Luke 18:9-14

Also he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: (Luke 18:9)
      LORD, help us recognize our self-righteousness and repent of it. Please help us recognize that the only righteousness we have come from receiving and being covered by the blood of Jesus. Jesus, my own righteousness is as filthy rags — help me stop complaining about the behavior of others. (See Isaiah 64:6)

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.” (Luke 18:10)
      Jesus, please help me stop “judging the book by its cover.” Please help me repent of assuming I know about a person by what their work is or their appearance is.

“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’” (Luke 18:11-12)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize and repent of such self-satisfied prayers.

“And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’” (Luke 18:13)
      God, please be merciful to me a sinner!

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
      Father, please help me humble myself before you. Thank you for adopting me and making me your child. Help me now come to you now as a child. Help me make every effort to enter your rest. Thank you. (See Romans 8:15 and Hebrews 4:11)

Saturday: 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13); * 33; Mal. 3:13-4:6; James 5:13-20; Luke 18:9-14
Sunday: 118; * 145; Zechariah 9:9-16; 1 Peter 3:13-22; Matthew 21:1-13
      HC: 46; Jeremiah 23:1-6; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:35-43 or; Luke 19:29-38

Albany Intercessor

Zion

–From Zion, God stretches forth His scepter of authority (Ps 110:1-3)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–From Zion, God issues His commands (Ps 133:3)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–On Zion, God installs His King (Ps 2:6)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–From Zion, God’s deliverer will come (Rom 11:26-27)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–From Zion, God declares blessings (Ps 128:5, 134:3)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–From Zion, God hears the prayer of the destitute (Ps:102:17)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–From Zion God punishes His enemies and the noise can be heard all over the city (Is 66:6)
Father, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
–From Zion, God will remove the veil from the nations’ eyes (Is 25:7)

For the sake of Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, and David, we say, “Peace be within Jerusalem.” Father, we humbly beseech You to use our prayers to build a tabernacle of praise over each one of these dear ones and then extend Your scepter from Zion and declare blessings, deliverance, provision, and health to them all. Amen.

Luke 18:1-8

Then he spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, (Luke 18:1)
      Holy Spirit, please help us to be steadfast in prayer, to not lose heart.

      Jesus, prayer is your answer for the ills of the world. Help us to be steady in coming to you.

      Father, please help us each day to bring our families to you in prayer.

saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.” (Luke 18:2)
      Holy Spirit, move in the hearts of the judges of this land that they will with discernment and wisdom do true justice. We pray especially for Family Court judges who often must make very difficult decisions about the placement and welfare of children.

“Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’” (Luke 18:3)
      Holy Spirit, guide all the elderly that have no other advocate but you. Help them get the help they need.

“And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” (Luke 18:4-5)
      Father, please give us all strength to endure.

Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:6-8 )
      Jesus, we cry out to you for your justice and mercy to be manifested in this nation and in the Episcopal Church. Thank you.

Friday: 102; * 107:1-32; Mal. 3:1-12; James 5:7-12; Luke 18:1-8
Saturday: 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13); * 33; Mal. 3:13-4:6; James 5:13-20; Luke 18:9-14

Albany Intercessor

Worship as it is in heaven

Psalm 22:3 (New Living Translation)
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

I’m reading Worship as it is in Heaven by John Dickson and Chuck Pierce. They pointed out a pattern of worship in heaven I had not noticed before.
Revelation 5–Elders, living beings, angels, and hosts of heaven fall down before the throne. Following are the Lamb breaking the seals, the four apocalyptic horsemen, sun turning black, moon turning red, earthquakes, famine, war, plagues, etc
Revelation 7–Great multitude from every nation, angels, 24 elders, and four living beings worship. Following are the seven trumpets, which bring forth more judgments.
Revelation 11–The 24 elders worship. Following are the signs seen in heaven: the woman bearing the man-child and the dragon seeking to destroy him.
Revelation 14–144,000 celibates worship. Following the Lord gives the word to reap the earth.
Revelation 15–Those who overcame the beast worship. Following the seven bowls of judgment are poured out.
Revelation 19–A great multitude worships. Following, Jesus comes forth on a white horse leading the army of heaven into the battle of Armageddon. The devil is cast into the pit.

We see this pattern on earth as well. Jesus’ triumphant entry is followed by the overthrow of the moneychangers. Paul and Silas praise God in shackles, and God broke the power of the enemy.

