Psalm 51:1-6

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your lovingkindness; (Psalm 51:1a)
      Father, I look to you day by day — have mercy on me.

According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. (Psalm 51:1b)
      Father, you have blotted out my transgressions with the blood of your son Jesus. Thank you.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:2)
      Holy Spirit, come upon me and cleanse me of sin. Let the fire of your love go through me.

For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. (Psalm 51:3)
      Lord Jesus, you know my sins even better than I do, have mercy on me and cleanse me from my sin.

Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight–that you may be found just when you speak, and blameless when you judge. (Psalm 51:4)
      Jesus, I claim you cross and blood shed for me as my only defense. There is nothing else I can claim that has any merit. Thank you for dying for me.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. (Psalm 51:5)
      LORD, the stain of sin is built into the very fabric of my life; have mercy on me and cleanse me of all my sin.

Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6)
      Father, please bring me to wisdom; help me to see by the light of Christ.

Friday: 51; Joshua 9:22-10:15; Romans 15:14-24; Matthew 27:1-10
Saturday: 138,139:1-17(18-23); Joshua 23:1-16; Romans 15:25-33; Matthew 27:11-23

      Notes from the Front Line

***** I saw the retina specialist again Thursday morning. He gave a good report. I will always have some floaters in my eye but he said I “will get used to them.” There was no further sign of any bleeding or other problems. Torre

Albany Intercessor

Florida

From the constitution of the state of Florida:

Article 2, Section 5, oath of office:
“So help me God.”

Proverbs 29:4 (New International Version)
By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

O God, help the leaders of the state of Florida to rule justly and guard them from greed. Amen.

USA

Lord God Almighty,
You are a just God, and You preside over the destiny of nations.
Protect the United States of America, we cry.
You set all the boundaries of the earth. Our times are in Your hands.
Protect the United States of America, we cry.
Deliver us from our enemies and from those who pursue us.
Protect the United States of America, we cry.
We trust in You, O Lord, and say You are our God. Let Your face shine upon Your servants. Save us in Your unfailing love. Amen.
Psalm 31:14-16, 74:17

Romans 15:1-6, 13

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1)
      Jesus, please give us your heart of compassion for the weak. Help us serve them as you would.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. (Romans 15:2)
      Holy Spirit, please help us build up one another with your love and compassion.

For even Christ did not please himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” (Romans 15:3)
      Father, please help us die to ourselves as Jesus did. Help us love others with your love.

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)
      Holy Spirit, restore daily reading of the Scriptures to the Body of Christ so that we may learn from them and have hope.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)
      Amen and Amen! Now may the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (See Romans 15:13)

      A word received: Give me the honor that is due to me.

Thursday: [59,60] or 66, 67; Joshua 9:3-21; Romans 15:1-13; Matthew 26:69-75
Friday: 51; Joshua 9:22-10:15; Romans 15:14-24; Matthew 27:1-10

Albany Intercessor

Florida

Let us declare with the people of the state of Florida the preamble to their constitution:

We, the people of the State of Florida, being grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, in order to secure its benefits, perfect our government, insure domestic tranquility, maintain public order, and guarantee equal civil and political rights to all, do ordain and establish this constitution.

Psalm 127:1 NIV
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.

O Lord, build the house of the state of Florida and watch over it, we pray.

Matthew 26:57-68

And those who had laid hold of Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. (Matthew 26:57)
      Have mercy on the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church, Lord.

But Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. (Matthew 26:58 )
      Jesus, so many of your people “follow at a distance.” Please help us all draw near to you.

Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put him to death, (Matthew 26:59)
      Father, so many of the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church have sought after false testimony about Jesus; have mercy on us.

but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward (Matthew 26:60)
      Holy Spirit, we ask you to confuse the testimony of all false witnesses against Jesus.

and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” (Matthew 26:61)
      Lord Jesus, rebuild the temple of your body, the Church, in our day. Renew in our day the wonders of your Pentecost among us.

And the high priest arose and said to him, “Do you answer nothing? What is it these men testify against you?” (Matthew 26:62)
      Jesus, you knew when to speak and when to keep silent; help us know the same.

But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to him, “I put you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God!” (Matthew 26:63)
      Jesus, please help the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church accept the answer you give to this question.

Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64)
      Holy Father, please help the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church see things as they truly are with your son.

Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard his blasphemy! What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” (Matthew 26:65-66)
      Lord, have mercy on us, our leaders and teachers call good evil and evil good.

Then they spat in his face and beat him; and others struck him with the palms of their hands, saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck you?” (Matthew 26:67-68 )
      Holy Spirit, please bring repentance and renewal to your people.

      Jesus, forgive us when we hurt you.

      Father, thank you for loving us so much that you sent Jesus to endure this for us.

      A word received: I will be your guide — that is my promise. Listen for my guidance.

      Jesus, please help us wait and listen for your guidance. Thank you.

Wednesday: 49,[53]; Joshua 8:30-35; Romans 14:13-23; Matthew 26:57-68
Thursday: [59,60] or 66, 67; Joshua 9:3-21; Romans 15:1-13; Matthew 26:69-75

Albany Intercessor

Michigan

The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is located in Northern Michigan. It is the largest crucifix in the world.

We thank You, Father, for the faithful in Michigan who indeed lift high the cross. May they keep their eyes on You in all of their ways. They are in Your care. You are their provider. We pray for the Holy Spirit’s ministry of guidance and counsel. Amen.

Anglican Communion

Matthew 11:12 (New International Version)
From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.

