Mark 1:29-31, 35-38

Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them. (Mark 1:29-31)
      Lord Jesus Christ, please come into every home in this diocese and lift up the sick and heal them. Help all of us to serve you and one another.

Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, he went out and departed to a solitary place; and there he prayed. (Mark 1:35)
      Holy Spirit, move the hearts of the men and women and youth of this diocese to join you in that life of early morning prayer. Give us steadiness in coming to the Father as Jesus did.

And Simon and those who were with him searched for him. (Mark 1:36)
      Father, please give all those you have called to ministry a heart to daily search out Jesus and join him in interceding for your people.

When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” But he said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” (Mark 1:37-38 )
      Jesus, please come into every city, town and village in this diocese and cause your word to be preached. Guide all those who minister your word and sacraments so that you are manifested to all the people. Thank you.

A word received: Look to me for defense and provision. Your savings will not save you. I AM mighty to save. Look to me for help in your hour of need.

Wednesday: 119:1-24 * 12, 13, 14; Isaiah 41:1-16; Eph. 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45
Thursday: 18:1-20 * 18:21-50; Isaiah 41:17-29; Eph. 2:11-22; Mark 2:1-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Bp. Dan Herzog will be having cataract surgery today. Please pray for a speedy and good recovery of sight.

***** Jim Bo (Christ Church Schenectady City Mission parishioner) just diagnosed with cancer. Has oncology appointment Thursday. Prayers for healing and peace for Jim Bo and wisdom and discernment for the doctor.

Albany Intercessor

Meeting of some of the primates

Prayers for the meeting that some primates will attend can be found at ACNS.

No vacuum

Isaiah 40:26 (New King James Version)
Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing.

The universe is no vacuum.
The fluctuations of the temperature and the noise and the light of outer space are like pulsations of music giving glory to Your name, O God. All the nations of the earth and all the races of mankind will worship you. You are king, and You rule the nations. All mortals will bow down before You. Future generations will serve You. Your righteousness will be recounted from generation to generation.
The universe is no vacuum. It is filled with Your glory, O God. All glory and honor and praise and wisdom and wealth and might are Yours. Amen.
Psalm 22:27-31

Mark 1:14-15

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15)
      Jesus, please give us hearts to respond to your invitation. Help us recognize that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus, please help us truly repent.

A word received: Keep seeking me; keep seeking my word; keep asking for an outpouring of my Holy Spirit.

Tuesday: 5, 6 * 10, 11; Isaiah 40:25-31; Eph. 1:15-23; Mark 1:14-28
Wednesday: 119:1-24 * 12, 13, 14; Isaiah 41:1-16; Eph. 2:1-10; Mark 1:29-45

Albany Intercessor

Upon the waters

Psalm 29:2-3a (King James Version)
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the LORD is upon the waters.

El Echad, You are the One God, One Father, One Creator.
El Hanne’eman, You are the Faithful God, keeping Your covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love You and keep Your commandments.
El Emet, You are the God of Truth, and we commit our spirits to You.
El Tsaddik, You are the Righteous God, and there is no God apart from You.
El Shaddai, You are the All Sufficient One, the source of our blessings of the heavens above, the deep springs below, and the breast and womb.
El Elyon, Most High God, You are supreme and sovereign. We will be filled with joy because of You and sing praises to Your name.
El Olam, You are the Everlasting God. Through all the generations, You have been our home.
El Haggadol, You are the Great God. You are the God of gods and Lord of lords, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed.
El Chaiyai, the God of our lives, and we sing songs to You.
El Yeshuatenu, the God of our Salvation, You have given us victory.
You are El Roi, the God Who Sees us; El Yeshurun, the God of the righteous people; El Gibbor, Mighty God; El De’ot, the God of Knowledge; El Hokkadosh, the Holy God; El Hashamayim, the God of Heavens; El-Channun, the Gracious God; El Sali, God our Rock; El Erikh Apayim avi ha-tanchumim, the God of Patience and Consolation; El Rachum, the God of Compassion; El malei Rachamim, All Merciful God; El Kanno, the Jealous God; El Hannora, the Awesome God, and El Hakkavod, the God of Glory.
Emmanuel, be with Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, David, John, Brian, LaTosha, Danny, Jared, and Jonathan today and voice Your love upon the waters of their central nervous systems. Amen.
Malachi 2:10, Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 31:5, Isaiah 45:21, Genesis 49:25, Psalm 9:2, 90:1, Genesis 16:13, Deuteronomy 10:17, Psalm 42:8, Isaiah 12:2

