Fr Nigel Update, Thursday, December 10, 2009

Fr. Nigel continues to improve daily by small but discernable steps. He looks better and is able to speak a little more. He is looking forward to his first shower soon.

Keep praying for all the regular requests. Fr. Nigel and Lynn are very appreciative of all the prayers of the intercessors. Don’t slow down now.

Albany Intercessor

From Amos and Psalm 37

“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD, “that I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.” (Amos 8:11)
      Jesus, the Episcopal Church is in such a famine now; please help us hear what your Spirit is saying to the church.

“They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it.” (Amos 8:12)
      Father, please help us repent and return to you and stop our wandering ways.

The LORD knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. (Psalm 37:18-19)
      Holy Spirit, please help us walk in an upright way so that we may hear your word to us. Thank you.

Thursday: 37:19-42; Amos 9:1-10; Revelation 2:8-17; Matthew 23:13-26
Friday: 35; Haggai 1:1-15; Revelation 2:18-29; Matthew 23:27-39

Albany Intercessor

Revelation 2:1-7 and Update on Fr. Nigel

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says he who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for my name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place–unless you repent. But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”‘” (Revelation 2:1-7)
      Jesus, please bring us back to our first love for you. Renew in us the joy of our salvation.

      Holy Spirit, revive our lagging spirits. Restore us to new life again. Help us hear what you are saying to the church and to our parish.

      Father, we need another touch of your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

Wednesday: 119:25-48; Amos 8:1-14; Revelation 1:17-2:7; Matthew 23:1-12
Thursday: 37:19-42; Amos 9:1-10; Revelation 2:8-17; Matthew 23:13-26

Date: Tue, 08 Dec 2009 9:52 PM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Tuesday 12/8/09
      Fr. Nigel Mumford is in excellent spirits. Although he is still not able to stand without being dizzy or nauseous, he was able yesterday to do 15 minutes on a “bicycle” of sorts, exercising his arms. He was also able to do 6 minutes of workout on his legs, but had to stop because of the dizziness. He was disappointed in the brevity of that exercise, but he was reminded that a week ago he was barely able to lift his arm. Now he can raise it with confidence. He is now also able to push himself up in bed.
      He continues to deal with the bed sore that is causing a lot of pain, and he has been told that it will take about 3 months to heal. But he will be getting a new bed specially made to aid in the healing of bed sores. So please continue to pray for the healing of this and thank God for the new bed.
      The oxygen supply to Fr. Nigel’s trach has been reduced a bit as the weaning process continues, so our Lord is hearing your prayers for the healing of his lungs. But he has a cough that persists.
      Fr. Nigel said that his prayer life has returned, and he feels a great peace envelope him. He said that he knows that it is your prayers. He thanks God for your prayers and the gift of life.
Please pray for:

      Immediate healing of the bed sore

      Complete rejuvenation and healing of his lungs, and elimination of his cough

      Healing of whatever is causing the dizziness and nausea when he tries to stand

      Peace and strength for Lynn as she continues to support and care for Fr. Nigel

      Please give Thanks and Praise to Our Lord – for the healing that has taken place- known and unknown – for the strengthening of his muscles, for the clarity of his mind, for the healing of his lungs, for the regular heartbeat, for the normal temperature, for the Lord’s healing touch in so many ways.

      Thank you all for your prayers. Our God is awesome and He hears your crying out to Him. God Bless You.

Albany Intercessor

Psalm 36:7-12

How precious is your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7)
      Father, thank you for your lovingkindness and your sheltering arms.

They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your pleasures. (Psalm 36:8 )
      Flow, river, flow: Holy Spirit, flow through this diocese.

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. (Psalm 36:9)
      Jesus, light my path — help me walk in your ways.

Oh, continue your lovingkindness to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:10)
      Jesus, we don’t know what to do but our eyes are fixed on you. (See 2 Chronicles 20:12)

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked drive me away. (Psalm 36:11)
      Father, you are our strong high tower and we flee to you from the wicked.

