Vermont

Vermont is home to amateur telescope makers.

Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And he said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5)

Father, we pray that the church in Vermont will produce spiritual children in great numbers for You. Amen.

Cry out to the Lord

20April10 Prayerline 9:31AM

(Deacon Howard Smith)
      I have a real sense that we should cry out to God today for this Nation, our Towns, and our Families. That the winds of change will not be driven by the spirit of this age, but be fueled by the fire of the Holy Spirit. That as the day unfolds, God will manifest His presence through us and use us to advance His Kingdom.

Matthew 3:7-12

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7)
      Lord Jesus, have mercy on the leaders and teachers and people of the Episcopal Church and turn our hearts into your ways; help us flee from the wrath that is to come.

“Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,” (Matthew 3:8 )
      Holy Spirit, do that work in all of us: help us bear the fruit of repentance.

“and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.” (Matthew 3:9)
      Father, give us hearts of flesh in place of the stony hearts we so often have. Help us become by faith in Jesus children of Abraham.

“And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” (Matthew 3:10)
      Holy Spirit, please help all those who have wandered away from the flock to recognize the peril they are in and return to Jesus.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)
      Jesus, please baptize us anew with your Holy Spirit and with fire. Burn away everything that keeps us from you.

“His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:12)
      A word received (11/18/2006): Pray for the day of my threshing. Pray that none of the wheat will be lost with the chaff. Pray for my little ones who are being led astray by lies. Pray for my will to be done.

      Lord, we pray for your little ones: that none of the wheat will be lost with the chaff. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray for the many who have not heard my gospel — my good news. Pray for hearts that are open to my word.

Tuesday: 36, 39; Exodus 19:1-16; Colossians 1:1-14; Matthew 3:7-12
Wednesday: 119:25-48; Exodus 19:16-25; Colossians 1:15-23; Matthew 3:13-17

      Notes from the Front Line

Check out “If we’ve ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need him now.” by St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Los Angeles (a 78 rpm record): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m9x-cT7cKs

***** Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010
From: Dan Herzog
Subject: The United Diocese of Down And Dromore (Church of Ireland – Anglican/Episcopal) http://www.downanddromore.org/index.cfm?do=news&newsid=1105

[Note from Torre: these videos are well worth watching. Jean and I have enormous respect for Chris Bennett.]

Albany Intercessor

St. Andrew’s Cathedral at Singapore

The cathedral is the venue of the Fourth Global South to South Encounter.

Esther 5:1-3 (King James Version)
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Sovereign Lord,
You are high and mighty, seated between the cherubim of heaven. Stir the intercessors of the Anglican Communion to adorn themselves in holiness, covered in the Blood of Jesus, with mercy and truth around their necks, that they may obtain favor in Your sight. Hold out Your scepter to them and grant their request for the healing of the Anglican Communion. Amen.
Psalm 99:1, Proverbs 3:3, Esther 5:1-3

St. Andrew’s Cathedral at Singapore

Isaiah 54:10-12 (21st Century King James Version)
For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed,” saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.
“O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors and lay thy foundations with sapphires. And I will make thy windows of agates and thy gates of rubies, and all thy borders of pleasant stones.

East window of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore, where the Fourth Global South to South Encounter is taking place.

Vermont

In 1777, Vermont became the first state to outlaw slavery. By writing a constitution to outlaw slavery, Vermont allowed runaway slaves to stay in Vermont and allowed no one to own slaves in their state.The U.S. didn’t abolish slavery everywhere until about 100 years after Vermont outlawed slavery in the state.

O Lord,
We thank You that Vermont was a place of refuge during the slavery era. May judgment continue to run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream from these green mountains. Amen.

Matthew 3:1-6

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Matthew 3:1)
      Holy Spirit, please guide the preaching that takes place in this diocese. Move in the wilderness areas of our lives where we are still untouched by the gospel.

and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)
      Holy Spirit, move us to true and lasting repentance. Let the kingdom of heaven be manifested among us.

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.”‘” (Matthew 3:3)
      Father, give us ears and hearts to respond to all preaching inspired by your Holy Spirit. Help us discern the true from the false.