Reference: The Hebrew Names of God

Ephesians 1:1-14

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1)
      LORD, the Church at Ephesus and then the whole Church received this as a letter from you to them. Help the Church throughout the Diocese of Albany to do the same.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:2)
      Father, thank you for giving us the good gift of your son and the power of your Holy Spirit.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, (Ephesians 1:3)
      Father, we bless you and thank you.

just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, (Ephesians 1:4)
      Father, thank you for choosing us and calling us to holiness in your love.

having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, (Ephesians 1:5)
      Jesus, thank you for giving us your Spirit of adoption so that we can know we are adopted children of your father.

to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:6)
      Holy Spirit, please help us by our words and deeds to bring praise to Jesus.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7)
      Jesus, thank you for redeeming us. Please let every parish in this diocese be a redemption center where old lives are turned in and your new life is received.

which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, (Ephesians 1:8 )
      Holy Spirit, give Bishop Bill and the priests, deacons, and lay leaders of this diocese wisdom and prudence.

having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself, (Ephesians 1:9)
      Lord, daily put your word into our mouths and give us hearts and wills to speak your word.

that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in him. (Ephesians 1:10)
      Lord Jesus, gather us together. Let the Diocesan Convention be such a gathering where we join with your angels in praising you.

In him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, (Ephesians 1:11)
      Father, please help us enter into the inheritance you have prepared for us.

that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:12)
      Holy Spirit, please help our trust in Jesus bring him praise and glory.

In him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
      Holy Spirit, seal us, anoint us, prepare us with your word of truth and the gospel of salvation. Thank you.

A word received: I was submitted to my Father’s will; I want you to submit yourselves to his will as well.

Monday: 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7; Isaiah 40:12-23; Eph. 1:1-14; Mark 1:1-13
Tuesday: 5, 6 * 10, 11; Isaiah 40:25-31; Eph. 1:15-23; Mark 1:14-28

Albany Intercessor

Isaiah 42:1-9

“Behold! My servant whom I uphold, my elect one in whom my soul delights! I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. (Isaiah 42:1)
      Jesus, please come with your justice and mercy into our community and state.

He will not cry out, nor raise his voice, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. (Isaiah 42:2)
      Holy Spirit, thank you for being that “still small voice” that speaks Jesus’ word to us. Please give us listening ears and hearts.

A bruised reed he will not break, and smoking flax he will not quench; he will bring forth justice for truth. (Isaiah 42:3)
      Jesus, thank you for your gentleness with us and for bringing us to the truth of the gospel.

He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands shall wait for his law.” (Isaiah 42:4)
      Jesus, thank you that you don’t get discouraged with us. Please continue to encourage us day by day with your Holy Spirit.

Thus says God the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: (Isaiah 42:5)
      Father, please help us hear and heed your word to us — let Jesus be a daily, living word to us.

“I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand; I will keep you and give you as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, (Isaiah 42:6)
      Father, thank you for taking us by the hand and leading us step by step.

To open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house. (Isaiah 42:7)
      Jesus, open our eyes wherever we are blind; set us free from the prison of sin and darkness.

I am the LORD, that is my name; and my glory I will not give to another, nor my praise to carved images. (Isaiah 42:8 )
      Holy Spirit, set us free from all of our idolatries and attempts to substitute our glory for yours.

Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” (Isaiah 42:9)
      Holy Trinity, one God, bring forth your “new things” among us and give us hearts to respond to what you are going and saying among us.

A word received: I want you to keep your attention on me. Keep turning to me. Let me do what man cannot.

Sunday: 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113; Isaiah 40:1-11; Heb. 1:1-12; John 1:1-7, 19-20, 29-34
      HC: First Sunday after Epiphany: 89:1-29 or 89:20-29; Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-38′ Matthew 3:13-17
Monday: 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7; Isaiah 40:12-23; Eph. 1:1-14; Mark 1:1-13

      Notes from the Front Line

A name I inadvertently left off the Albany St. prayer table report yesterday: Asten — He asked prayer that his family would be delivered from legal troubles. His spouse is Natasha.

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, January 08, 2011, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Lots of snow underfoot, but other than that, very pleasant
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

Prayer table on Albany St. Sue Plaske and Mark Pasko
Comment by Sue: “It is safe [doing this].”

Art — “Pray for my health.” (already has a cross and prays at Christ Church)

+John — Just released from prison.

+Taylor — Prayers for protection and to remain in Jesus’ way. Asked prayer for 6 months old daughter. Referred to Spiritual Recovery meeting 7 pm.

+Chantiille, +Alexis, +Ramaya, +Destiny, +Saquoia — mom with four little girls, Protection and peace in Christ.