There the workers of iniquity have fallen; they have been cast down and are not able to rise. (Psalm 36:12)
      Jesus, you are my redeemer and you shall stand at that latter day; and after my skin is destroyed I shall see you and delight in you; my eyes shall behold you, and not as a stranger. (See Job 19:25-27)

      A word received: I love you.

Tuesday: 36, 39; Amos 7:10-17; Revelation 1:9-16; Matthew 22:34-46
Wednesday: 119:25-48; Amos 8:1-14; Revelation 1:17-2:7; Matthew 23:1-12

Albany Intercessor

Messages from Fr Nigel and Lynn 12-07-09

Fr Nigel: “Thank you for your heart-felt prayers. I know they have gone directly to God. He does what he does best. How can we possibly put into words life? The [news of the] Marines [praying] in Bagdad is very powerful. Thank you for loving us back to health.”

Note: Fr Nigel is using a bicycle device in bed and arm-wrestling to build up his strength.

Lynn: “I’m just grateful for the prayers that are supporting us. We are trying to get him home for Christmas.”

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 22:23-33 and Update on Fr. Nigel Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:05 PM

      The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him, saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”
      Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at his teaching. (Matthew 22:23-33)
      Jesus, please help all of us in this diocese know the Scriptures and the power of your Holy Spirit.

      Father, you are the living God and there is no other God besides you.

      Holy Spirit, please astonish the leaders and teachers and people of the Episcopal Church with Jesus’ teaching and bring us all to faith, hope and love. Thank you.

Monday: 9, 15; Amos 7:1-9; Revelation 1:1-8; Matthew 22:23-33
Tuesday: 10, 11; Amos 3:1-11; 2 Peter 1:12-21; Matthew 21:12-22

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:05 PM
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Monday 12/7/09
      Fr. Nigel Mumford is gaining his strength back a little more every day. Even though he is frustrated because he is not able to stand, he does exercises in his bed to strengthen his muscles. He is taking the initiative on this and is doing the exercises even when it isn’t PT time. He feels that he has the strength to stand now, but the dizziness and nausea is keeping him from doing so for very long. While Lynn had stepped out of the room on Saturday, he was able to stand briefly with the Physical Therapist, at which time he asked her to call Lynn in because he wanted to surprise her with a hug. For the first time since the middle of October, he was able to stand and hug his wife. What a moment it was for both of them. Thank you Lord. We Glorify You and give you Praise Lord God for your continued healing.
      Fr. Nigel was so excited to relay that he had put on his own socks! He said he felt as though it was a momentous day because he was able to do this by himself. To see his face beaming when he relayed this accomplishment was reminiscent of seeing him standing before the altar in the Christ the King Chapel with his fist raised in the air, shouting “BRILLIANT”. Please take a moment to think of the miniscule movements that you do every minute of every day that you take for granted, and Praise God for these gifts He has given you.
      His bed sore is starting to diminish and to be less painful. Thank you Lord for listening to the prayers of your people.
Please pray for:

*      Complete healing of his lungs so that he can be weaned off the oxygen

*      Continued healing of his bed sore

*      Immediate relief of his dizziness and nausea when he stands, and knowledge and wisdom for the doctors and nurses that are trying to discover the cause of this

*      Continued strengthening of all of his muscles so that he can walk out of the hospital ASAP

Fr. Nigel thanks you all for your prayers – he said that he can “feel the prayers” and is gaining strength from them. We thank you Lord Jesus that you are our strength and our redeemer.

Albany Intercessor

Father Nigel Mumford

L&B has the coolest readers. Check out this prayer by commenter Georgia for the healing of Nigel’s bedsores.

“The Life of the flesh is in the Blood.” Leviticus 17:11-14

Dearest Holy Father,

Please let Your Son’s precious Blood avail for Nigel+, and help Fr. Nigel’s own blood move unimpeded, without clot or blockage to bring oxygen and other nutrients to restore and build life in those places of his body that have died for lack of life-giving, life-sustaining blood.

Please speak the Word of Life into every cell, molecule, atom, structure, function, chemical substance of Nigel’s body, soul and spirit.

