There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:1-3)
Father, we ask for your new life in your church: help all of the once-born to be born again so that they may see your kingdom.
Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:4-5)
Holy Spirit, please come upon all the people of this diocese so that we are all born again of water and you and can enter your kingdom. Let the Diocesan Convention be a doorway into your kingdom for many.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” (John 3:6-7)
Lord Jesus, give your people in this diocese discernment so that they can distinguish the works of your Spirit from the works of the flesh.
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8 )
Holy Spirit, come and blow on us; come and blow on me!
Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (John 3:9-21)
Holy Spirit, please help the leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church to know these things.
A word received: I AM with you. Look to me throughout the day for wisdom and understanding.
Wednesday: 119:49-72 * 49, [53]; Deuteronomy 9:13-21; Hebrews 3:12-19; John 2:23-3:15
Thursday: 50 * [59, 60] or 19, 46; Deuteronomy 9:23-10:5; Hebrews 4:1-10; John 3:16-21
Notes from the Front Line
***** March 28-30 Welcome Home Initiative Retreat (WHI). A retreat program for combat veterans and their families. This is available to them at no charge, due to the generosity of the public. If a combat veteran is interested in attending , please contact Sandra, at the Healing Center to reserve their space. (518 ) 692-9550
Albany Intercessor
