Sudan resources from the Internet

Episcopal Church page for prayer and study
Advent litany from the American Friends of the Episcopal Church in Sudan
IRD overview
IRD article on Khartoum’s chilling plans for the Nuba Mountains

John 5:30

I can of myself do nothing. (John 5:30a)
      Jesus, please help us recognize how powerless we are in our own strength and our daily need for your Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

As I hear, I judge; (John 5:30b)
      Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear Jesus and our Father in heaven speaking to us.

and my judgment is righteous, because I do not seek my own will but the will of the father who sent me. (John 5:30c)
      Father, please help us daily seek your will in our lives, and the lives of our families, and our parish families.

      Holy Spirit, please help me lay down my will at the foot of the cross and seek the Father’s will.

      Jesus, please come into my heart and mind with the cleansing fire of your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

A word received: Look to me; come to me. I came to you as a baby. I was defenseless and humble. Come to me in the same way.

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2010
From: Mark Pasko
Subject: Write Up for the Prayer Table
      Are You Looking For An Easy Way To Expand Your Prayer Ministry?
      I would suggest that you try the Prayer Table. The Prayer Table are tables set up at two locations in the vicinity of Christ Church in Schenectady from 9:30 to 10:30 on Saturday mornings. It has been manned by Torre Bissell for more than ten years and has been an extraordinary source of blessings to both Torre and those in the neighborhood. The method is simple. One asks whoever is walking or biking by if they would like prayer. If yes, we ask what their first name is and what they would like to pray about. We write down their first names and prayer request, pray for them, and tell them that we will continue to pray for them during the coming week. We also give them a small Cross for them to wear as a remembrance that they are cared about and that the Lord is walking with them. That is all there is to it! Torre has handed out approximately 100 crosses per month by manning a table for only one hour per week! Imagine what would happen with two tables or more! Imagine how many souls would be reached if the tables were set up for more than one hour per week! Imagine what would happen if the Tables are set up at other locations!
      When I first heard about the Table a year ago I said I didn’t want to do it. I felt both too unspiritual and had too many fears of feeling foolish or being hurt in some way. A month ago the Lord began giving me the impulse to grow and push against my boundaries of fear. I’ve done this now for four weeks in addition to one week at a Table at the City Mission of Schenectady. It was both easy and wonderful! Believe it or not many, if not most, people who pass by respond favorably to our asking if they would like prayer. They seem genuinely happy to unburden themselves for a couple of minutes and have a friendly arm on their shoulder praying up their strength to advance in their walk with God while fighting the hard battle on the inner city streets. You will pray with many young people, many not fully dressed for the weather, who want to pray for their families, their mental health, their sobriety, their lives in general. You will get a bit of a feeling of what it is like to be in an inner city neighborhood and not in the suburbs. All have been courteous and polite, even those that refused prayer. And with minimal practice, it gets easier and the Lord will reward your efforts to counteract your fears by allowing you to help minister to the orphan, the widow, the lonely, the troubled; all those whom the Lord seeks as his special loved ones! You will be blessed way beyond the time and effort you expend.
      Right now we have about five persons sitting at tables. If you would like to observe how it is done and pray with others who will take the lead, please call Torre Bissell at 374-5305 or just show up at Christ Church at 9:30 on any Saturday morning. I promise you that you will be amazed and blessed. You will also realize, like me, that many of your fears are boogie men– not real. You may find a new calling for your life as the Lord gives you the privilege of serving Him in the least of His brothers and sisters. You never know what other doors the Lord will open for you.

***** Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2010
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: Swine flu: half of worst afflicted were previously in good health – Telegraph
My dear friends,
      PLEASE I really urge you to PLEASE get your H1N1 and H3N2 flu inoculations.
      This issue seems to have gone dormant in the USA at the moment but in the last week in the UK 17 people have died.
      I really urge you to get you injection. It is totally without pain and after effects. I so wish I had had
      mine 18 months ago. BTW Thursday 23rd Dec will be the anniversary of coming out of hospital
      I was home for Christmas. My body still is in pain and my breathing is still not right! I even have a
      mobility scooter to get around long distance…. This is very nasty illness to say the least.
      If you would like further knowledge of the results of H1N1 please contact me.
      I cannot urge you enough… PLEASE I would not what you to go through what I went through.
      THANK YOU FOR GETTING YOUR INOCULATION.
      I was stupid and naive not to get mine. “Oh” I said that will
      never happen to me!” There is not much I can add to that!
      I have now!!!!
      If you have any doubts PLEASE contact me.
      They are even giving it to pregnant woman as they seem to be the highest risk. So that must say
      something about the trust they have in the injection!
      If this email saves one life… I shall be happy…. it this email saves many lives GOD will be very happy….
      Subject: Swine flu: half of worst afflicted were previously in good health – Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/8212056/Swine-flu-half-of-worst-afflicted-were-previously-in-good-health.html
Fr Nigel Mumford+
nmumford@ctkcenter.org

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 2010
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: People shunning swine flu due to myths

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/8146837/People-shunning-influenza-vaccine-due-to-swine-flu-myths-it-has-been-warned.html

Albany Intercessor

The staff that blooms

We’ve been requested to add Jared, a brain injury patient, to our list.
I was touched by Leander Harding’s sermon The Thorn that Blooms at Christmas. The legend of the blooming of Joseph of Arimathea’s staff reminds me of the blooming of Aaron’s rod.

Colossians 1:9-11 (Young’s Literal Translation)
Because of this, we also, from the day in which we heard, do not cease praying for you, and asking that ye may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
May Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, David, John, Brian, LaTosha, Danny, Jared, and Jonathan blossom in wisdom and spiritual understanding like the Glastonbury Thorn at Christmas.
to your walking worthily of the Lord to all pleasing, in every good work being fruitful,
May they bring forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
and increasing to the knowledge of God,
May they open their hearts to receive all of Your gifts.
in all might being made mighty according to the power of His glory,
May they be crowned with Your strength.
to all endurance and long-suffering with joy.
May there be a song in their mouths. Amen.

Matthew 1:22-23, Sunday School Lesson, and Prayer Table Report

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:22-23)
      Jesus, we really need to experience and know your presence with us.

      Father, come and fill us anew with your Holy Spirit so that we can know Jesus’ presence in our lives.

      Holy Spirit, move in our hearts today. Let this truly be a day of Advent — of Jesus coming into our lives. Thank you.

A word received: Give me your burdens.

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 14, December 19, 2010
            Lectionary A, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Theme Verse: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Readings: Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 1:1-7; Isaiah 7:10-17; Psalm 24
Memory Verse: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
Next Week: No Sunday School Dec. 26th or Jan. 2nd. Lessons for Jan. 9th: Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 10:34-38; Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 89:1-29
      Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25

A word received: I long for my people to have a heart like Joseph. Listen to me; accept my guidance.

      Epistle: Romans 1:1-7

(verse 1) A word received: I want my people to be separated to me and my gospel. I want them to know and live out that separation — to be in the world, but not of it.

      Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-17

A word received: I want the birth of my son to be a sign to you of my love for you. I want you to see him as a sign pointing to me.

      Psalm: Psalm 24

(verse 6) A word received: I want you to be of the generation who seek my face. Turn to me; I AM waiting.

Sunday: 24, 29 * 8, 84; Isaiah 42:1-12; Eph. 6:10-20; John 3:16-21
      HC: 24; Isaiah 7:10-17; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25
Monday: 61, 62 * 112, 115; Isaiah 11:1-9; Rev. 20:1-10; John 5:30-47

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, December 18, 2010, 9:20 -10:20 A.M. Torre Bissell, Mark Plasko and Carol MacNaughton.

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

State Street:

+Christine — Restoration of hearing

+René and +Bilmare — Should they get married? They wanted to know, “Is it of God?”

+Debra (regular) — Blessing on her family (She is going to visit them in New York City for Christmas. She took four crosses to give them.) She said it has been two years since she has had an epileptic seizure. We prayed that she would be protected from this.

Torre — fell and bruised his hip earlier in the week.

Bill (regular, across the street) — we prayed for protection from epileptic seizures.