Glorify and reveal Yourself as giver and sustainer of Life (Hebrews 1:3)

Be for Nigel+ as You are known in Your Holy Word (from Genesis to Revelation) Tree of Life, Breath of Life, Lifeblood, Prime of Life, Light of Life, Book of life, Path of Life, Wellspring of Life, Way of Life, Fountain of Life, Enjoyment of Life, Covenant of Life, Bread of Life, Author of Life, Spirit of Life, Fragrance of Life, Promise of Life, Gift of Life, End of Life, Word of Life, Crown of Life, Water of Life, River of Life.

In the Name that is above every other Name, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, Amen

Luke 1:67-75 and note from an Upstate Intercessor

Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: (Luke 1:67)
      Holy Spirit, fill us anew and enable us to speak your words

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people,” (Luke 1:68 )
      Father, thank you for visiting and redeeming us.

“And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,” (Luke 1:69)
      Father, thank you for the salvation you have raised up for us in Jesus.

“As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began,” (Luke 1:70)
      Holy Spirit, please help us heed what our Father has said through the prophets.

“That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,” (Luke 1:71)
      Jesus, thank you for being our redeemer and savior, our protector and our friend.

“To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant,” (Luke 1:72)
      Jesus, please help us to be faithful in keeping the covenant with you.

“The oath which he swore to our father Abraham:” (Luke 1:73)
      Father, thank you for being faithful to us even when we were unfaithful to you.

“To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear,” (Luke 1:74)
      Lord Jesus, please deliver this and your other faithful dioceses and parishes from the hand of our enemies so that we can serve you without fear.

“In holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:75)
      Holy Spirit, please bring us to holiness and righteousness so that we can serve Jesus all the days of our lives. Thank you.

Sunday: 114, 115; Amos 6:1-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-12; Luke 1:57-68
Monday: 9, 15; Amos 7:1-9; Revelation 1:1-8; Matthew 22:23-33

***** From an Upstate Intercessor: May I make a suggestion to the more than 1000 Intercessors who are praying for Fr. Nigel?
      If you have walked any part of the healing walk that Father is progressing through now, concentrate on that aspect of his healing.
      If you have ever had pulmonary illness (emphysema, COPD, asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, lung issues of post-polio syndrome – anything like this) concentrate on praying for his lungs.
*      If you have ever experienced nausea and dizziness in the course of illness (inner ear issues, GI upset, drug reactions – including side effects of chemo – anything) pray for his nausea and dizziness when standing.
*      If you have ever had or treated a bedsore on a loved one, or have had a difficult-to-heal open wound anywhere on your body or have diabetes or similar illness which puts you at risk for pressure sores, pray for his bedsore.
*      If you have ever had physical therapy to regain strength or use of limbs – or if you have undergone training for weight loss or to regain muscle tone or physical balance and stamina in any way, pray for Fr. Nigel’s recovery from the muscular weakness which has followed his long time in the medically induced coma.
*      If disease of any kind has ever thrown your whole world out of kilter, and you have struggled and won the battle to adjust to the “new normal” of whatever stage of healing your are in, pray for Fr. Nigel’s adaptation to all that is new. Remember we have been praying for him for almost two months now, but he has only “newly awakened” to all this very recently.
*      If you are a spouse who has supported a loved one through illness and recovery, pray for Lynn and Meagan.
      There is a principle that those of us who have experienced healing have an intuitive gift for praying for the disease we seen Christ heal in us. For example: cancer survivors often have a gift for praying for the healing of cancer. Take hold of that strength — that gift of victory in Christ – and apply it as intercessor.
      And if you are currently struggling with any of the above areas or illnesses and are as yet still being healed by God – embrace your healing and the hard work that healing involves as an act of intercession for all those for whom God has given you a burden to pray. Walk with them in their need by walking with Christ in your healing.
*      When you experience shortness of breath, pray for others who struggle to breathe.
*      If you smoke, remember our friend fighting for breath, and with him, choose life.
*      If you are nauseous or dizzy, or if depression or fibromyalgia or other disease leaves you too enervated to move, or if a muscular or nerve disorder twists your body painfully, or if a disease like Parkinson’s or ALS causes your balance to be wonky, fight the sickness, the listlessness, the pain or the imbalance in body and spirit with all the courage Christ supplies, and pray for Fr. Nigel – or Fr. Hap – or Deacon Faye – or any of a multitude of souls who struggle with illness or disability.
*      If you are minded of an unhealed open wound on your body (or perhaps in your soul?) — pray for the many wounded in the larger world. You know them! Pray for them!
*      If your limbs don’t move right, or you cannot stand or walk or do the things important to you, or if that walker or cane or wheelchair or oxygen mask or other visible (or invisible) sign of your mortality humiliates your spirit and you think, “I don’t want anyone to see me this way,” take up the cross Christ has permitted in this moment and offer a prayer for someone else as an act of thanksgiving for difficulty that stumps even the strongest of souls.
      When our friend, Fr. Nigel, emerges from the chrysalis of his recovery, let us be prepared to share with him how God has also healed us “on the way.” Seek the good things God is preparing even this very hour for your healing and transformation.
      Laugh today, openly and unashamedly, in unabashed imitation of Fr. Nigel’s courage, and praise the God of heaven for sunrises, and wind swept leaves, and new snow blanketing the hills… for squirrels quarreling in the trees, or a kitten in your lap, or the kiss of children before they race off to play. Praise Him for the strong woman or man sharing the highs and lows of this life with you.
      Life is too wonderful to be sad or defeated. Seek the wonder of the gift of Life, and when you glimpse it – even if for only a moment – thank God — and say a prayer for whichever of the friends he has placed in your life this day for intercession, in joyful gratitude.
      For each of you who intercede for others while yet fighting the good fight with Christ, who are persevering with God-given tenacity through to the miracle of healing and new life, I commend Joel 3: 10 — “Let the weak say, ‘I am a warrior.’”
      Rise up, ye warriors and pray!
– An Upstate Intercessor