May our mouths be filled with the high praises of God, so that kings may be bound with fetters and nobles with shackles of divine judgment. We praise Your holy, magnificent name, Lord, and implore You to bind the kings and nobles of neurologic disease. Amen.
Psalm 149:6-9

You are our dwelling place

Another wonderful prayer from Georgia–

Dear Holy Father,
Please be with us.
Help us, reign over all our feelings and emotions. Help us to accept, acknowledge, admit, to feel and not fear our negative emotions.
When we feel fear, discouragement, despair, rejection, confusion, hopelessness, weariness, resentment, anger, self-pity – help us seek You to find our Way out of these feelings and not to remain in them.
You are our dwelling place, the source of true comfort, help, joy and peace in the midst of perplexities, trials and crises.
Thank You, Lord!!! In Your Holy Name, Amen.

Psalm 105:39-45

He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night. (Psalm 105:39)
      LORD, cover the dioceses of Albany and South Carolina and all your other faithful dioceses and parishes. Please lead us by your light.

The people asked, and he brought quail, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. (Psalm 105:40)
      Thank you, Jesus, for give of yourself every time we receive your body and blood in the Eucharist.

He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it ran in the dry places like a river. (Psalm 105:41)
      Father, you will prepare a table for us in the presence of our enemies and will feed and clothe us in the wilderness of the Episcopal Church. (See Psalm 23:5) Thank you.

For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. (Psalm 105:42)
      Holy Spirit, you are the promise of our Father — please come among us.

He brought out his people with joy, his chosen ones with gladness. (Psalm 105:43)
      Bring this diocese and your other faithful dioceses and parishes forth with joy and gladness.

He gave them the lands of the gentiles, and they inherited the labor of the nations, that they might observe his statutes and keep his laws. Praise the LORD! (Psalm 105:44-45)
      Jesus, please help us remember that all you have given us is a sign of your love for us — please help us observe your statutes and keep your laws. Praise you and thank you!

Thursday: 105:1-22; * 105:23-45; Mal. 2:1-16; James 4:13-5:6; Luke 17:20-37
Friday: 102; * 107:1-32; Mal. 3:1-12; James 5:7-12; Luke 18:1-8

Albany Intercessor

Joseph Fountain

Father Tim Fountain has issued a prayer request for his son Joseph, whose autism is complicated by a seizure disorder.

Lord,
You are Joseph’s shepherd. Meet all of his needs. Make him lie down in green pastures. Lead him beside quiet waters. Refresh his soul. Guide him along the right paths for Your name’s sake. Even though he walks through the darkest valley, he will fear no evil, for you are with him. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort him. You prepare a table before him in the presence of his enemies. You anoint his head with oil; his cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow him all the days of his life, and he will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Amen.

Song of songs

Song of Solomon 7:11-12 (New Living Translation)
Young Woman
Come, my love, let us go out to the fields and spend the night among the wildflowers. Let us get up early and go to the vineyards to see if the grapevines have budded, if the blossoms have opened, and if the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love.

Song of Solomon 8:13 (New Living Translation)
Young Man
O my darling, lingering in the gardens, your companions are fortunate to hear your voice. Let me hear it, too!

Lord Jesus,
I have been so blessed by the prayers offered up on my behalf. How many people have no one to pray for them! I thank You for my blessings. Amen.

Rest in hope

Psalm 16:9 (New King James Version)
Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.

God,
You have spoken to us by Your Son Christ Jesus. He is the appointed heir of all things. Through Him the worlds were made. Christ Jesus is the brightness of Your glory and the express image of Your person. He upholds all things by the word of His power. He has purged our sins and is seated at Your right hand on high with majesty.
Christ Jesus is our hope. We rest on Him. Our flesh rests on Him. Our souls rest on Him. Our spirits rest on Him.
We pray that Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, and David will rest on Christ Jesus. May Your glory be manifest in their spirits, souls, and flesh. Shake loose all that hinders the manifestation of Your glory in their lives. Shake loose the impairments of their neurological disease and trauma.
Show them the path of life. In Your presence is the fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Amen.
Psalm 16:11, Hebrews 1:1-4

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13)
      Father, please give mea wisdom and understanding and help me order my conduct according to your will.

      Jesus, please help me do works of faith and bring me to the meekness that comes from your wisdom.

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. (James 3:14)
      Holy Spirit, please help me lay aside all bitter envy and self-seeking. Cleanse my heart of boasting and lying against the truth.

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. (James 3:15)
      Holy Spirit, help me recognize worldly wisdom for what it is and shun it.

