Psalm 119:73-80

Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments. (Psalm 119:73)
      LORD, continue to fashion me according to your purposes; give me understanding so that I may walk in your commandments. Help me to walk in your commandments so that I may have understanding.

Those who fear you will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in your word. (Psalm 119:74)
      Holy Spirit, write your word on my heart and make me a man of hope.

I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. (Psalm 119:75)
      Jesus, thank you for the hard times as well as the easy times.

Let, I pray, your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant. (Psalm 119:76)
      Father, I long for another touch of your Holy Spirit.

Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. (Psalm 119:77)
      Father, your tender mercies have carried me to this day.

Let the proud be ashamed, for they treated me wrongfully with falsehood; but I will meditate on your precepts. (Psalm 119:78 )
      Holy Spirit, bring humility to the proud.

Let those who fear you turn to me, those who know your testimonies. (Psalm 119:79)
      Jesus, please help me to be a faithful and effective witness for you.

Let my heart be blameless regarding your statutes, that I may not be ashamed. (Psalm 119:80)
      Purify my heart, Lord; I want to be holy — to be your man. Thank you.

Wednesday: 72; * 119:73-96; Job 42:1-17; Acts 16:16-24; John 12:20-26
Thursday: [70], 71; * 74; Job 28:1-28; Acts 16:25-40; John 12:27-36a

Albany Intercessor

Tent of meeting

Exodus 33:7-11 (New International Version)
7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. 8 And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. 9 As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the LORD spoke with Moses. 10 Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to his tent. 11 The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Teach us how to pray, O Lord. Teach us how to pray.

Acts 16:6-10

Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. (Acts 16:6)
      Holy Spirit, your “No” is just as important as your “Yes”. Help us heed both.

After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. (Acts 16:7)
      Jesus, thank you for the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Please give us all listening ears — call your bride back to yourself.

So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. (Acts 16:8 )
      Jesus, help us get to the place you have prepared for us to minister in.

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9)
      Father, we ask you to move in the hearts of your people and draw them to the ministry you have for them.

Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:10)
      Holy Spirit, we want that same “immediate” response in our lives as well. Thank you.

Tuesday: 61, 62; * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Job 40:1,41:1-11; Acts 16:6-15; John 12:9-19
Wednesday: 72; * 119:73-96; Job 42:1-17; Acts 16:16-24; John 12:20-26

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please keep the next Welcome Home Initiative covered in prayer:
      Welcome Home Initiative – West
            September 27-29, 2010
                  Retreat Schedule
Monday                   September 27
10:30 a.m.                  Team Meeting – Conference Room
12:00 p.m.                  Team Lunch (local restaurant)
1:30-3:00 p.m.            Registration – Conference Room Hallway
3:00-5:30 p.m.            Introductions – Conference Room
                        Team, Attendees and Families
5:30 p.m.                  Dinner – Fellowship Hall
6:30-8:00 p.m.            Presentation by Bishop Dave & Fr. Armstrong, Conference Room
Tuesday             September 28
7:00 a.m.            M.P. & Team Meeting – Chapel
8:15 a.m.            Breakfast
9:00-12:00            Session for all – Conference Room
12:00-1:00 p.m.      Lunch
1:00-4:00 p.m.      Session for Veterans – Conference Room, 3 stations
                  Session for 2ndary Sufferers – Room IV, Dave/Mike, Derek, Noel
4:00-5:30 p.m.      Free time – Youth Room, Songs & Smiles?
                  hiking, rest & relaxation
5:30 p.m.            Dinner
6:30-8:00 p.m.       Entertainment – Youth Room
Wednesday            September 29
7:30 a.m.                  Team Meeting – Chapel
8:30-9:15 a.m.            Breakfast
9:15-11:15 a.m.            Healing service and opportunity for prayer (All)
                        Conference Room
11:30 a.m.                  Closing Service – Worship Area
12:15 p.m.                  Luncheon Reception – Fellowship Hall

Do you know a veteran who should be going to the Welcome Home Initiative? http://christ-the-king-center.org/WelcomeHome/

Albany Intercessor

God laughs

Father,
You rule in heaven and laugh at the futile plans of Your enemies. You scoff at them because everything serves Your plans. You even redeemed the world through the crucifixion of Your Son.
We give to You the disrupted faith and order of the Anglican Communion. Take it, Father, and work it for the good of those who love You, who have been called according to Your purpose. Use anything that might have been intended for harm for the saving of many souls.
We lean on You, Lord, and not on our own understanding. Amen.
Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28, Acts 2:22-23, Psalm 2:4

Psalm 64:1-6 and Matthew 5:21-26

Hear my voice, O God, in my meditation;
preserve my life from fear of the enemy.
Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked,
from the rebellion of the workers of iniquity,
who sharpen their tongue like a sword,
and bend their bows to shoot their arrows–bitter words,
that they may shoot in secret at the blameless;
suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear.
They encourage themselves in an evil matter;
they talk of laying snares secretly;
they say, “Who will see them?”
They devise iniquities:
“We have perfected a shrewd scheme.”
Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep. (Psalm 64:1-6)
      Jesus, we look to you, we flee to you for protection. Help us hide ourselves in you. Help us keep our attention on you. Set us free from bitterness at the deeds of the wicked. Thank you.

