Isaac Watts

Hosanna to the royal Son
Of David’s ancient line!
His natures two, his person one,
Mysterious and divine.
The root of David here, we find,
And Offspring are the same;
Eternity and time are join’d
In our Immanuel’s name.

Bless’d he that comes to wretched men
With peaceful news from heaven!
Hosannas of the highest strain
To Christ the Lord be giv’n!

Let mortals ne’er refuse to take
Th’ hosanna on their tongues,
Lest rocks and stones should rise, and break
Their silence into songs.

… Isaac Watts (1674-1748), Hymns and Spiritual Songs [1707], in Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, ed. Samuel Melanchthon Worcester, Boston: Crocker & Brewster, 1834, book I, hymn 16, p. 301

Out of Egypt

A new blog, which documents the persecution of Christians in Egypt.

Isaiah 19:19 (King James Version)
In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar at the border thereof to the LORD.

Lord Jesus,
Through prayer and penitence, we prepare for Your triumphant entry into Egypt. We kneel. We shout. We wave our hands. We cry,

Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in God’s name! Hosanna in highest heaven!

We declare the building of Your house of prayer in all of Egypt. Amen.

Palm Sunday

I love the antiphonal and musical nature of this passage from Zephaniah: God restores a pure language to His people, instructs them to sing and shout, and He responds by singing over them.
A similar pattern takes place on the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The children’s praises and hosannas are followed by Jesus’ proclamation that His house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations. High praise brings heaven to earth.

Zephaniah 3:9, 12b, 14-17 (New King James Version)
“ For then I will restore to the peoples a pure language, that they all may call on the name of the LORD, to serve Him with one accord. And they shall trust in the name of the LORD.
Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!
The LORD has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more.
In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

“ Do not fear;
Zion, let not your hands be weak.
The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Glastonbury

Glastonbury, a small town in Somerset, is surrounded by a grouping of hills. The tallest of these hills is known as the Tor, which happens to have an old stone tower on the very top which was once a church dedicated to the archangel Michael.
The ancient name for the Tor was Ynys Witrin, which means ‘the Island of Glass.’ But this ‘island’ is more widely known from Celtic lore as Avalon, the Apple-place and the isle of enchantment. In Celtic legends, Avalon was the Otherworld home of the underworld god, Afallach. Both the names Avalon and Afallach refer to apples, apples that once grew in Glastonbury. Myths of King Arthur are set here.
According to legend, Saint Joseph of Arimathea travelled to the spot after Christ was crucified. He is said to have stuck his wooden staff – which had belonged to Jesus – into the ground on Wearyall Hill before he went to sleep. When he awoke it had sprouted into a thorn tree, which became a natural shrine for Christians across Europe. Joseph is said to have built the first Christian church in England. The ancient church was constructed, in 63.
Centuries later, after the break from the Roman Empire, a group of Celtic monks took up quarters beside Glastonbury’s small wattle church. Under the Celtic monks, the site of the ancient church became known as “the holiest Earth of England” and was recognized as the place where Christian faith was first planted in England. The monastery grew into an abbey of the Benedictine Order in 673.
St. Dunstan, a monk-bishop, was Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey and then Archbishop of Canterbury from 960-988. He used his monetary inheritance, royal influence, and considerable gifts to foster and encourage a monastic revival in England and reform the English church.
The end of Glastonbury Abbey came in 1539 when King Henry VIII had the abbey burned, took the land for himself, and had the abbot hanged. The king also had the body of the abbot dismembered and put on exhibition around the country.
Glastonbury is now the mecca for psychics, faith healers, mystics, druids, etc. The Golden Goddesses, a congregation of priestesses who worship mother earth, sponsor an annual Goddess Conference. A former CoE church hall is now used as the Glastonbury Goddess Temple. The largest green field open-air rock festival in the world is held annually in Glastonbury. Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheels are aligned on the Ley Line which runs through Glastonbury Abbey ruins and over Chalice Hill, said by some to be the secret location of the Holy Grail.
In December 2010, the Holy Thorn Tree of Glastonbury was chopped down in an act of vandalism, viewed by some as a deliberately anti-Christian act. The annual Glastonbury Christian pilgrimage was canceled for the first time since 1924.
I don’t claim to know what happens in the spiritual realm, but one wonders if there isn’t an ongoing tug of war over this land. I did some searching for Christian prayers for this city, but found none.–JW

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in Glastonbury as it is in heaven. Amen.