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4)
      Jesus, thank you for all those messengers you send to us. Bless them and provide for them. We pray that Bishop Ken Good and his wife, Mary, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, will be able to fly here to lead Priests’ Retreat and to lead Clergy Wives’ Retreat. We pray that the disruption in air travel will quickly end.

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him (Matthew 3:5)
      Holy Spirit, draw multitudes from all over this diocese to the Diocesan Convention to hear your word to us.

and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:6)
      Jesus, move among us at the Diocesan Convention to confess our sins and repent of them. Then help us take up our cross and follow you. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray for my living waters to flow.
      Lord, give us a thirst for what you want to give us. Come, Holy Spirit, and do a work of preparation in us.
      A word received: Trust me.

Monday: Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Matthew (1:1-17),3:1-6
Tuesday: 36, 39; Exodus 19:1-16; Colossians 1:1-14; Matthew 3:7-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 9:26 pm
From: Sister Mary Elizabeth
Subject: Mother Miriam
Torre and Jean–
      Mother Miriam asks specific prayers for stabilization of her heart beat. She has developed an abnormality common with surgery of this nature — one in three patients experience it. Pray for a slowing and regularity in her sinus rhythm. She is very eager to come home, but this must be resolved before the hospital will release her.
Sister Mary Elizabeth

***** Mary Jones gives her testimony about the power of the Holy Spirit working in her life       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSh51739-WA

Dave Dussault gives his testimony about the power of the Holy Spirit working in his life       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muxaSUUNtnM

***** Check out “Nearer My God To Thee” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A19Fx7A_GI&feature=channel This is a clip from the 1936 movie “San Francisco” with Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and Jeannette MacDonald. Pray for those caught up in natural disasters lately, e.g., Haiti, Chile, China, and elsewhere.

***** Please pray for the Diocesan Convention, June 11-13, 2010, at the Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York

      Pray that the worship at the Diocesan Convention.

      Pray that we as a diocese will truly take up our cross and follow where Jesus leads.

Albany Intercessor

St. Andrew’s Cathedral at Singapore

The cathedral is the venue for the Fourth Global South to South Encounter.

O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
You are the Lord our God, and Jesus is Your Son. Be with the Global South leaders in this meeting. Protect them wherever they go.
We cry out that Jesus stand over St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Jesus is the gate, the very gateway to heaven. All those who enter in through Him will be saved. May the angels ascend and descend upon them.
May all those present say, “Surely the Lord is in this place. What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God.”
Genesis 28:16-17, John 10:9

St. Andrew’s Cathedral at Singapore

The spire rises 207 feet (63m). Housed in the spire are the Cathedral’s eight bells, the largest being equal in weight to No.8 in the peal of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. After installation, it was discovered that the foundation of the tower would not stand the strain of ringing. The bells were then permanently fixed, their clappers tied, and they were struck with hammers instead, so that they still “chimed”.

O Lord,
We pray that nothing will stop the name of Jesus from ringing forth from this week’s meeting at the Cathedral throughout the Communion. Amen.

Vermont

We are praying for our nation, one state per week. From the state constitution:

Chapter 1, Article 3:
That all persons have a natural and unalienable right, to worship Almighty God, according to the dictates of their own consciences and understandings, as in their opinion shall be regulated by the word of God; … Nevertheless, every sect or denomination of Christians ought to observe the sabbath or Lord’s day, and keep up some sort of religious worship, which to them shall seem most agreeable to the revealed will of God.

Reveal Your will, O Lord, to the people of Vermont through Your Holy Word. May the Sabbath be observed throughout the land. Amen.

Fourth Global South to South Encounter

Ezekiel 34:12 (New International Version)
As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
Good Shepherd, bring the Anglican Communion out of this dark season into the daylight.

Job 5:19 (New International Version)
From six calamities he will rescue you; in seven no harm will befall you.
Lord, save the Anglican Communion from calamity.

Psalm 22:21 (New International Version)
Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
Lead and guide and keep the global south leaders in spiritual safety, away from the domain of lions and wild oxen, as they deal with the crisis in the Anglican Communion.

Psalm 91:11-12 (New International Version)
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
Keep the participants in this meeting from losing their footing.

Psalm 72:14 (New International Version)
He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
Guard them from oppression and violence.

2 Timothy 4:18 (New International Version)
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Help them, Lord. Satan seeks their destruction.

