interesting observation

Of the many Bible stories that take place on a road, there is no mention of a bridge. The Romans were the first to build large stone bridges, and several were built in Israel and the Middle East. I don’t know if they predated the life of Jesus or not. I find it interesting that there is no mention of even a small wooden bridge.

Revelation 21:1-6

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1)
      Lord Jesus, we ask for your renewal of the earth.

Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)
      Holy Spirit, prepare us, prepare your whole church for the coming of Jesus, the bridegroom.

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them and be their God. (Revelation 21:3)
      Thank you, Father, for making yourself known to us. Come and dwell daily in our hearts and minds. Thank you.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
      Come soon, Lord Jesus; come soon!

Then he who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And he said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:5)
      Jesus, please write your word on our hearts.

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.” (Revelation 21:6)
      Spring up, O Well, for we thirst for you!

      Lord, there is a river which refreshes the city of God; send that river through this diocese. Thank you.

Dec. 31: –; 1 Kings 3:5-14; James 4:13-17; 5:7-11; John 5:1-15
Eve of Holy Name: 90; Isaiah 65:15b-25; Revelation 21:1-6
Holy Name: 148; Isaiah 62:1-5, 10-12; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 1:18-25

***** Some of our grandchildren at Christmas:
Natasha, Simon, Torre, and Noah

Albany Intercessor

New heavens & a new earth

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24

O Lord,
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Bring Your kingdom to _______ county as it is in heaven. Amen.
Psalm 73:25

Land of the living

Psalm 27:13 Amp
[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!

Oh, exuberant earth! You testify of God’s glory.
Land of the living
–home to all creatures,
–bearing crops birthed in patience,
–sharing the riches of minerals,
–holding footprints of the evangelists,
–bathed in the prayers of the saints,
–soaked in the blood of the martyrs,
–and cleansed by the blood of the Lamb.
O happy land that shows us God’s goodness.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
      Thank you, LORD, for your faithfulness.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:2)
      Jesus, thank you for directing our lives.

He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:3)
      Holy Spirit, please come with your restoring power on the people and parishes of this diocese.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)
      Father, so much that seemed solid and enduring in the Episcopal Church is dying away; guide us and discipline us day by day.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. (Psalm 23:5)
      Jesus, thank you for the Eucharist; thank you for the anointing of your Holy Spirit.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:6)
      Father, thank you for the hope that you have placed in our hearts.

Dec. 30: 23, 27; 1 Kings 17:17-24; 3 John 1-15; John 4:46-54
Dec. 31: –; 1 Kings 3:5-14; James 4:13-17;5:7-11; John 5:1-15
Eve of Holy Name: 90; Isaiah 65:15b-25; Revelation 21:1-6

Albany Intercessor

2 John 3-7 and Update on Fr. Nigel

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (2 John 3)
      Father, please let you grace, mercy, peace, love, and truth flow through this diocese.

I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. (2 John 4)
      Father, help all of us receive your commandment to walk in truth.

And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. (2 John 5)
      Holy Spirit, help us love one another in this diocese: overcome our divisions with your love.

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. (2 John 6)
      Jesus, help us love one another as you have loved us.

For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 7)
      Jesus, protect us from all deception and help us daily confess who you are: you are the Christ, the son of the living God.

Dec. 29: 18:21-50; 2 Samuel 23:13-17b; 2 John 1-13; John 2:1-11
Dec. 30: 23, 27; 1 Kings 17:17-24; 3 John 1-15; John 4:46-54

Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Monday 12/28/09
      Fr. Nigel continues to improve, although it is in miniscule amounts, again much like a mustard seed. His mind is far ahead of his body in his recovery. He is extremely uplifted emotionally to be home with Lynn and Megan, but he is frustrated at his lack of strength and stamina. Walking from his room to the living room saps him of his strength. He is amazed and frustrated about his lack of strength in doing even menial tasks. As an example, he enjoys sitting in his recliner, but doesn’t have the strength to get out of it, so he has to call Lynn. He has gone back on the oxygen and is using a tube under his nose which is very manageable. He continues in some pain from the bed sore. He is spending much time in prayer and reflection.
      Lynn is pleased to have him home and not to be driving over an hour each way to and from the rehab facility each day. She can attend to Fr. Nigel’s needs easily at home and help him with his continued rehab and exercises, etc.
Please pray for:
*      Continued healing of his lungs so that he can breathe on his own
*      Building up and strengthening of his muscles
*      Refueling of his energy
*      Complete healing of his bedsore and relief from the pain of the bedsore
*      Deep peace while he communes with our Lord
*      Please also continue to pray for peace and stamina for Lynn and Megan as they nurse him back to health.
      We thank you Lord for your healing touch on your servant Nigel, and we rejoice in celebration at the birth of your Son, our Saviour Jesus, and the rebirth of Nigel. Thank Your Lord Jesus.

***** Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009
From: Sister Mary Elizabeth, CSM
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative Update — Monday, December 28, 2009
To Our Faithful Welcome Home Initiative Intercessors—
      Plans are moving forward for our Seventh Welcome Home Initiative, January 25-27, 2010 (note the new date), led by Bishop Dave Bena and Lt. Col. Noel Dawes with the hope that Fr. Nigel Mumford may join us for some portion of the program. We have a handful of reservations already for this WHI and ask your prayers for a full complement of warriors and families to attend, as God’s grace provides.
      If you know of a combat veteran of any war who might be interested in this retreat, direct him to our website at http://christ-the-king-center.org/WelcomeHome/. Further dates for the Welcome Home Initiative in 2010 include May 24-26 and November 8-10.
      We also ask your prayers for financial provision for this ministry in 2010. God has been gracious in providing the means to offer healing retreats free to combat veterans through generous donations. The Welcome Home Initiative, in common with many ministries in these recessionary times, faces a financial challenge in the New Year. Pray that the generosity of so many will continue and that the Welcome Home Initiative will increase in its effectiveness and ministry to veterans as we move into the new decade.
      Fr. Mumford’s Recovery:
      Praise to God for infinite mercy and thanks to all of you who have responded to Fr. Nigel Mumford’s medical crisis with fervent prayer. Father Nigel returned home last week for the first time since entering hospital in October – a joyous Chrristmas gift to family and friends and all who love him.
      Over 1000 intercessors from around the world responded to the Diocese of Albany’s call for prayer with many others praying from the several blogs which reprinted the Diocesan Intercession updates. Canon Andrew White even wrote that prayer was being lifted for Fr. Nigel at services in Baghdad three days a week.
      It is confirmed now that Fr. Nigel succumbed to H1N1, nearly losing his life to the secondary pneumonia which followed. He was in ICU about 48 days, most of that on ventilation in a medically induced coma, but has been released now to outpatient pulmonary and physical rehabilitation.
      Fr. Nigel is working to recover from the muscle loss which was a result of lying motionless for so long and struggles with a painful bedsore which may require further treatment. Prayers are enjoined for the speedy healing of the bedsore, for complete healing of his lungs, and for steady progress in regaining strength for day-to-day activities.
      Fr. Nigel has written, “A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been praying for me. There was a night when the doctors told Lynn that they couldn’t do anything more for me. That was the night the special request for prayer went out. There was a huge Tsunami wave that washed over me and that is why I am here today.”
      May God’s blessing be with each of you this Christmastide and in the New Year. As you enjoy holiday celebrations with family or friends, remember the sacrifice that others have made that you might have the freedom to enjoy the simple pleasure of home and hearth. If you know of a combat soldier struggling with issues of return to civilian life, say a prayer and then invite him to our first Welcome Home celebration in the New Year.
      Sister Mary Elizabeth, CSM
For the Oratory of Christ the Healer at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY

Albany Intercessor

Adoration

This prayer is from a StandFirm post on the affiliation of TEC with RCRC, a subject of great anguish for me. When I hurt, I write prayers. I don’t know if this makes sense. The best way I can explain it is that the closer I draw to God, the less conscious I am of the anguish.