Albany Intercessor

Your goodness is Your glory

Exodus 33:18-19 (King James Version)
And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

O Lord,
Your goodness is Your glory! We proclaim Your holy name.
Jehovah-Elohim, You are our Creator.
Adonai-Jehovah, You are our Sovereign.
Jehovah-Jireh, You are our provision.
Jehovah-Nissi, You are our banner.
Jehovah-Ropheka, You are our healer.
Jehovah-Shalom, You are our peace.
Jehovah-Tsidkeenu, You are our righteousness.
Jehovah-Mekaddishkem, You are our sanctifier.
Jehovah-Sabaoth, You are the Lord of hosts.
Jehovah-Shammah, You are present.
Jehovah-Elyon, You are the Lord most high.
Jehovah-Rohi, You are the Lord my Shepherd.
Jehovah-Hoseenu, You are the Lord our Maker.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord. Holy is our gracious and merciful God. Amen.

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report December 5, 9:25-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Don Foust

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

On this grey and chilly morning before the snow began to fall, people were actively seeking out the Prayer Table. Despite their many problems, all wanted to improve their lives and were actively seeking God’s intervention. We thank God for all who stopped at the Prayer Table this morning.

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.

Christian– repeat visitor– Christian came directly to the Prayer Table without a prompt. “How about a prayer for my children.” We prayed for provision and protection for his children Christian, Brooklyn and Nazzi. We thank God for parents who care for their children.

Bill–regular– for protection from seizures and for a companion. We praise God for those who continue to seek Him during times of despair.

+William– This young man walked by the Prayer Table and did not want to stop. He came back and when asked want he needed, he said, “Money to pay my rent.” We prayed for provision. We thank God for those who respond to His calling.

Donald– repeat visitor from previous Saturdays as well as Wednesdays– “How could I not stop for prayer?” We prayed for more anointing by the Holy Spirit in Donald’s life. “This is where the real work is…Keep doing it.” We praise God for those who remain constant during life’s journey.