+Gloir and +Alana (daughter about age 11)

+Paula (regular) — just buried a 22 year old nephew who was attacked and killed. Prayed for relief of hip pain.

+Chuck — “For my kids.” He took crosses for his two daughters.

+Crystal and +Michael (boy) — She also took a cross for her husband.

+Jordan (boy) and +Autumn (girl) — Both kids were about 11 or 12. They wanted prayer for their family.

Albany Intercessor

Peace

We’ve been asked to add more names to our list–John, Brian, LaTosha, Danny, and Jonathan.

Be anxious for nothing,
Lord, let a child-like faith in Christ be in Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, David, John, Brian, LaTosha, Danny, and Jonathan.
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Lord, let their trust in Christ be buoyed by thanksgiving.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Lord, let the presence of Christ guard them in every way.
(Phil. 2:5, 4:6-7).

The Holy Innocents/Sudan

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents has been transferred to Wednesday, December 29 this year. On that day, our parish is having a prayer vigil for the upcoming January 9 election in Sudan. The (uncannily appropriate) readings assigned for Morning Prayer are Psalm 2, 26; Isaiah 49:13-23; Matthew 18:1-14. The rubrics allow for intercessions after the collects and before the general thanksgiving. The following prayers are based on the readings.–JW

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 governance of Sudan. 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

O God in heaven,
Look at all the government leaders in Khartoum that deny You and defy the Messiah. They try to shut Jesus out of Sudan, and they devise mean plots against the Christians.
You laugh at them in derision.
Your sons and daughters in Southern Sudan are not slaves. They are Your heirs, and joint-heirs with Christ Jesus. You bless their obedience.
We ask You, Lord, for their inheritance. We ask You to bless those who hearken to Your voice–overtake them with blessings. Bless their land. Bless the spiritual realm over the land. Bless the soil and the water. Bless their families and churches. Bless their businesses. Bless this election and the government of Southern Sudan. Bless them with long life, we pray. Amen.
Psalm 2 MSG, Romans 8:15-17, Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Sovereign Lord,
Your children in Sudan come to your altar singing songs of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. They love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Do not gather their souls with sinners, nor their lives with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands is a sinister scheme, and whose right hand is full of bribes.
Guide their feet in paths of integrity, and guard their hands from shedding innocent blood. Redeem them and be merciful to them.
Establish their government in uprightness. Let the atmosphere over Southern Sudan be filled with Your praise. Amen.
Psalm 26:6-12

Sing, O heavens, and joy, O earth! Mont Abourassein, Jebel Barkal, Jebel Dair, Gebel Elba, Kinyeti, Marrah Mountains, Nuba Mountains, and Jebel Weinat, break forth into song! Encompass Sudan with praise for the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion upon His afflicted. Rejoice! We say, Rejoice!
Isaiah 49:13

Father in heaven, You cannot forget Your children in Sudan. Their names are written on the palms of Your hands.
Isaiah 49:16

Holy God, high and lifted up,
You inhabit eternity. You dwell in the high and holy place and with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit. You revive the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite.
Revive Your servants in Sudan. They are trusting, lowly, loving and forgiving. Bring new life to Southern Sudan. Bring Your kingdom to Southern Sudan. We stand with Your Son and say, ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done in Southern Sudan as it is in heaven.’ Amen.
Isaiah 57:15, Matthew 18:3-4

Father,
The angels look upon Your glory. In adoration we bow down before You and say, Holy is the Lord God of hosts. Holy is His name. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.
Commission Your holy angels and let Your glory come near to the suffering children in Southern Sudan. Amen.
Matthew 18:10

Life

NASA has found 500 planets orbiting 421 stars. None are Earthlike. These planets are in the farther reaches of space. Of the one thousand stars nearest earth, not one has an orbiting planet, much less life itself!
Life is plentiful on Earth, but in the cosmos, it is utterly rare.

Father in heaven, we thank You for the miracle of life and for our planet home. Amen.