Jeremiah 31:11-12 (NLT)
For the Lord has redeemed Israel
from those too strong for them.
They will come home and sing songs of joy on the heights of Jerusalem.
They will be radiant because of the Lord’s good gifts–
the abundant crops of grain, new wine, and olive oil,
and the healthy flocks and herds.
Their life will be like a watered garden,
and all their sorrows will be gone.

My joy is in You, Father. From my mustard seed of faith, O kingdom of heaven, take root in my spirit. O river of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, water my seed of faith. O tree of life, grow.

My joy is in You, Jesus, and my times are in Your hands. Like Zaccheus climbing the sycamore tree to get a clearer view of You, I climb out of my circumstances to look into Your face. I rest on that well-watered tree of life and eat its ripe fruit, a different fruit in each season. I lean over and drink of the water of life. I brush against the leaves and am healed, a different healing from each leaf.

My joy is in You, Holy Spirit, and I come to Your kingdom. Like the birds of the air lodging in a great mustard tree, I sing.

Mark 10:13-16

Then they brought little children to him, that he might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. (Mark 10:13)
      Father, please help us welcome families with young children.

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.” (Mark 10:14)
      Jesus, help us do what pleases you.

“Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” (Mark 10:15)
      Holy Spirit, help those parishes repent that value having elaborate music programs more than little children with their noise and confusion.

And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. (Mark 10:16)
      Jesus, help us bless what you bless and shun what you shun. Thank you.

      A word received: You are in my care; look to me for each day’s bread and provision.

Holy Innocents: December 28: 2, 26 or 19,126; Isaiah 49:13-23 or Isaiah 54:1-13; Matthew 18:1-14 or Mark 10:13-16
Dec. 29: 18:21-50; 2 Samuel 23:13-17b; 2 John 1-13; John 2:1-11

Albany Intercessor

Adoration x 7

A collection of seven of my prayers of adoration from the past year. JW

O Lamb that was slain
With head full-crowned,
Your eyes full-discerning
My heart full-sinned.
By Your blood full-poured out
Make my heart full-renewed.
May my praise full-resound
To the fullness of I AM.

O Lord, so much life saved at a window!
Noah released the dove through a window in the ark to discern whether he could go forth on the earth. Rahab let a scarlet cord out of her window to save all the members of her father’s household. Michal let David out a window in their home so that he could escape death at King Saul’s hand. Paul escaped the governor of Damascus through a window in a basket let down by the wall. Eutychus fell a great distance from a window to his death, but Paul threw himself on him, put his arms around him, and brought him back to life.
May my love for You open the window of my mind, my will, and my emotions to Your Holy Spirit.
We see through a glass darkly. Open the window of my soul to the illumination of the mind of Christ. In Him there is no darkness at all. He is the Truth. O Lord, prop the window open that I may continue in His word.
By the grace of Christ Jesus, open the window of my soul to Your light, Your love, Your glory. You are my heart’s desire. Amen.
Genesis 6:16, Joshua 2:16-21, 1 Samuel 19:12, 2 Corinthians 11:33, Acts 20:9, John 8:31-32

O Lord,
You speak and the firmament of heaven comes forth. You determine the number of the stars and call each one by name. Your word creates the light and mass, identity and relationship of 40,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars. O God of abundance, Source of all blessing, we praise You. Amen.
Genesis 1:14, Psalm 147:4, Isaiah 40:25-26

Dear Lord,
When Jacob saw Rachel, his heart was so transformed by his love for her, a huge stone proved no barrier to uncovering the well of water. When he served Laban seven years for Rachel, they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.
Oh, that our love for You would prove so passionate–that our love would transform our hearts of stone into hearts of flesh and uncover wells of living water. Oh, that our days would be so filled with adoration that time would loose its grip on our our imaginations. Creator of heaven and earth, of space and time, may we live and move and have our being in You. Amen.
Genesis 29, Ezekiel 36:26, Acts 17:28