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘RacaRaca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.” (Matthew 5:21-26)
      Holy Spirit, help us to be reconciled with one another and show forth the love of our Father in heaven. Thank you.

      A word received: Are there any resentments you are holding on to that impede your going out looking for lost sheep?

Monday: 56, 57, [58]; * 64, 65; Job 40:1-24; Acts 15:36-16:5; John 11:55-12:8
Tuesday: 61, 62; * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Job 40:1,41:1-11; Acts 16:6-15; John 12:9-19

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, September 11, 2010, 9:00 -10:40 A.M. Torre and Jonathan Bissell.

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

Connie and Paul — that they will be reconciled to one another and given wisdom about their relationship.

+Frank — money problems

Debra (regular) — “I got a job — working part-time. I told you God is good!”

Harry

+Jim — that he will get a job and a good apartment (crossed the street with Akiem to get prayer)

+Akiem — He made a choice to depend on God rather than praying that he would be “self-sufficient” (crossed the street with Jim to get prayer)

+Paula (regular) — “I’m back at work.” Asked prayer for her young daughter +Zorrie who is in school and her son Tremel who is a sophomore in college. Her father Berry is coming for a visit on Tuesday — pray that goes well. Paula said that her friend Darcel’s father (from last week) died Friday night.

+Robert

+Terrence — asked prayer that he pass in school and get a job

+Bob — bad back

+Wayne — made a choice to trust Jesus.

Brian

+Lorrie — she has a cancer screening on Thursday and is frightened.

+Nikole and her son +Zaire — asked prayer for her 2 year old son Francisco who has Leukemia and is currently in remission.

+Quinn (young man)

+Concessa — Just wanted to thank God for her new apartment.

Kevin (bottle man from last week) — prayed for God’s blessing and that no one would hassle him.

Shane — young man looking for a job.

+Analees — for provision

+Princess — “that my twin girls (5 months old) will be OK”

Howard (regular) — that his bike will work

+Victor

Torre

Kansas

There is a history of broken covenants in Kansas. During the Indian Wars in the late 1800′s, the US violated many Native American treaties.
The Jewish people came to Kansas in the late 1800′s to farm and to be a model for their culture. They called the place where they settled Beersheba. By the time they arrived in western Kansas, the Jewish man (Rabbi Isaac Wise) responsible for sending people to the state had introduced three things into Jewish theology. He removed the concept of a messiah, he did away with a literal resurrection, and he said Israel would not become a nation again. This theology came to be called “Reform Judaism.”

Father in heaven,
We humbly ask that the government of Kansas will align with Israel and with the Native people so that the nation will shift its course to the covenants of God. Amen.

Thomas Sternold’s Psalm 23

From Thomas Sternhold and John Hopkins’ Psalm-Book, 1567–

My Shepherd is the living Lord,
nothing therefore I need:
In pastures fair, near pleasant streams,
he setteth me to feed.
He shall convert and glad my soul,
and bring my mind in frame
To walk in paths of righteousness
for his most holy Name.
Yea, though I walk in vale of death,
yet will I fear no ill:
Thy rod and staff do comfort me,
and thou art with me still.
And in the presence of my foes
My table thou shalt spread
Thou wilt fill full my cup, and thou
anointed hast my head.
Through all my life thy favor is
so frankly showed to me
That in thy house for evermore
my dwelling place shall be.

1 Timothy 1:12-17

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, (1 Timothy 1:12)
      Jesus, I thank you for the ministry you have given me to do.

although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (1 Timothy 1:13)
      Jesus, thank you for your mercy to me, help me show mercy to others.

And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14)
      Holy Spirit, minister Jesus’ grace to me.

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)
      Father, thank you for sending Jesus to save me.

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on him for everlasting life. (1 Timothy 1:16)
      Holy Spirit, help our lives to be patterns in which others can see Jesus’ mercy.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)
      Amen.

      A word received: Pray for my people. Pray for the leaders and teachers of my people — their hearts have grown cold and hard.