Father, Satan comes to steal.
Holy Spirit, impart to us within the Anglican Communion Christ’s very own love. Help us to be cheerful givers.
Father, Satan comes to kill.
Holy Spirit, impart to us within the Anglican Communion Christ’s very own love. Help us to bless one another in the Anglican Communion through words of affirmation and meaningful gestures. Guard Your children from violence. Prosper the healing ministries and the pro-life advocates within the Communion.
Father, Satan comes to destroy.
Holy Spirit, impart to us within the Anglican Communion Christ’s very own love. Guard the Communion from lies. Restore the broken relationships and rebuild trust in the ordering of Communion governance on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. Help us to love one another as Christ loved us and forgive one another as Christ forgave us. Amen.
2 Corinthians 9:7, Ephesians 2:20, John 13:34

Romans 14:7-12

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. (Romans 14:7)
      Jesus, thank you for calling us to a life lived in you. Help us die to ourselves and live for you.

For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14:8 )
      Jesus, thank you that I am in your hands — that in life and death you will be there with me, holding my hand and saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”

For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:9)
      Jesus, be Lord of my life!

But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10)
      Holy Spirit, please help me recognize the difference between discernment and judgment — to do the former and not the latter.

For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11)
      Father, write your word on my heart.

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
      LORD, even now, help me give a true account of myself to you day by day. Thank you for drawing me to you.

      A word received at Christ Church 7/18/10: It is time; it is time to repent of those things in your lives that cause separation from me. Come — come and bring your sin. I died to bring reconciliation and to tear down the walls you have built between us. Come and be set free from the barriers between us. All of you still have barriers. Come and be free from them.

Tuesday: 47, 48; Joshua 8:1-22; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 26:47-56
Wednesday: 49,[53]; Joshua 8:30-35; Romans 14:13-23; Matthew 26:57-68

Albany Intercessor

Michigan

From the state constitution:

Article 1, Section 4:
Every person shall be at liberty to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

Father,
We thank You for the freedom of religion that has been held in trust in this state since its inception. We implore You that this freedom be protected in the years to come. Guard it from Sharia law. Amen.

Psalm 44:1-3

We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds you did in their days, in days of old: (Psalm 44:1)
      Holy Spirit, please help us listen to the wisdom of the Church Fathers — ground us in apostolic teaching and faith.

You drove out the nations with your hand, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, and cast them out. (Psalm 44:2)
      Father, please deal with every trick and trap of the evil one — drive him far away from us.

For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your countenance, because you favored them. (Psalm 44:3)
      Jesus, the battle is yours and the victory is yours: please help us walk by the light of your countenance. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray for my people to choose “the better part” that Mary chose. I want my people to learn of me and learn from me. Pray for my people to be instructed by my Holy Spirit.

Monday: 44; Joshua 7:1-13; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 26:36-46
Tuesday: 47, 48; Joshua 8:1-22; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 26:47-56

Albany Intercessor

Michigan

Preamble to the state constitution:

We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, and earnestly desiring to secure these blessings undiminished to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution.

O Lord,
May the people of the state of Michigan keep their eyes on You in the ordering of their lives. Amen.

Israel

This is the first stanza of a hymn introduced by Walter Scott in the novel Ivanhoe.

When Israel, of the Lord beloved,
Out from the land of bondage came,
Her father’s God before her moved,
An awful Guide, in smoke and flame.

O God of Israel,
You are an awesome God, and Israel is Your beloved. Move before the nation of Israel today and guide her out from the bondage of sin. Amen.

Justice

Proverbs 21:3 (New International Version)
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Proverbs 21:15 (New International Version)
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Jeremiah 23:5 (New International Version)
“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.

Psalm 89:14 (King James Version)
Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

O Lord,
Christ Jesus annulled humanity’s just judgment of condemnation through His word: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” May Christ be enthroned in our hearts by faith that we in the Anglican Communion may rise in His love and go forth in His mercy and truth to execute on His behalf justice and judgment in the Earth. Amen.

Reference: Breaking the Serpent Code by Jim and Faith Chosa

Job 13:13-19

“Hold your peace with me, and let me speak, then let come on me what may!” (Job 13:13)
      Holy Spirit, I look to you to give me speech: the only defense I will give is Jesus’ blood shed for me.

“Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hands?” (Job 13:14)
      Jesus, I put my life in your hands.

“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before him.” (Job 13:15)
      Father, I should be an object of your wrath, but in your love and mercy you sent your son to die for me. I know that whatever you do with my life is best for me and I will trust you. Thank you for helping me see Jesus. Thank you for giving me sight of your kingdom. I see it from afar now, but then I shall see you face to face. Thank you.

“He also shall be my salvation, for a hypocrite could not come before him.” (Job 13:16)
      Jesus, I know that you are my redeemer and that you live and that at the last day you will stand on the earth and I shall see you with my own eyes, and I shall behold you as a friend and not as a stranger. Thank you.

“Listen carefully to my speech, and to my declaration with your ears.” (Job 13:17)
      LORD, please help me to be a fruitful and effective witness to your death and resurrection. Give people ears to hear my witness.

“See now, I have prepared my case, I know that I shall be vindicated.” (Job 13:18 )
      Jesus, you are my vindication and my hope; you are the rock I stand on.

“Who is he who will contend with me? If now I hold my tongue, I perish.” (Job 13:19)
      Holy Spirit, please help me daily speak of the your father’s love for me. Don’t let the evil one confuse me or my counsel. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray that my people will come to me for my guidance. Pray for my Holy Spirit’s ministry of guidance and counsel.

Sunday: MP: 103; Joshua 6:15-27; Acts 22:30-23:11; Mark 2:1-12
      HC: 15; Genesis 18:1-10a(10b-14); Colossians 1:21-29; Luke 10:38-42
Monday: 44; Joshua 7:1-13; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 26:36-46

Albany Intercessor