+Pablo — walk with him

Craig — “Pray for good tenants.” He owns a building down the street. He said, “You have an awesome ministry. Praise God!”

Mother and 4 children – in a hurry for a cab. Pray peace and presence of Christ with this family.

+Marqun (young man) — For the LORD to bless his family and guide them in his way.

+Matt (father) and +Lois (mother) — prayed for good health for both.

+Millard — For help to school and for health and peace and a mild winter.

[Comment by Sue: This is a good place for the Lord to meet his people.]

+Don — “Bless and keep you this day. Here is a cross to remind you that Jesus walks with you.”

++Vee — Prosperity and fantastic New Year. Prayers for peace.

+Chris — “Pray for mom, +Debbie who has heart trouble.

Manne — Was in Iraq. No coat or gloves, wife in jail.

Prayer table on State St. Torre Bissell and Bob Baker

+Jim

+Anthony (and +girlfriend) — he wanted prayer that God would restore their relationship.

Debra (regular) — she is recovering from pneumonia and asthma.

+Paul (young man, 27) — He immigrated from the Ukraine a year ago. He is lonely and the nearest Ukrainian church is over in Troy. We invited him to come to Christ Church.

+Paula (regular) — Strength to endure. She buried her sister two years ago on the same day and in the same cemetery they just buried her 22 year old nephew. Prayers for her children Tremel who is starting back to Hudson Valley Community College, Trent who will graduate from high school this spring, Tayvon who will be 16 next month, Tiffany and her fiancé John, and Zorie who is in elementary school.

Connie (regular) — She asked prayer for Dawn who is having epileptic seizures.

+Kevin (young man) — asked prayers for his daughter Tevaya and he invited Jesus back into his heart.

+Patty (mother) — wanted prayer for her daughters +Donnie and +Anjel and her husband +Wayne.

Waters of life

Revelation 7:17 (Amplified Bible)
For the Lamb Who is in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to the springs of the waters of life; and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

Holy God, Three-in-One and One-in-Three,
We thank You that Jesus taught us to pray for Your kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We thank You that it is Your idea that heavenly things can be reality on earth. We thank You that the heavenly springs of living water can be reality on earth. We thank You that dew of heaven can be reality on earth. We thank You for the promises of Holy Scripture, and we stand on these promises.
Jesus, You are their Shepherd, and they shall not lack. Lead Joseph, Sally, Chris, Lauren, Gaenor, Mark, Samuel, Erin, Isabella, Christy, Nick, Alan, David, John, Brian, LaTosha, Danny, Jared, and Jonathan beside the still and restful waters of life and wholly restore them. Amen.

Isaiah 59:15-21

So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. (Isaiah 59:15a)
      LORD, we live in a time when truth fails and those who remain faithful become prey to those who do evil. Have mercy on us and guide us by your Holy Spirit.

Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. (Isaiah 59:15b)
      A word received 6/4/2009: Pray for this nation. Pray for wise and godly men and women who will lead my people in my ways. Pray for the courts, that they will do true justice. Pray for the Congress and the legislatures, that they will have a spirit of wisdom and discernment. Pray for the President and the Governors, that their hearts will be turned into my ways.

He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor; (Isaiah 59:16a)
      Holy Spirit, move the hearts of men and women and youths in every parish of this diocese to intercession. Thank you.

Therefore his own arm brought salvation for him; and his own righteousness, it sustained him. (Isaiah 59:16b)

      Jesus, come among us and sustain us with your righteousness.

For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloak. (Isaiah 59:17)
      Father, clothe us with your full armor: put on us the shoes of the preparation to share the gospel of peace; gird our loins with your truth; put on us the breastplate of righteousness; put on our heads the helmet of salvation; on our arm put the shield of faith; and put in our hand the sword of your Spirit which is your word. Thank you.

According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompense to his enemies; the coastlands he will fully repay. (Isaiah 59:18 )
      Jesus, please help all of us recognize that a time of judgment is coming. Help us truly repent of any evil we are doing.

So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun; when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him. (Isaiah 59:19)
      Holy Spirit, help us fear and honor the name of Jesus. Lift up a standard of righteousness among us so that all may flock to it. Thank you.

“The Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 59:20)
      Jesus, come among us.

“As for me,” says the LORD, “this is my covenant with them: my Spirit who is upon you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the LORD, “from this time and forevermore.” (Isaiah 59:21)
      Jesus, please keep us steady in you, we and our children and our children’s children. Thank you.