Sunday: 24, 29; * 8, 84; Job 38:1,18-41; Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 5:21-26
      HC: 51:1-18 or 51:1-11; Exodus 32:1,7-14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
Monday: 56, 57, [58]; * 64, 65; Job 40:1-24; Acts 15:36-16:5; John 11:55-12:8

      Notes from the Front Line

This year our Sunday School is using the Lectionary lessons. Below are the words we received for this morning’s lesson.

      A word received: I want you to show forth my mind in the gospels each week. I want the people to hear me when the deacon reads the gospel.
      A word received: Let my word shine forth.
      Gospel: Luke 15:1-10

      A word received: I received sinners. Are you willing to receive sinners? They drew near to me because they sensed my father’s love. Will they sense that in your welcome of them?

      A word received: Go out searching for my lost sheep. They are all around you. Look at the parable. The lost lamb did not necessarily want to be picked up but the shepherd knew that was best for him. You have been my little lambs and others carried you home to me. Will you do the same?

      A word received: Hear me, listen to me: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep.” I want you to know and experience my joy over every lost sheep that returns to my fold. Rejoice with me.

      A word received: Pass around a silver coin. Tell the class they would search for such if it was lost. They would search for it until they found it. I want them to have that same zeal for the lost souls outside the doors of Christ Church.

      Epistle: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

      A word received: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” (verse 15) I want you to accept this. I want to write this verse on your hearts.

      Old Testament: Exodus 32:1,7-14

      A word received: I want my people to acknowledge their sin and repent of every (underline every) golden calf they have worshiped. Ask for my help in recognizing your sin.

      Psalm: Psalm 51

      A word received: Look at the introduction: Nathan went and spoke my (underline my) word to David and brought David back into my fold.

Albany Intercessor

Kansas

Kansas is known as the Wheat State and the Nation’s Bread Basket.
At a watch night service on January 1, 1901, at Bethel Bible School in Topeka, a student, Agnes N. Ozman, asked that hands might be laid upon her to receive the Holy Spirit since she desired to go to foreign lands as a missionary. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit spread and became the Azusa Street revival.

Dear Jesus,
You are the Bread of Life. We pray for Your name to be revered in hearts across Kansas and for Your Holy Spirit to be poured out for a great work. Amen.

Canterbury on Rosh Hashanah

Archbishop Rowan Williams posted a reflection on Rosh Hashanah. In it, he asks, “Shall we be able to pray together for peace and justice?”
From Sternhold and Hopkins’ Psalter, Psalm 122:

To pray let us not cease
for Jerusalem’s peace:
Thy friends God keep in amity;
Peace be thy walls about,
And prosper thee throughout
thy palaces continually.

Acts 15:22-32

Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (Acts 15:22)
      Holy Spirit, help us hear the apostolic witness of Bishop Bill, Bishop Dan, Bishop David, and Bishop Dave, and help us hear the witness of the church fathers who continue to speak to us after two millennia.

They wrote this, letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. (Acts 15:23)
      Holy Spirit, we also are Gentiles — help us hear what is being said to us.

Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”–to whom we gave no such commandment–” (Acts 15:24)
      Jesus, you are the light of the world, let your light shine forth in the church. There are many who trouble it with strange doctrines and teaching.

“it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,” (Acts 15:25)
      Jesus, thank you for the witness of your beloved Paul and Barnabas who continue to speak to us today.

“men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 15:26)
      Father, thank you for those men and women today who daily risk their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.” (Acts 15:27)
      Father, empower witnesses with your Holy Spirit and send them forth today.

“For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:” (Acts 15:28 )
      Holy Spirit, restore to your church teaching that seems good to you, and lift the burdens that have been put on your people that are not in accord with your desires.

“that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.” (Acts 15:29)
      Jesus, restore to us these necessary things:
      1. Set us free from all forms of idolatry.
      2. Restore to us a reverence for life — for that is what the blood signifies.
      3. Set your people free from all forms of sexual immorality and fornication.
      Thank you.

So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. (Acts 15:30-31)
      Holy Spirit, help us rejoice in the contents of this letter and be encouraged by it as these early Gentile Christians were.

Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. (Acts 15:32)
      Holy Spirit, raise up prophets among us to exhort and strengthen us by the words you give them to speak to us. Give us discernment to recognize and respond to your true words. Thank you.

Saturday: 55; * 138,139:1-17(18-23); Job 38:1-17; Acts 15:22-35; John 11:45-54
Sunday: 24, 29; * 8, 84; Job 38:1,18-41; Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 5:21-26
      HC: 51:1-18; Exodus 32:1,7-14; or 51:1-11; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10

Albany Intercessor

Springfield bishop election

From Father Rob Eaton, posted with permission.

