Oil spill

The pressure in the cap is dropping, the significance of which is unknown. Also the oyster beds/reefs at the mouth of the Mississippi are dying. They have tried to use the fresh water of the river to flush out the oil in that area, and this is damaging the oysters. (6,000+ jobs in the oyster industry in that area).

Jehovah-jireh,
You see and know our every need. You watch over us without slumber. You know our needs before we even ask.
If the swallow can nest near Your altar and the sparrow cannot fall to the ground apart from Your will, then surely You are present to the oyster beds. We trust in Your provision during this crisis. You have a plan for our nation, for the Gulf of Mexico, for the coastlands, and for the oyster beds. We call on Your Holy Name. Amen.
Psalm 84:3, 121:3; Matthew 6:8, 10:29

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, July 17, 2010, 9:30 -11:00 A.M. Torre Bissell (in front of Christ Church).

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

+William — for health, for my family, for drawing close to God.

+Leona — I’m in a gay neighborhood and want out of there to another apartment. I want to get my kids back.

+Debra (a regular) — “I’ve been praying for you. Pray that my health is good and that I continue to do good and for my family.” She got a cross for her granddaughter.

+Sierra (young woman) — “for strength to keep going on”

+Jerry (boy) — “for my family”

(Young man) — that he can find a job paying $12/hour.

+Diana — “for family and friends”

+Ma’are (young woman)

+Jermaine (young man)

+Paula (a regular) got crosses for her children +Zorie, +Kathy, and +Trent. She asked for continued prayers.

+Ramel (young man) — “for good health”

+David

Eric (an elder at the 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St.)

Torre

Larry Skramstad and Carol MacNaughton did a prayer table on Albany St in the SICM parking lot this morning. (I forgot to tell Larry and Carol to note who had received crosses, but it is clear from the bag of crosses that many did. Torre)

Nash — for health

(Unknown male) — pray for his safety, well-being and his baby.

(Unknown male) — general blessing, fell the Father’s love.

Sonny — prayer for housing.

Miller — pray for his electricity to be truned back on; also for his high blood pressure; prayer for his neighborhood.

Tommy – in prison — gave cross to his little brother to give him

Terrell — Carrivel — in prison

Renee — prayer for her two daughters

Carmine — prayer for her mother and family.

Tito — prayed for a good job and the baby on the way.

Carol

Giving thanks

Hi, folks, sorry I dropped out of sight. On Monday, I took my husband for his next round of chemotherapy, and his oncologist hospitalized him. George suffers from a chemotherapy-induced enteritis and had lost 33 pounds. A week in the hospital was like camping out at Elim where there are twelve springs and seventy palm trees (Exodus 15:27). He is noticeably stronger after receiving intravenous nutrition and blood transfusions. We had wonderful visits from many old friends. Thank you for your prayers.

Another praise report regards the BP oil leak, which is stopped for now.–JW

O Lord, You are gracious and steadfast. Thank You that we live in an oasis of prayer, with streams of tender mercy and the cool, refreshing movement of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the improvement of Torre’s vision, the strengthening of George, and the success of the BP oil well cap. How gracious You are, dear Lord. Amen.

Matthew 26:26-29

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” (Matthew 26:26)
      Jesus, thank you for being broken for me, thank you for breaking into my life, thank you for giving of yourself to me, thank you for making me a disciple.

Then he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28 )
      Jesus, thank you for pouring out your life blood for me, thank you for forgiving my sins. Please help me tell others what you have done for me.

“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:29)
      Jesus, thank you for giving up so much and going through so much so that we too can enter your father’s kingdom.

      A word received: Keep looking to me. You are in my care. I AM your provider.

Saturday: 42, 43; Joshua 6:1-14; Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 26:26-35
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

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Note from Torre, Friday – 7/ 16/10: I went to see my ophthalmologist for a follow-up appointment this morning. There was still so much blood in my eye she could not tell what was happening and sent me immediately to a retinal specialist to see if I had a detached or torn retina. I was examined by two specialists and told that at this time there is no detachment or tear in the retina but there was a 50% chance I would get one. I have a follow-up appointment with the specialist next Thursday morning. I need to continue to behave myself (sleep with head elevated, no lifting grandchildren, etc.). Please pray for clarity of sight — both physical and spiritual. Saturday – 7/17/10: I was prayed on at the service at St. Michael’s Colonie last night. For the first time this morning in a week and a half I was able to see and recognize Jean’s face. While the red cloud of blood and long “floaters” of blood are still there, it is much better this morning. I still can’t read with the right eye. Last Tuesday I took Jean to the ER. She had and area of blood behind her right knee as big as my hand. It turns out she has a partially torn hamstring. Please continue to pray for both of us.

***** Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: a look into WW1 PTSD
A brief look into WW1 PTSD or shell shock as it was called then: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS1dO0JC2EE
Be well
God bless you
Fr, Nigel+

Albany Intercessor

Romans 12:9-16 and Report from Belfast and the Titantic Quarter

Let love be without hypocrisy. (Romans 12:9a)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize and repent of our own hypocrisy.

Abhor what is evil. (Romans 12:9b)
      Jesus, give us a desire for you that will overcome every trap of temptation.

Cling to what is good. (Romans 12:9c)
      Father, please help us cling to what you call good — what the world calls “good” is crazy.

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; (Romans 12:10)
      Holy Spirit, let this affectionate love and brotherly love mark all our parishes.

not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; (Romans 12:11)
      Holy Spirit, help us “get off the dime” and be doers of the word.

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; (Romans 12:12)
      Jesus, please give us steadiness in you. Help us do what we see you doing.

distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12:13)
      Father, we have received so much from your hand — help us to be generous like you.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14)
      LORD, we have unclean lips and we live among a people of unclean lips — have mercy on us.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15)
      Jesus, help us enter into the lives of others as you did.

Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (Romans 12:16)
      LORD, please help us think on those things which are pure and holy and of good report.

      A word received: Keep looking to me.

Friday: 35; Joshua 4:19-5:1,10-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 26:17-25
Saturday: 42, 43; Joshua 6:1-14; Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 26:26-35

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2010
From: Chris Bennett
Subject: A Titanic Twelfth
Hi gang
      Hope you’ve all had a peaceful Twelfth and/or are enjoying sunning yourselves in some distant part of the world!
      Dock-world has had a really nice slow-paced week – but as always there are some updates on the website to give you food for thought:
      Some thoughts on the Twelfth: http://www.thedockchurch.org/blog/?p=941
      and a visual prayer video in response to the violence in Belfast over the past week: http://www.thedockchurch.org/blog/?p=954
      Some TV recommendations (with links to the best programme ever…): http://www.thedockchurch.org/blog/?p=962
      Some reading recommendations too! Details of the next Dock Book Group: http://www.thedockchurch.org/blog/?p=933
Enjoy the sunshine!
Chris

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 26:6-13

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. But when his disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” But when Jesus was aware of it, he said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for me. For you have the poor with you always, but me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on my body, she did it for my burial. Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” (Matthew 26:6-13)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize and honor the good works you prompt others to do for Jesus.

      Jesus, please help us lay aside our agenda and notions of what service to you should look like.

      Father, thank you for the anointing she gave Jesus. Please help us receive every anointing you have for us as Jesus did. Thank you.

      A word received: You are in my care; keep your eyes on me.

Thursday: 37:19-42; Joshua 3:14-4:7; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 26:1-16
Friday: 35; Joshua 4:19-5:1,10-15; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 26:17-25

Albany Intercessor

Judges 3:1-8a

Now these are the nations which the Lord left, that He might test Israel by them, that is, all who had not known any of the wars in Canaan (this was only so that the generations of the children of Israel might be taught to know war, at least those who had not formerly known it), namely, five lords of the Philistines, all the Canaanites, the Sidonians, and the Hivites who dwelt in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath. And they were left, that He might test Israel by them, to know whether they would obey the commandments of the Lord, which He had commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. Thus the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons; and they served their gods. So the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs. Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, (Judges 3:1-8a)

      Jesus, we are set in the midst of many who do nt know you or believe you: please help us to be faithful to you. Help us raise our children so that they do not become entangled with the evil that surrounds us. Help us by your Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses to all we meet.

      Holy Spirit, please help us use the gifts and talents you have given us.

      Holy Father, please help us love you and your word — write it on our hearts. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray my people will use the gifts and talents I have given them.

Wednesday: 119:25-48; Joshua 3:1-13; Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46
Thursday: 37:19-42; Joshua 3:14-4:7; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 26:1-16

      Notes from the Front Line

***** “All Creatures of Our God and King” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSb1-9i-fDA

***** Healing Conference, Led by Fr. Nigel Mumford Saturday, July 17: 9am – 4pm. (Order of St Luke) “Something Always Happens When We Pray” – This program is open to the public – Location: onsite at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center.

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 25:14-18

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.” (Matthew 25:14-18 )
      Lord Jesus, so many are convinced they have received only the one talent and have hidden it away because they feel it is inadequate to do anything with. Whatever our talents or abilities, please help us by your Holy Spirit to use them for building up your kingdom.

      Father, please help us keep going forward to build up your kingdom in this place. Help us joyfully receive and use every gift of your Holy Spirit. Deliver us from the oppression of the accuser who would keep us from using your good gifts.