Jan. 8: 117, 118 * 112, 113; Isaiah 59:15-21; Rev. 2:8-17; John 4:46-54
Sunday: 146, 147 * 111, 112, 113; Isaiah 40:1-11; Heb. 1:1-12; John 1:1-7, 19-20, 29-34
      HC: First Sunday after Epiphany: 89:1-29 or 89:20-29; Isaiah 42:1-9; Acts 10:34-38′ Matthew 3:13-17

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 15, January 9, 2011
            Lectionary A, First Sunday after Epiphany
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 3:13-17; Acts 10:34-38, 44-46; Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 89:1-29
Memory Verse: As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Next Week: John 1:29-42; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-9; Psalm 40:1-10
      Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17

A word received: Here you see us together — we are always in unity — there is never a division between us [Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all here in this lesson.]
      
Sense: Both Jesus and John the Baptist were willing to be submitted to God’s righteousness even though it went contrary to what was expected.

      Epistle: Acts 10:34-38

A word received: You again see us all together in this lesson [Father, Son and Holy Spirit]. My word has power to change hearts and lives when it is proclaimed with faith. Look at the effect of Peter’s witness on Cornelius and his household. (verses 44-46)

      Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1-9

A word received: Have the people share where they have seen these verses fulfilled in Scripture and in their lives.

      Psalm: Psalm 89:1-29

Blessed are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance, who exult in thy name all the day, and extol thy righteousness. For thou art the glory of their strength; by thy favor our horn is exalted. (Psalm 89:15-17 RSV)

(verse 15-17) A word received: I want you to know the joyful sound that comes from praising me and knowing me.

Albany Intercessor

Sudan collection

The election in Sudan is January 9-15. Below are over 70 prayers, in no particular order.

ST. PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE (modified)
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan, especially the Episcopal Church of Sudan and Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, a mighty strength: the invocation of the Trinity, the Three in One, and One in Three.
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan, by power of faith, the strength of Christ’s Incarnation: conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, baptized, crucified, died, descended into hell, arose, and ascended into heaven.
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan: the hope of resurrection and heavenly reward, confessors’ faith, apostles’ word, patriarchs’ prayers, prophets’ scrolls; all good deeds done unto the Lord, and purity of virgin souls.
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan the virtues of Your creation: strength of heaven, light of sun, radiance of moon, splendour of fire, speed of lightning, swiftness of wind, depth of sea, stability of earth, firmness of rock.
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan: God’s strength to pilot them, God’s might to uphold them, God’s wisdom to guide them, God’s eye to look before them, God’s ear to hear them, God’s word to speak for them, God’s hand to guard them, God’s way to lie before them, God’s shield to protect them, God’s host to secure them:
Against the demon snares of sin, the vice that gives temptation force, the natural lusts that war within, the hostile men that mar their course; of few or many, far or nigh, in every place, and in all hours against all fierce hostility.
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan these holy powers: against all Satan’s spells and wiles, against false words of heresy, against the knowledge that defiles, against the heart’s idolatry, against the wizard’s evil craft.
Christ, shield them today against deprivation, starvation, exposure, disease, despair, violence, and death.
Christ with them, Christ before them, Christ behind them,
Christ in them, Christ beneath them, Christ above them,
Christ on their right, Christ on their left,
Christ where they lie down, Christ where they sit down, Christ where they arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of them,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of them,
Christ in every eye that sees them,
Christ in every ear that hears them.
This day, we bind unto Your children in Sudan, especially the Episcopal Church of Sudan and Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, the Name, the strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same, the Three in One, and One in Three, of whom all nature hath creation.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of Christ.
May Your Salvation, O Lord, be ever with them.

Proposition 8

On January 4th, Proposition 8 went to the California Supreme Court.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (New International Version, ©2010)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye
Associate Justice Joyce L. Kennard
Associate Justice Marvin R. Baxter
Associate Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar
Associate Justice Ming W. Chin
Associate Justice Carlos R. Moreno
Associate Justice Carol A. Corrigan

Father,
We pray for Tani, Joyce, Marvin, Kathryn, Ming, Carlos, and Carol that the people of California may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Amen.

Epiphany on Epiphany

As our regular readers know, I’ve been writing a series of prayers on the healing of neurologic diseases. Several of the prayers have focused on Daniel 4, the account of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, insanity, and restoration. The purpose of these events is revealed in the dream:

Daniel 4:17 (New King James Version)
‘ This decision is by the decree of the watchers,
And the sentence by the word of the holy ones,
In order that the living may know
That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,
Gives it to whomever He will,
And sets over it the lowest of men.’

Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration commences as he blesses El Elyon, God Most High.
This name for God was first revealed to Abram after he and his 318 men defeated four kings and armies. Afterward Melchizedek king of Salem and priest of God Most High (El Elyon) said

Genesis 14:19b-20a
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Both stories involve the sovereignty of God over geopolitical kings. I had puzzled over the fact that the number of Abram’s men had been recorded. Was there significance to this? Abram and his 318 men make 319 warriors. Can the number be found elsewhere in scripture?
Let’s look at David’s tabernacle (1 Chronicles 25:1-26:19). David and the commanders of the army set apart some men for the work of prophesy and music. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were prophets (seers). Their sons led 24 praise teams of 12 persons each, assigned to the hours of the day. In addition, the temple gatekeepers had ministry duties. The named gatekeepers are Meshelemiah, Zechariah, Jediael, Zebadiah, Jathniel, Elam, Jehohanan, Eliehoenai, Obed-Edom, Shemaiah, Jehozabad, Joah, Sakar, Nethanel, Ammiel, Issachar, Peullethai, Othni, Rephael, Obed, Elzabad, Elihu, Semakiah, Hosah the Merarite, Shimri, Hilkiah, Tabaliah, Zechariah.
Three seers + 288 musicians + 28 gatekeepers= 319.
Again, there are geopolitical undertones. It was during David’s reign that the nation of Israel underwent an incredible expansion.
I went back to Daniel 4, looking for the number 319 and did not find it. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream followed on the heels of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in chapter 3. What is verse 3:19?

Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.

El Elyon, Most High God,
We do know that You rule the kingdom of mankind and give it to whomever You will and set over it the humblest and lowliest of men. Amen.

Isaiah 52:7-8

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, (Isaiah 52:7a)
      Lord Jesus Christ, help us enter into that beauty — help us daily bring the good news of the gospel to others.

Who proclaims peace, (Isaiah 52:7b)
      Holy Spirit, fill us anew with your peace and help us proclaim the peace of Christ.

Who brings glad tidings of good things, (Isaiah 52:7c)
      Father, please help us daily publish glad tidings of great joy. Touch every parish and diocesan news letter.

Who proclaims salvation, (Isaiah 52:7d)
      Jesus, help us proclaim the salvation you have wrought — throughout this diocese and outside its borders.

Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7e)
      Jesus, come and rule and reign in our hearts.

Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, with their voices they shall sing together; for they shall see eye to eye When the LORD brings back Zion. (Isaiah 52:8 )
      LORD, let the deputies to the Diocesan Convention be such watchmen. Thank you.

A word received: Come to me; come to me with open hearts and minds. The Wise Men came to me; I want you to come to me.

Jan. 7: 103 * 114, 115; Isaiah 52:3-6; Rev. 2:1-7; John 2:1-11
Jan. 8: 117, 118 * 112, 113; Isaiah 59:15-21; Rev. 2:8-17; John 4:46-54

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)
      Jesus, please help us seek you out as these wise men did; give us that same wisdom you gave them to seek you out.

When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:3)
      Jesus, protect us from the hand of tyrants.

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of who will shepherd my people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:4-6)
      Holy Spirit, please help us also turn to the Scriptures to find the answers to life’s problems and questions. Guide us to those words that will melt our hearts.

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship him also.” (Matthew 2:7-8 )
      Father, protect us from the tricks and traps of evil men.

When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. (Matthew 2:9)
      Thank you, Father, for your continuing guidance for them. Continue to guide us so that we come to Jesus each day.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. (Matthew 2:10)
      Holy Spirit, give us your joy at seeing your guidance bring us to the place you want us to be.

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshiped him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)
      Jesus, help us come into your presence and worship you. Help us as you did these wise men open our purses and give you tithes, offerings and alms.

Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way. (Matthew 2:12)
      Jesus, please guide Bishop Bill so that he and this diocese evade all the traps set for us. You showed these wise men another way to go, show us that other way we should go as a diocese. Prepare the hearts and minds of the deputies to the Diocesan Convention to discern the way you want us to go as a diocese. Thank you.

A word received: Don’t be afraid. Hear my word to Joshua, be strong and of good courage. [Joshua 1:1-9]

Epiphany: 46, 97 * 96, 100; Isaiah 52:7-10; Rev. 21:22-27; Matthew 12:14-21
      HC: The Epiphany January 6: 72 or 72:1-2,10-17; Isaiah 60:1-6,9; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Jan. 7:: 103 * 114, 115; Isaiah 52:3-6; Rev. 2:1-7; John 2:1-11

      Notes from the Front Line

***** I have my data back. Praise the Lord! Torre

Albany Intercessor