O Lord Jesus,
You walk through the firmament of heaven, sowing stars and galaxies, and over the earth, scattering life in Your wake. Before Your resurrection You walked on water, and after You walked through walls.
Yet in all of Your grandeur, You chose to walk on the dusty roads of Palestine, in the busy marketplaces, and into the homes of fishermen and tax collectors.
We are not worthy, Lord, but we thank You. We join our voices with the hills and valleys, the meadows and the firmament of heaven, and sing praise to Your name. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. Amen.
Psalm 65:11-13, 104:1-3

Christ Jesus,
Our identity is in You. You made us. You redeemed us. You are saving us. We are not defined by our triumphs; nor by our disasters. Our identity is in You. You are the Alpha and the Omega, our sure and certain hope, and our anchor in the storm. Amen.

O Lord,
Would that my spirit was one with Yours.
Would that I had the courage of the lion, the vision of the eagle, the strength of the ox, and the heart of a man.
Would that I did as You commanded, without turning to the right or the left.
Would that the light of Christ shone so brightly in my life, it touched other peoples’ hearts.
Would that my Spirit was one with Yours. Amen.
Ezekiel 1:10-13

Oh, Perfect Love

Oh, Father,
That ancient serpent called Satan leads the whole world astray. He led Adam and Eve astray, and he leads me astray. In Your holiness, You cannot share Your glory with lies. Adam and Eve and I believed a lie and could no longer walk in the garden with You. We were dead in sin.
But I rejoice. I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Christ died for me.
How many barbed lies are still snagged in my spirit?
But I rejoice. I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Christ died for me.
I proclaim Jesus, the Messiah, the Anointed One. I magnify His Holy Name. He is the perfect sacrifice for my sins. He is Truth, and He covers my lies.
How I rejoice. I rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Christ died for me.
Oh, Perfect Love, who left infinite wonder to be enclosed in a womb so that I, too, can experience this joy. Oh, Perfect Love, who died for the lies so that I can live in Truth. Oh, Perfect Love who left the purity of heaven to walk among the lies so that I can walk in the garden with You, Father. Oh, Perfect, Perfect, Perfect Love!
Revelation 12:9, Ephesians 2:1, Romans 5

John 1:1-9

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
      Jesus, make a new beginning in us in this diocese; draw us all to you; write your word on our hearts.

He was in the beginning with God. (John 1:2)
      Father, draw us into your relationship with Jesus.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:3)
      Holy Spirit, set our hearts free from worshipping created things.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. (John 1:4)
      Holy Spirit, please help us choose life.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. (John 1:5)
      Jesus, thank you for being the light to lead us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. (John 1:6)
      Father, help us heed the witnesses you send us.

This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. (John 1:7)
      Jesus, help us bear witness to your light.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (John 1:8 )
      Jesus, please help us be bearers of your light.

That was the true Light which, coming into the world, gives light to every man. (John 1:9)
      Father, shed forth your light in every corner of this diocese. Thank you.

      A word received: Look to me for help.

First Sunday after Christmas: 34; 1 Samuel 1:1-2, 7b-28; Colossians 1:9-20; Luke 2:22-40
St. John: December 27: 97, 98 or 145; Proverbs 8:22-30 or Isaiah 44:1-8; John 13:20-35 or 1 John 5:1-12
Holy Innocents: December 28: 2, 26 or 19,126; Isaiah 49:13-23 or Isaiah 54:1-13; Matthew 18:1-14 or Mark 10:13-16

Albany Intercessor

Oh, vulnerable love

Oh, vulnerable love shown in the birth of Jesus! What an unspeakable comfort to know that we are chosen!
We place our destiny in Your hands, for we know Your will, Your mercy, Your justice, and Your love will triumph. We trust in You, Lord, and we trust in the precious blood of Christ Jesus. His blood be on us and on our children. Amen.
Matthew 27:25, 1 Corinthians 10:16

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report December 26, 9:25-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Don Foust

+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

Few people were walking through the snow on the day after Christmas. Many of those who stopped by the Prayer Table ventured out this morning only to come to the Prayer Table.