Regarding the upcoming electing convention in the Diocese of Springfield, the following discernment, which was confirmed in an unsolicited manner from someone else close to the diocese. Because it seemed so clear and because of the confirming discernment, I am convinced the revelation of this issue is from the Holy Spirit, and that it demands calling others into prayer and intercession.

Very simply, a spirit of fear exists that at this point is manifesting itself in mistrust or distrust among members of the diocese, especially those delegates going to the convention to elect a new bishop. The prayer below includes other pieces of the discernment. Where it came from is unclear. In any case, rebuking this spirit will lead to a clear and decisive election early on.

This is a call, therefore, for fasting and intercession over the days leading up to the election (Sept 17).

Further discernment from your prayers can be posted here as comments.
Thank you and God bless you. The following is the prayer I prayed initially, and to which the confirmee agreed. Please join us.

Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for your love for us and for your provision for us as the Body of Christ. We thank you for the gifts your Holy Spirit provides to us to show us how to pray victoriously. I agree with (my brother) in recognizing how the Enemy will attempt to exploit the weakness of the flesh of the delegates for Springfield’s election. In Jesus’ Name we rebuke that spirit of fear now and command it to leave the diocese. In the name of the risen Lord Jesus, we break the neck of any curses or damage from that spirit and all the consequences of its operation in the diocese and in the people of the diocese. Come now Holy Spirit and fill all those places and lives so affected; your Light, your Love, your Presence, your Glory. Now rather than fear and mistrust, let the fruit of your Spirit be evident in overflowing measure. Finally, we apply the powerful, life-giving Blood of Jesus to all the members, especially the electing convention delegates, and to the diocese of Springfield as a whole, for their protection and blessing. In Jesus’ Name.
By your grace, may the delegates choose a new bishop who is faithful to your Gospel and the Word of God. Assist them to choose with your wisdom and in the power of your Holy Spirit, with conviction and clear concensus, for the sake of your Church, your Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, unto ages of ages. Amen.

I’d like to add that the last time there was such clarity, and a surprising unsolicited confirmation, prior to an episcopal election was 4 years ago, two nights before the first South Carolina election in 2006. In that case it was a revelation that “the flesh”, that is, certain individuals were causing dissension and stirring things up, and that the Enemy was taking advantage of it to undermine that diocesan election. Prayer vigils, and alerting intercessors around the Church to pray in the Name of Jesus Christ were successful for the outcome of that election.

In this case it is the Enemy striking first through a spirit of fear.
If you have any questions, please respond with a comment here.

Oregon

This 11-minute video is from the invocation in the Oregon legislature on the sesquicentennial celebration of Oregon’s statehood. At 4 minutes, the pastor reads the invocation of 1909.

From the Oregon constitution:

Article 1, Section 2:
All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences.

O Lord,
May the freedom of religion remain secure in courts and legislature of the state of Oregon. Amen.

John 11:35-44

Jesus wept. (John 11:35)
      Several years ago I asked Jesus where he was when I was molested at the age of seven. He said to me, “I was weeping.” Ask Jesus to come into those wounded places in your life and reveal how he has added his tears to yours.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:36)
      Jesus, thank you for loving me and coming into the dead and wounded places in my life — as you did with Mary, Martha and Lazarus.

And some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?” (John 11:37)
      Jesus, thank you for laying down your life for me so that I can live now and live with your forevermore.

Then Jesus, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. (John 11:38 )
      Jesus, please come to where I am still dead and bring me to new life in you.

Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” (John 11:39)
      Holy Spirit, there is so much “practical Martha” in us; help us overcome that and do what Jesus asks us to do.

Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)
      Father, we want to see your glory manifested in our lives and in our parishes; help us do whatever Jesus asks of us.

Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. And I know that you always hear me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:41-42)
      Father, thank you for hearing us when we cry out to you.

Now when he had said these things, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” (John 11:43)
      Jesus, I live in the hope of the resurrection — when I shall hear your loud voice calling me, “Torre, come forth!” And I shall live with you forever.

And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:44)
      Holy Spirit, guide us in loosing those things which hold your people in bondage. Thank you.

“Celtic Woman – You Raise Me Up “ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yfwlj0gba_k&feature=channel

      A word received: Pray for my redeeming work among my people.

Friday: 40, 54; * 51; Job 29:1, 31:24-40; Acts 15:12-21; John 11:30-44
Saturday: 55; * 138,139:1-17(18-23); Job 38:1-17; Acts 15:22-35; John 11:45-54

      Notes from the Front Line

“Marching To Zion” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NTO3P_gsUc&feature=related

Albany Intercessor

Oregon

Isaiah 42:10 (New International Version)
Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.

Father,
We pray that the praise of Your children will cover the state of Oregon like a canopy. Amen.