Psalm 107:20-21 (New International Version)
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.
Rescue them from the grave, Lord, both in Singapore and when they return to their homelands. We give You thanks, Lord, for Your unfailing love and the wonderful deeds You will perform for these men. Amen.

John 21:1-14

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and in this way he showed himself: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We are going with you also.” They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:1-3)
      Lord, so much of our fishing for men has been fruitless (as far as we can see). Help us meet you once again and receive the guidance of your Holy Spirit.

But when the morning had now come, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. (John 21:4)
      Jesus, how many times have you stood on our shores and we haven’t recognized you?

Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered him, “No.” (John 21:5)
      Jesus, we need the food for our souls that only you can give; fill us anew with your Holy Spirit. Help us receive you into our hearts when we receive your body and blood today.

And he said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. (John 21:6)
      Jesus, help us cast our nets at your bidding. Please make our evangelism and work as fruitful as this.

Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment (for he had removed it), and plunged into the sea. (John 21:7)
      Jesus, clothe us with your righteousness and give us the same desire to plunge in to get to you that Simon Peter had.

But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits), dragging the net with fish. (John 21:8 )
      Holy Spirit, please help us bring our catch to Jesus.

Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. (John 21:9)
      Jesus, help us see the feeding you have prepared for us.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” (John 21:10)
      Father, help us bring our catch to Jesus.

Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. (John 21:11)
      Holy Spirit, please give us eyes to see such wonders when we go fishing for men.

Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” Yet none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?”–knowing that it was the Lord. (John 21:12)
      Jesus, please help us come to you at your bidding.

Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and likewise the fish. (John 21:13)
      Thank you, Jesus, for feeding us.

This is now the third time Jesus showed himself to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. (John 21:14)
      Lord, reveal yourself to us and help us go forth with the good news of your resurrection from the dead. Thank you.

Sunday: 114, 115; Exodus 18:1-12; 1 John 2:7-17; Mark 16:9-20
Monday: Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Matthew (1:1-17),3:1-6

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sat, 17 Apr 2010
From: Vaughan in San Antonio, Texas
      Thank you all for your prayers. John Spikes body was found this morning. He has set his feet upon a Rock, our sweet Lord and Savior. Please continue to keep his wife, Virginia in your prayers.
      Thank you all for the blessing of praying together.
In Christ, Vaughan

***** Check out “For All the Saints Who From Their Labours Rest” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH2UcunPAR0

***** Please pray for the Diocesan Convention, June 11-13, 2010, at the Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York

      Pray that the Black Flies, mosquitoes and bears will exit the Camp of the Woods during the Diocesan Convention.

      Pray that we as a diocese will truly take up our cross and follow where Jesus leads.

Albany Intercessor

The gates of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore

The theme of the Fourth Global South to South Encounter is “The Gospel of Jesus Christ—Covenant for the People; Light for the Nations.” The four gates of St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore, testify to this theme.

Matthew: Proclaiming Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Mark: Proclaiming Jesus, the Servant-King!

Luke: Proclaiming Jesus, the Son of God!

John: Proclaiming Jesus, the Perfect Man!

Psalm 24:7-9 (New King James Version)
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O you gates!
Lift up, you everlasting doors!
And the King of glory shall come in.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore

The Fourth Global South to South Encounter will take place in St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore. For a breathtakingly beautiful virtual tour of the nave, go here. A photo gallery of the cathedral is found here.
Interestingly, this fine Early Gothic building was designed by Colonel Ronald Macpherson, who was unqualified.

O God our Savior,
We rejoice in You. You do great things for us. Holy is Your name. Your mercy extends to those who fear You from generation to generation. Your perform mighty deeds with Your arm and scatter those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. You bring down rulers from their thrones and lift up the humble.
You have used the unqualified to magnify Your name in the building of this cathedral. Fill those in the Anglican Communion who hunger and thirst after righteousness by the proceedings of the Fourth Global South to South Encounter. Send the arrogant away empty. Lift up the humble and magnify Your name! Build something breathtakingly beautiful this week, we pray. Amen.
Luke 1:46-53

Autism

Children of Destiny is a ministry dedicated to bringing God’s hope, life and restoration to families and individuals struggling with autism and related disorders through the development and promotion of effective prayer, inspirational messages and spiritual support. They have a prayer calendar for this month, which focuses on autism awareness.