The Prayer Table has become a regular stop for a number of folks in the Neighborhood, and we have added their names to the bottom of the Prayer Table Report.

+Madeline– “I need a prayer”. “I want to get closer to Jesus”. Madeline gave her life to Christ, asking forgiveness for sins. Please pray for Madeline as she begins her journey.

Jim (regular)– “I had a great Christmas”. Jim spent Christmas with his widowed sister, her 3 daughters, and their children. We prayed for continued healing in Jim’s life. Jim has made so much progress in his journey toward the healing of his past. Please pray that Jim will continue to receive strength.

+Cassandra– This young woman became emotional as she began to pray. We prayed that the roof and porch on her house be fixed. We also prayed for happiness in her life. Please pray for God’s provision for Cassandra.

+ Donor to Christ Church and +his son– As has been the custom throughout the years a gentleman from a neighboring town pulled his van up next to Prayer Table, then he and his teen-aged son gave Christ Church a generous gift. Even though he is not a member of Christ Church, this man who had a “life-changing experience” at Christ Church continues to remember the Church. We gave thanks to God for this man’s generosity and for the example he sets for his son. Please pray for God’s faithful servants.

+Rose– This woman parked her car next to the Prayer Table and came for prayer. We prayed for good health and provision. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Psalm 119:2.

+Deborah– This woman came directly from her apartment to the Payer Table for prayer, then returned to her apartment. “Thank God I’m alive.” “I don’t where I’ll be living next week.” We prayed that Deborah find a place to live next week. “I have faith.” “Everything is possible to one who has faith.” Mark 9:23.

Rick– We prayed for Rick’s father (Ronald) who is sick. Please pray for those who minister to their parents in their time of need.

Prayer Table Regulars

Kayla– Pray for healing in her life after being raped. Pray for her mother Laura, her son Nassir, her brother Josh, and Josh’s son Deanthony.

Jim–Pray for healing in his life from abusive parents and for his personal peace after the death of his 31 year old son Robert. Jim is bi-polar.

Bill–Pray for his health and no more epileptic seizures. This middle-aged man has lived alone; please pray for companionship.

Lucinada and Eddiberto–Pray for protection for their family

Paulette and her children Monique and Taishawn–Pray for provision for this family

Clarence–Pray for direction as he seeks to change his life.

Linda–Pray for her family in Guyana

Albany Intercessor

Northern Malawi

Northern Malawi has experienced an earthquake swarm. The area is on the border of Tanzania and is very poor, with subsistence farming the principal work. Buildings in the town Karonga would be of sundried brick construction with thatched or corrugated steel roofs, but rarely more than a story tall. The rainy season is a time of hope because the rains are needed to get the crops established but also often the beginning of a “hungry season,” as stores from the previous year’s crops begin to get low.

Dear Jesus,
Even the ground under the feet of Your children in Northern Malawi is unstable.
You are the Chief Cornerstone. As they walk in You, be their sure foundation. (Psalm 118:22)
Thousands have no shelter.
You are the Rock of Strength. Be their refuge. (Psalm 62:7)
Buildings are unstable.
You are the Truth. Hold them under Your wings and be their shield and protection. (Psalm 91:4)
The winds are high.
You are the Prince of Peace. Rebuke the prince of the power of the air and calm the wind. (Isaiah 9:6, Ephesians 2:2)
There is food insecurity.
You are the Bread of Life. Draw them to You. Bless and multiply their food. (John 6:35)
Many are injured.
You are the Messiah. Forgive their sins and heal their wounds. (Psalm 103:3) Amen.

A news report–http://allafrica.com/stories/200912230775.html