Hat tip: Frances Frangipane

Luke :7-11and Acts 2:36-39

Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” (Luke 3:7-10)

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36-37)
      Holy Spirit, we pray that in every parish of this diocese people will be moved by the preaching to ask, “What then shall we do?” and in asking they will hear the Biblical answer.

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:38-39)

He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)
      Holy Spirit, please bring us to repentance; help us receive your full power and do works fruitful of faith and repentance. Thank you.

Saturday: 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Isaiah 10:20-27; Jude 17-25; Luke 3:1-9
Sunday: 24, 29 * 8, 84; Isaiah 42:1-12; Eph. 6:10-20; John 3:16-21
      HC: 24; Isaiah 7:10-17; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: watch this!
The Nativity today, very clever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkHNNPM7pJA

Albany Intercessor

Restore

Our Heavenly Father,
We and our ancestors have sinned against You. We have not walked in Your ways. We have not been obedient to Your law.
Now we see a people robbed and plundered; snared in holes, hidden in prison houses. They are for prey and for plunder.
We say, “Restore! Restore Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, and David. Restore!”
You are their Deliverer. Amen.
Isaiah 42:22-25 NKJV

Psalm 40:1-5

I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. (Psalm 40:1)
      Holy Spirit, please give us patient endurance as we await Jesus’ move among us.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. (Psalm 40:2)
      Jesus, you are the rock that does not move or shake; establish our steps in you.

He has put a new song in my mouth– praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:3)
      Father, thank you for putting the songs of Zion in our mouths; please help us rest in your arms and trust you. Thank you.

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. (Psalm 40:4)
      LORD, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, help us enter into this blessing. Thank you.

Many, O LORD my God, are your wonderful works which you have done; and your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to you in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (Psalm 40:5)
      Holy Spirit, help us today to speak of the wonderful works which you have done.

A word received: Yield this day to me; pray for my purposes to be accomplished in and through you.

Friday: 40, 54 * 51; Isaiah 10:5-19; 2 Peter 2:17-22; Matthew 11:2-15
Saturday: 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Isaiah 10:20-27; Jude 17-25; Luke 3:1-9

Albany Intercessor

Holy Innocents/Sudan

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents has been transferred to December 29 this year. Our parish will be conducting a prayer vigil for the upcoming Sudan election on that day. The assigned scriptures for The Holy Innocents Eucharist are Psalm 124; Jeremiah 31:15-17; Revelation 21:1-7; Matthew 2:13-18. There is a bridal paradigm in the scripture readings, and I used that theme in composing the prayers of the people. (The Troparion is Eastern Orthodox. I added the last sentence.)
Interestingly, on the Hebrew calendar, December 29 is in the month of Tevet. The only time Tevet is mentioned in scripture is when Esther went into the king’s chamber.–JW

Troparion for the Holy Innocents (chanted)
As acceptable victims and freshly plucked flowers, as divine firstfruits and newborn lambs, you were offered to Christ who was born as a Child, O most pure children. You mocked Herod’s wickedness: now we beseech you, unceasingly pray for our souls. We beseech You to join Your voices with our prayers for Sudan.

Dear Heavenly Father,
The people of Southern Sudan stand at the threshold of a new era. Purify them in every way to prepare them as the bride of Christ.
Help them to keep Your commandments and do those things that are pleasing in Your sight.
Adorn them with the unfading beauty of a gentle spirit, quiet before You. Open their ears that they may hear You, and open their hearts to ask what You appoint in that moment.
Father, You are the Source of all blessings. May they obtain grace and favor in the eyes of Your Son Jesus Christ, their Bridegroom. Amen.
Esther 2:12-16, 1 Peter 3:1-6, 1 John 3:22

Dear Heavenly Father,
The people of Southern Sudan once worshipped the spirits of nature. Now many have left these ancestral traditions and worship You. May You, Lord, recompense them for what they have done. Indeed, may they be richly rewarded by You, Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings they have come to take refuge.
In Your eyes may they find favor. In Your Holy Word may they find comfort and in the Body and Blood of Your Son spiritual sustenance. Bless them with food sufficient for their needs. Amen.
Ruth 2:11-14