Man Across the Street– He stopped walking, prayed for us, and then said, “Thank you for being here“. We prayed for blessings in his life. We praise God for those unknown to us who pray for us.

Roxanne– repeat visitor– Crossed State Street to come to the Prayer Table. Roxanne had her son +Wassim with her. Sunday will be Wassim’s 9th birthday. We prayed for God’s blessings in Wassim’s life and for God’s provision for Roxanne. We praise God for parents who lead their children by their own example.

+Cesar– repeat visitor– Ran across State Street to come to the Prayer Table. “I have Faith“. We prayed for God’s provision and protection for Cesar and his family. We praise God for the enthusiasm of the Faithful.

+Woman who did give her name– She waited patiently while Cesar was at the Prayer Table. We prayed that the Erwin and Green families would know the true meaning of Christmas this season. We thank God for those who are patient.

+Maryanne– “I’m homeless– living in a motel. Pray that my husband and I will get back together.” We praise God for those who have little, but remain Faithful.

+Lisa (likes to be called Raven)– “I have done a lot of things I should not have done”. This woman has no job. She is a convicted felon, coming out of rehab. She is addicted to cigarettes. She is a manic-depressive. She has no job. Her constant companion (her cat) is sick, but she has hope. She wants to change her life and become self-sufficient. We prayed for a new direction in Raven’s life. She is looking for a Church to attend and we invited her to the 10:30 service at Christ Church. Although she has been baptized, she said she was not worthy of taking Communion. We assured her that Communion is for sinners and that we all have fallen short. Although Raven asks for God’s forgiveness for her sins, she is concerned that she keeps doing the same sins over and over again. Despite so many problems, Raven has not abandoned God. Please pray for Raven, that God will deal with her many problems one at a time.. We thank God for those who still have Hope.

+Jack– older man– When asked if he wanted prayer, he said, “Does it cost anything?” We assured him prayer was free. Jack needed money. We prayed for provision. He had attended the Neighborhood Meal last Sunday at Christ Church. Jack used a walker to get about. Because of his diabetes, his legs are numb (neuropathy). We prayed for healing of his legs. We thank God that even those who are skeptical, will still seek Him.

+Kathy– This young woman had a beaming smile. She was on her way to the store, but said she would return on her way back. True to her word, Kathy stopped on her return. She asked “for the Lord’s abundance.” We prayed for blessings in Kathy’s life. We praise God for those true to their word.

+Hannibal– “I am going through hard time. I lost my job yesterday.” Hannibal is raising his 2-year old daughter Hanyia. He had no one to take of his daughter, so he would bring her to work. Because of this, he lost his job. He does not want a hand-out; he wants to be self-sufficient. We prayed for a good job for Hannibal and someone to watch his daughter while he is at work. We praise God for those who persevere.

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.

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

A message from Fr. Nigel

A message from Fr. Nigel

“A HUGE THANK YOU to all who have been praying for me. There was a night when the doctors told Lynn [Torre: probably October 19th] 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 of prayer that washed over me and that is why I am here today.”

Fr. Nigel also reported that he was able to put on his own socks by himself for the first time today.

Please continue to pray for:
      Immediate healing of the bedsore that is still causing him great discomfort
      Healing of whatever is causing the dizziness and nausea
      Complete healing and restoration of his lungs
      Regaining strength and use of his muscles
      Peace and stamina for Lynn

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 22:15-22

      Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do you care about anyone, for you do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
      But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? Show me the tax money.”
      So they brought him a denarius.
      And he said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
      They said to him, “Caesar’s.”
      And he said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left him and went their way. (Matthew 22:15-22)
      LORD, we are your creation and we are stamped with your image; please help us daily give ourselves to you for your purposes.

      Holy Spirit, purify our hearts and set us free from hypocrisy.

      Father, please help us rightly discern what belongs to you and what belongs to our government.

      Jesus, defeat every trap set for your people and guide us through to your victory. Thank you.