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. (James 3:16)
      Lord, cleanse your church of envy and self-seeking; end the confusion and evil which corrupt it. Help us throughout this diocese to live peaceable and godly lives.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)
      Holy Spirit, let your fruit be manifested in our lives.

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18 )
      Jesus, please bring your peace to our hearts so that the fruits of righteousness may be sown and flourish in our hearts. Thank you.

Wednesday: 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; * 119:121-144; Mal. 1:1,6-14; James 3:13-4:12; Luke 17:11-19
Thursday: 105:1-22; * 105:23-45; Mal. 2:1-16; James 4:13-5:6; Luke 17:20-37

Albany Intercessor

Luke 17:1-4

Then he said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!” (Luke 17:1)
            Lord, I pray for those by whom offenses have come, that even now you will help them turn to you. Please heal aall who have been wounded by them.

“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Luke 17:2)
      Father, I forgive the man who molested me when I was seven. Even now move in his life and in the lives of any he molested.

“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” (Luke 17:3)
      Holy Spirit, please help me forgive all those who have offended or wounded me. Bless them and draw them to yourself. Help me to know how and when to forgive them.

“And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” (Luke 17:4)
      Jesus, thank you for showing me how to forgive: when I am wounded and on my cross, help me forgive as you did. Thank you.

Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; * 94, [95]; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; James 3:1-12; Luke 17:1-10
Wednesday: 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; * 119:121-144; Mal. 1:1,6-14; James 3:13-4:12; Luke 17:11-19

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please visit this web site on courage and faith a series of talks: http://www.courageandfaith.org/contact.html
Be well
God bless you
Fr, Nigel+

Albany Intercessor

Idaho

Nickname: The “Gem State”
Preamble to Constitution:

We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution.

Father,
We pray that the citizens of Idaho will indeed order their lives in gratitude to You and secure Your blessings and Your treasures. Amen.

The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance

2 Kings 13:15-17 (King James Version)
And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows.
And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king’s hands.
And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.

O Father,
Count our prayers as arrows of the Lord’s deliverance from neurologic disease and trauma. Smite these infirmities in Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, and David.
These are Your beloved children. Deliver them, we pray. Amen.

Habakkuk 2:1-4

I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. (Habakkuk 2:1)
      Jesus, please help me to be faithful in standing my watch. Please help me keep alert and listen for the words you are speaking to me.

      Father, please help me as a son to accept and receive your corrections into my heart.

      Holy Spirit, guide my speech when I answer to our Father’s corrections.

Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)
      Father, please help me and all your shepherds in this diocese to make your words clear to your people.

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Habakkuk 2:3)
      Holy Spirit, help us wait for the appointed time. Show our part to play each day as we await the appointed time. When the day comes, write the vision on our hearts and minds.

“Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)
      Jesus, please help us show forth our faith by the works we do each day. Write on our hearts the truth that faith without works is dead. (See James 2:14-26)

      Holy Spirit, set this diocese afire with works of faith. Please guide us and direct us in living out our faith.

A word received: Keep your attention on me.

Monday: 89:1-18; * 89:19-52; Habakkuk 2:1-4,9-20; James 2:14-26; Luke 16:19-31
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100]; * 94, [95]; Habakkuk 3:1-10(11-15)16-18; James 3:1-12; Luke 17:1-10

Albany Intercessor

Edrei

Edrei–mighty; strength. One of the chief towns of the kingdom of Bashan (Josh. 12:4, 5). Here Og, the long-necked giant king, was defeated by the Israelites, and the strength of the Amorites broken (Num. 21:33-35). Elevated about 20 feet above the plain, it is a labyrinth of clefts and crevasses in the rock, formed by volcanic action; and owing to its impenetrable condition, an impregnable natural fortress, about 20 miles in length and 15 in breadth.

Father,
Moses and the Israelites struck down the giant king Og at Edrei, even though his fortress was “impregnable.” They left no survivors and took possession of his land.
The boy David struck down the giant Goliath even though he was wearing heavy armor. David’s mighty men slew the giants Sippai, Lahmi, and the unnamed giant of Gath.
We pick up the five stones of worship, Holy Scripture, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, and we say to the giants of neurologic disease and trauma, both named and unnamed,

Who are you to harm Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, and David, children of the living God? They are created in the image of God. Who are you to corrupt God’s good and perfect creation? Your strongholds are not impregnable. The Lord God Almighty is our deliverer, and we are not afraid.

Amen.

1 Chronicles 20, 1 Samuel 17