Our Heavenly Father,
Did not Ruth come to Boaz at the threshing floor where he separated the chaff from the wheat? Did he not spread his garment over her and take her under his protection because she was a virtuous woman?
Christ Jesus is the kinsman redeemer of the Christians in Southern Sudan. We cry out for Him to spread His garment over them and take them under His protection. We plead that His garment will stem the flow of blood and heal this land, just as it healed the woman with the issue of blood. Amen.
Ruth 3:6-14

Our Heavenly Father,
Boaz bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi. He redeemed Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon. He bought her to be his wife to restore the name of the dead to his inheritance so that the name of the dead may not be cut off from among his brethren and from the gate of his birthplace.
We are witnesses that Jesus Christ has bought His people in Southern Sudan to be His bride. He restored this people to life by the price of His blood. As intercessors, we come to the bench of Your judgment. Do not cut this people off from their inheritance and their birthplace, we pray. Amen.
Ruth 4:1-10

Dear Jesus, our Redeemer,
Pass by Southern Sudan and look upon her. Love her, spread Your garment over her, and cover her nakedness. Declare Your marriage vows over this nation and make a covenant with her. She is Yours.
Wash her with the water of the word. Anoint her with the oil of Your Spirit. Dress her in the clothing of salvation. Drape her in the pure linen of Your righteousness. Adorn her with jewels of holiness. Crown her with lovingkindness and tender mercies. Perfect the beauty of Southern Sudan in Your splendor, Sovereign Lord. Amen.
Ezekiel 16:8-14, Isaiah 61:10

Jehovah Sabaoth, O Lord of hosts,
Your children in Southern Sudan testify that You are their Maker. You are their Husband. O Holy One of Israel, You are their Redeemer. You are God of the whole earth.
They have been forsaken and grieved in spirit. Call them, Lord. Take away their fear. They shall not be ashamed. Neither will they be confounded or depressed. In You they live and move and have their being. Amen.
Isaiah 54:4-6, Acts 17:28

Amen! Amen! Amen!

Episcopal and Anglican Virginians are coming together to pray for a cessation of the litigation at this website. May God make His face to shine upon them.

Hat tip: Baby Blue

Isaiah 10:1-4

“Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed” (Isaiah 10:1)
      Lord, bring our rulers in the Episcopal Church and in the nation to your righteousness.

“To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.” (Isaiah 10:2)
      Father, protect your little ones from the schemers and the greedy.

“What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory?” (Isaiah 10:3)
      Holy Spirit, give the schemers and plotters hearts like Zacchaeus’ to turn to Jesus in repentance and restitution.

“Without me they shall bow down among the prisoners, and they shall fall among the slain.” For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 10:4)
      A word received (11/18/2006): Pray for the day of my threshing. Pray that none of the wheat will be lost with the chaff. Pray for my little ones who are being led astray by lies. Pray for my will to be done.

A word received: Don’t be afraid.

Thursday: 50 * [59, 60] or 33; Isaiah 9:18-10:4; 2 Peter 2:10b-16; Matthew 3:1-12
Friday: 40, 54 * 51; Isaiah 10:5-19; 2 Peter 2:17-22; Matthew 11:2-15

      Notes from the Front Line

***** There are four prisoners who receive these prayer notes: Shane, Lori, Renee, and Annie. Please pray for them this Advent and Christmas season.

***** Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010
From: Susan Plaske
Subject: Prayer Table Mission
      Hi Father Brad , Just wanted to let you know we had a good prayer table time at the Mission Christmas Store. Started out in doors in the area where everyone comes in and checks in at the desk and all the gift wrappers (6-8 ) are lined up for wrapping. The coordinator wanted us to mingle and join the people at a large round table to talk to them and pray for them so, we started doing that but, noone wanted prayer and they were basically there for a long time. Alsom Mark is partially deaf and could not hear with all the background noise, so Mark suggested we go get the prayer table and chairs, which is what we did and we set up outside the door. We had about 20 people stop to pray both christmas shoppers and volunteers. Chris , director of ministries stopped by and several other workers there to see how we were doing. I think they took pictures. It was pretty awesome at 22 degrees. Anyway. I don’t recommend everyone do that unless it warms up. But, they may have something a little better set up tomorrow for it. If not whoever goes there will just need to tell them that they need chairs and bring a prayer table sign with them. Thanks, Sue and Mark

