So he got into a boat, crossed over, and came to his own city. (Matthew 9:1)
Jesus, please come to this city and make it your own.
Then behold, they brought to him a paralytic lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” (Matthew 9:2)
Jesus, come and meet all those who are paralyzed in body or in spirit. Help them hear your words of mercy: “Your sins are forgiven you.”
And at once some of the scribes said within themselves, “This man blasphemes!” (Matthew 9:3)
Father, help all those who minister in the power of your Spirit so that they are not deterred by such criticism.
But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?” (Matthew 9:4)
Holy Spirit, search our hearts and help us repent of thinking evil of others. Help us truly leave judgment in Jesus’ hands.
“For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’”? (Matthew 9:5)
Father, give us faith to move mountains: mountains of sin and illness. Help us use the faith we have.
But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”–then he said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” (Matthew 9:6)
Jesus, please speak your word of forgiveness and healing throughout this diocese; speak your word to us today. Thank you.
And he arose and departed to his house. Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. (Matthew 9:7-8 )
Holy Spirit, please help us use the power you give us to build up the kingdom of God and the Body of Christ. Help us always point to Jesus and not to ourselves. Thank you.
Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. (Exodus 17:8-13)
A word received for clergy: I appointed Aaron and Hur. I called them. Look for those I have called to support you.
Thursday: 105:23-45; Zechariah 4:1-14; Ephesians 4:17-32; Matthew 9:1-8
Friday: 107:1-32; Jeremiah 31:27-34; Ephesians 5:1-20; Matthew 9:9-17
Notes from the Front Line
“Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIuBihdxSSA&feature=related
***** Please pray for the Welcome Home Initiative May 24-26. For more information on the Welcome Home Initiative visit the web site http://www.christ-the-king-center.org/WelcomeHome/
Albany Intercessor