      Holy Spirit, giver of good gifts, please help us recognize and use every gift you have given us. We ask for your fruit to grow in our lives as well: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Please help us control the fears which immobilize us so often.

      LORD, you have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Please help us set aside our fears and use the gifts and talents you have given us for the building up of your kingdom.

Tuesday: 36, 39; Joshua 2:15-24; Romans 11:13-24; Matthew 25:14-30
Wednesday: 119:25-48; Joshua 3:1-13; Romans 11:25-36; Matthew 25:31-46

      Notes from the Front Line

***** “Jesus Lover of My Soul” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5jxwHjC6Xk&feature=related

***** John Milton (1608-1674), Sonnet: On his blindness

When I consider how my light is spent,
      Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,
      And that one talent which is death to hide,
      Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my maker, and present
      My true account, lest he returning chide,
      Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?
      I fondly ask; but Patience to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need
      Either man’s work or his own gifts, who best
      Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best, his state
Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed
      And post o’er land and ocean without rest:
      They also serve who only stand and wait.

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 25:1-13 and Prayer Table Report

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.” (Matthew 25:1-13)
      Lord Jesus Christ, please give us the daily anointing and oil of your Holy Spirit. Mark us and seal us for the day of your appearing so that when you see us you will know us. Please move through this diocese with your Holy Spirit: prepare our hearts — give us wisdom and understanding in the storm.

      Lord we meet so many who appear to have no oil in their lamps — show us how to minister to them.

      Father, we cry out to for all of the lost sheep out there — help us bring them to you.

      Holy Spirit, fill us up again and keep our lamps burning!

      A word received: I rejoice when my people turn to me.

      A word received: I want my people to turn to me with listening ears. I want them to know my word in Scripture and my present word of guidance.

Monday: 9, 15; Joshua 2:1-14; Romans 11:1-12 Matthew 25:1-13
Tuesday: 10, 11; Numbers 35:1-3,9-15,30-34 Romans 8:31-39 Matthew 23:13-26

      Notes from the Front Line

***** “To God Be the Glory” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymrZO1PZbU4

***** Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2010
From: Debbie Bisner
Subject: Prayer table July10 – SICM parking lot on Albany Street, Hamilton Hill, Schenectady – Dave Carlson and Debbie Bisner
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

+Benieto – Waiting for a store to open- we prayed for his family and for Lords provision.

+Katherine and Roland – For their upcoming wedding and that the Lord would be ever present in lives, marriage and in their home.

+Justin – Had a fight with his wife and wanted prayers that they could work things out.

Women passenger in passing car leaned out and said “pray for me”. Both Dave and I got the same feeling about this women and we prayed for her protection and the Lords hand in whatever she was dealing with.

A man across the street walking a dog (could tell the dog had just given birth) later crossed over and when we asked if we could pray for him he made a comment about not needing our prayers. I asked how many puppies the dog had and he got vary angry and said “I feel like I’m being interrogated”. That began a long, angry and hate filled tirade about the dog, women and God not loving black people. He went on about God not respecting him. He said he would rather pray to the devil because the devil respects him. Dave calmly told him that we did respect him and his words were something like “you better respect me if you want to live”. When he walked away we prayed the in Jesus name to drive out the demons in this man and we prayed for protection for people, especially women he may come in contact with. I think this was the first time I ever felt uneasy at the prayer table.

+Candice – Use to come to CC but now lives in Cohoes. She wanted to give thanks to God for her new car and the new apartment. She wanted prayers for her son Joshua (also came to CC) to find a job.

We had multiple “No thanks”, “I’m OK”, “Not today”.

In God’s service, Debbie

Albany Intercessor

Israel

Father,
We have been richly blessed by the Jewish people. They have shaped our understanding of You, of time, of morality, and of the family. Most of all, they have given us our Savior, Jesus Christ the Messiah.
Forgive us for living into our calling so imperfectly that the light of the Messiah does not blaze forth like a light on a hill.
We pray that Jew and gentile will become one in the Messiah as the promised “One New Man!” May the day soon come when all the people of Israel can truly experience every blessing God gives!

Kramer family

Received via e-mail–
Fr. Jerry and Stacy Kramer’s daughter, Nina, was rushed by ambulance to a hospital near the Houston airport from their flight home from East Africa. Nina had a high fever and unstable vital signs when they deplaned. The Kramers are known for their post-Katrina work at the Church of the Annunciation in New Orleans. They were on an exploratory visit to Kenya, Zanzibar and Tanzania as preliminary to returning to the mission field.