***** Prayer requests from Willowfield parish in Belfast, Northern Ireland:
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2010
From: HUGH BOWMAN
Dear Prayer partners
      Please can you pray for a friend of Billy Black called Clifford who is suffering from ear cancer, please pray for the comfort and healing presence of Jesus to touch Clifford right now in Jesus name.
      Please can you pray for friends of Alan’s Mr&Mrs Frank from Donohoe, Carrick on Shannon who have been very ill, please pray that the presence of the Holy Spirit would touch them with the healing touch of Jesus also for Alan’s wife Betty who received her hospital results today that Jesus touch would be very close to Betty bringing her peace and that she would have a personal experience. Please also for Alan’s daughter who is suffering serious nose bleeds that the miraculous and healing touch of Jesus would heal this right now in the name of Jesus.
      Pleas can you remember Billy Spence who has been having chest infection over the last few weeks, Billy was at church on Sunday, please pray God’s protection over his life in Jesus name.
      Please can you pray for a girl called Linda who has received serious news regarding her health, that the miraculous and healing power of the Holy Spirit bring her back to full health and strength in Jesus name.
Thank you. Hugh

From: Chris Cupples
Subject: CAP Centre Prayer Update
To: HUGH BOWMAN
Date: Tuesday, 14 December, 2010, 18:23
Hi Hugh,
Could you send the following Prayer Request out regarding the CAP Centre at Willowfield:
Please Pray for:
      - Finances – We have applied for a number of grants and trusts for funding and need these to allow us to continue our work into next year. Please pray that more people will support our work and give what they can.
      - Client Salvation’s – We have seen 4 clients become Christians in the last two months – Pray for more to come to Christ but also for the right discipleship and development of faith
      - Christmas – Pray that clients will feel blessed, loved and supported as we give them Christmas Hampers over what will be a difficult time
Thanks, Chris Cupples
Centre Manager – Belfast Central
Christians Against Poverty
t: 07541 211459

Albany Intercessor

Honey on the ground

1 Samuel 14:25-27 (The Message)
There were honeycombs here and there in the fields. . . . But Jonathan . . . stuck the tip of his staff into some honey and ate it. Refreshed, his eyes lit up with renewed vigor.

Judges 14:8-9 (The Message)
Some days later when he came back to get her, he made a little detour to look at what was left of the lion. And there a wonder: a swarm of bees in the lion’s carcass—and honey! He scooped it up in his hands and kept going, eating as he went. He rejoined his father and mother and gave some to them and they ate. But he didn’t tell them that he had scooped out the honey from the lion’s carcass.

Father, we thank You for giving us unexpected sources and places from which to gain strength. Bless Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, and David; bless their caregivers and their intercessors. Bless them all with ‘honey on the ground.’ Amen.

Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1)
      Holy Spirit, help us hear and receive the gospel.

As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.” “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; make his paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2-3)
      Send your messengers into every parish in this diocese to prepare our hearts to receive you, Jesus.

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (Mark 1:4)
      Father, let your messengers preach repentance to us to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus anew.

Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:5)
      Holy Spirit, help us all acknowledge and confess our sins and repent of them.

      Holy Father, thank you for John’s witness and life and all that he endured to prepare the way for Jesus to come into our hearts.

Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. (Mark 1:6)
      Jesus, thank you for John’s witness and life.

And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. (Mark 1:7)
      Holy Spirit, bring to the same humility John had where we can truly acknowledge Jesus’ greatness.

I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8 )
      Jesus, please baptize us with you Holy Spirit and with fire. Purge away our sin and help us live into the ministry you have for us.

Wednesday: 119:49-72 * 49, [53]; Isaiah 9:8-17; 2 Peter 2:1-10a; Mark 1:1-8
Thursday: 50 * [59, 60] or 33; Isaiah 9:18-10:4; 2 Peter 2:10b-16; Matthew 3:1-12

Albany Intercessor