Saturday: 110:1-5(6-7), 116, 117; Amos 5:18-27; Jude 17-25; Matthew 22:15-22
Sunday: 114, 115; Amos 6:1-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-12; Luke 1:57-68

Albany Intercessor

Father Nigel Mumford

Father, 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, all in perfect balance with one another.
Speak to Nigel and restore his balance, we pray.
Jesus, before Your resurrection You walked on water, and, after, You walked through walls. Yet, in all of Your holiness, You chose to walk on the dusty roads of Palestine and into the homes of fishermen and tax collectors.
Step into Nigel’s body and restore his ability to walk, we pray.
Holy Spirit, at creation, You hovered over the face of the deep and brought order out of chaos.
We do not know what is causing Nigel to be ill when he stands, but You in Your infinite wisdom do. Move over every aspect of Nigel’s body that is in chaos. Hover over his lungs, the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in his blood, and his vascular system. Hover over Nigel and restore order, we pray. Amen.

Fr. Nigel Update 9:14 AM

Fr. Nigel Update 9:14 AM

Friday 12/4/09
Fr. Nigel Mumford continues to improve, bit by bit. Yesterday was an orientation day for him in his new surroundings, so he was meeting new doctors, nurses and staff. He continues to receive some help with oxygen as his lungs are not able to manage on their own just yet. He said that his brief time on his feet attempting to walk is much like Tim Conway on the 70s television show “Laugh In” – he shuffles along with his walker. Although he would like to be gaining more strength and time on his feet, his dizziness and nausea are continuing to plague him. The doctors are trying to discover what is causing this.

Fr. Nigel is in wonderful spirits and his sense of humor is ever evident. If you know Fr. Nigel, you will know that he is keen on humor in the healing process. He is anxious to build up his strength so that he can be home by Christmas, which would be a wonderful gift.

Please pray for:
      Immediate healing of the bedsore that is still causing him great discomfort
      Healing of whatever is causing the dizziness and nausea
      Complete healing and restoration of his lungs
      Regaining strength and use of his muscles
      Peace and stamina for Lynn

Please give Praise and Thanksgiving to our God who has answered our prayers.
Because Fr. Nigel is still susceptible to infection, there is still a No Visitor policy. Fr. Nigel knows how many people are praying for him and he knows how God has listened to your prayers. If he were able, Fr. Nigel would thank each of you personally for your prayers for him and for others. May God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and your faithfulness to Him.

       From Beth Strickland

The Manhattan Declaration

The Manhattan Declaration organization is composed of Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good:
1.the sanctity of human life
2.the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
3.the rights of conscience and religious liberty.
I signed the Declaration and encourage others to do so. Over 250,000 have already signed it. In our enthusiasm, let us not forget to follow our Lord’s injunction and bless our political opponents.

O Lord,
If only we could love as You! Your love is steadfast; ours is mercurial. Your love overflows with tender mercies; ours is riddled with unforgiveness. Holy is Your name. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
We ask You to love the leaders of our nation, including our political opponents. Love them, especially President Barak Obama. Love their families, and their staffs. You know their needs. Bless them, Lord, in Your infinite wisdom. Bless them in Your judgment. Bless them in Your mercy. Amen.

During our 40 Days for Life campaign, commenter Sibyl said this prayer for our political opponents:

Holy Father,
I pray You will, by the power of the Holy Spirit, impart revelation, direct, unforgetable, undeniable.
Reveal your will to those persons you wish to use for your purposes.
Speak Your truth, love, life into their hearts and minds through dreams as you spoke to Nebuchadnezzar, to Daniel, to Joseph son of Jacob, to Joseph of Nazareth and others throughout Scripture.
Stir, convict, convince, warn those who will hear, believe and act. Grant Godly sorrow unto repentance.
Guide Your intercessors in the way that they should pray.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen

And commenter GA/FL wrote this prayer for our political opponents:
Father,
Please make the light of Your face and countenance to shine upon all this nation, the candidates and the voters. Let Your light work to expose evil and to reveal truth…to convict of sin, to convince of Your goodness, truth and love, to restore and guide and turn all who will humble themselves and agree with Your word, to be able to dwell in Your blessed protection and peace that the world cannot take away. In Jesus Holy Name, Amen