The most recent word I have this morning is: “Nina is being transferred to Children’s Hospital with a very high white count, morphine for pain. Quarantine indicated. They think it’s a pneumonia or bronchitis. They were on their way back from Africa on a scouting trip for a return to Missionary status.”

Keep Nina, Fr. Jerry and Stacy in prayer.

Dear Jesus,
No! We cry out for the life and health of Nina. You are the same Lord who rebuked the fever from Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. You are the same Lord who healed the centurion’s servant who was suffering much. You are the same Lord who raised Jairus’s daughter and the son of the widow of Nain.
We implore You, take Nina by the hand–rebuke her fever, cease her suffering, and restore her to Jerry and Stacy in fullness of life and health. Amen.

Father Nigel Mumford

I was praying for Nigel during the Eucharist today, and the word ‘loosen’ came into my spirit. I reviewed his description of his showings, and they involved the senses of sight and taste, but not hearing–interesting for such a musical person. The word ‘loosen’ led me to this passage. Let us pray for his ears as well as his lungs.–JW

Mark 7:31-35 NIV
31Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.
33After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. 34He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!” ). 35At this, the man’s ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

Father,
We see through a glass darkly and don’t comprehend, pray, and act as we ought. Yet, You are a God of steadfast lovingkindness. In Your tender mercies, Lord, look down on Nigel, whose lungs are bound by scar tissue.
We come before You under the blood of the Lamb. Accept our imperfect comprehension of all that binds his lungs. Accept our imperfect prayers. Accept our imperfect actions.
We join our voices to that of Jesus and say, “Ephphatha!” Open Nigel’s ears to hear Your voice clearly and loosen his lungs that he may speak plainly. He lives and moves and has his being in You. May he live and move and have his being without becoming short of breath. Amen.

Colossians 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, (Colossians 1:1)
      Jesus, thank you for the apostolic witness you have brought among us by Bishop Bill, Bishop David, Bishop Dan, and Bishop Dave. Thank you for their fellowship.

To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:2)
      Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your grace and hope and peace; thank you for helping me know your father.

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (Colossians 1:3)
      Thank you, Father, for the people of this diocese.

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; (Colossians 1:4)
      Thank you for the faith and love we saw manifested at the Diocesan Convention.

because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, (Colossians 1:5)
      Holy Spirit, please let all of us receive your words of truth and live in the hope of the resurrection.

which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; (Colossians 1:6)
      Father, please help us daily bear fruit for you.

as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, (Colossians 1:7)
      Jesus, thank you for all the fruitful ministries and witnesses you have sent among us.

who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. (Colossians 1:8 )
      Father, please help all of us in this diocese show forth your love in the fellowship of your Holy Spirit.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; (Colossians 1:9)
      Jesus, please raise up many who will be steadfast in prayer and intercession.

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10)
      Jesus, please help us walk worthy of our Father’s love.

strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; (Colossians 1:11)
      Holy Spirit, please help us strengthen one another by your fruit in our lives.

giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Colossians 1:12)
      Thank you, Father, for the good inheritance you have given us.

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have redemption £through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
      Jesus, thank you for the victory you have won for us by your blood.

      A word received: Pray for hearts that respond to my word and my Spirit.

      A word received: Pray for my peace among your children.

Sunday: MP: 114, 115; Joshua 1:1-18; Acts 21:3-15; Mark 1:21-27
      HC: 25; Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37
Monday: 9, 15; Joshua 2:1-14; Romans 11:1-12 Matthew 25:1-13

Albany Intercessor

Torre Bissell

Our fellow prayer blogger, Torre Bissell, the Albany Intercessor, suffered a hemorrahage into his eye this past week.

Psalm 27:13-14 (New Living Translation)
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Yes, Lord, we are confident in the healing of Torre’s eyesight. Grant him patience and perseverance, we pray. Amen.

Church of England Synod

The Synod will reconvene Monday morning. Details about today’s session can be found here.

Psalm 32:8 (King James Version)
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

O Lord,
The Church of England is in a time of famine. Guide the footsteps of Your children just like You guided Isaac to stay in Gerar during the famine.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. Send forth this living water to the Church of England Synod. Deep calls to deep in the roar of falling water. Sweep over the Synod like waves and breakers.
Isaac reaped a hundredfold blessing in Gerar. Oh, Lord, break through the unbelief of this Synod. Anoint their hearts with Your Holy Word that they may reap a hundredfold harvest. New life, Lord. New life. Amen.
Genesis 26, Psalm 42:7, 46:4

Hosea 11:10 Amplified Bible
They shall walk after the Lord, Who will roar like a lion; He Himself will roar and [His] sons shall come trembling and eagerly from the west.

Lion of the tribe of Judah, roar over this Synod, and Your sons will come. Amen.