Judges 21:25 and Ruth 1:1-18

[Note: Jean and I will be out of town until Tuesday afternoon visiting our son Tamba and his family in Massachusetts. There will be no prayer notes sent out while we are away from our computer.]

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)
      Jesus, this is a recipe for chaos and disaster, and that is where we are today in your church and in this nation. Please help us make you king of our hearts. Thank you.

Now it came to pass, in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to dwell in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. (Ruth 1:1)
      Father, there is a famine of your word in this land and your people are wandering and looking for food in all the wrong places — draw them back to you by your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

The name of the man was Elimelech, the name of his wife was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion–Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to the country of Moab and remained there. Then Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died; and she was left, and her two sons. Now they took wives of the women of Moab: the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth. And they dwelt there about ten years. Then both Mahlon and Chilion also died; so the woman survived her two sons and her husband. Then she arose with her daughters-in-law that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had visited His people by giving them bread. Therefore she went out from the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. (Ruth 1:2-7)
      Holy Spirit, we pray for all who are on the way back to Jesus and his word. Thank you for what you are doing in their lives.

And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.” So she kissed them, and they lifted up their voices and wept. (Ruth 1:8-9)
      Jesus, please help us lift up our hands in blessing others — help us to be a blessing to others.

And they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” But Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters; why will you go with me? Are there still sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go–for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say I have hope, if I should have a husband tonight and should also bear sons, would you wait for them till they were grown? Would you restrain yourselves from having husbands? No, my daughters; for it grieves me very much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me!” Then they lifted up their voices and wept again; and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. (Ruth 1:10-14)
      Lord, thank you for the Naomis of this life: women who model the walk with yout such that others follow after them. Bless the Sisters of St. Mary and the Daughters of the King, that they will be Naomis to many.

And she said, “Look, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said:
      ”Entreat me not to leave you,
      Or to turn back from following after you;
      For wherever you go, I will go;
      And wherever you lodge, I will lodge;
      Your people shall be my people,
      And your God, my God.
      Where you die, I will die,
      And there will I be buried.
      The Lord do so to me, and more also,
      If anything but death parts you and me.”
When she saw that she was determined to go with her, she stopped speaking to her. (Ruth 1:15-18 )
      Holy Spirit, give us steadiness of purpose in following Jesus. Thank you.

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.
maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.
and of all things visible and invisible;
      Father, we know that we are surrounded by your angelic hosts and that whole company of heaven, that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. Help us to be steady in you till we reach that place of rest. Thank you.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      Father, guide us by your Holy Spirit so that every other “lord” in our lives is brought under the sovereign rule of Jesus and he becomes our one Lord. Thank you.
the only begotten Son of God,
      Father, thank you for sending your one and only son to us so that we might become your children.
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
      Jesus, you have always been there; help us receive you into every part of our lives.
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
very God of very God,
      Jesus, you and the Father are one; please help us come to know you and him better.
begotten, not made,
      Father, thank you for choosing Mary to bring Jesus to us. Help us to respond as she did.
being of one substance with the Father;
      Jesus, you came to us bearing the image of the Father so that we might know his love for us. You are one with him and there is no division between you. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to know the unity and character that you share with the Father.
by whom all things were made;
      Jesus, everything we have was made by you, there is nothing that we can have that we can call our own except for your cross and resurrection. It is all a free gift of yours; thank you.
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven,
      Jesus, thank you for being willing to give up the glory of heaven to come and live with us. Thank you that day by day your Holy Spirit is willing to live in us in the midst of all our sin.
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man;
      Holy Spirit, thank you for Mary’s willingness to receive your over-shadowing and her willingness to risk all to bear Jesus for us.

Friday: 95 & 22 * 141, 143:1-11(12); Jeremiah 29:1,4-13; Romans 11:13-24; John 11:1-27, or 12:1-10
Saturday: 137:1-6(7-9), 144 * 42, 43; Jeremiah 31:27-34 Romans 11:25-36 John 11:28-44, or 12:37-50
      Holy Week
Palm Sunday: 24, 29 * 103; Zech. 9:9-12**; 1 Timothy 6:12-16**; Zech. 12:9-11,13:1,7-9***; Matthew 21:12-17***
Liturgy of the Palms: 118:19-29; Matthew 21:1-11
Liturgy of the Word: 22:1-21 or 22:1-11; Isaiah 45:21-25 or Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew (26:36-75), 27:1-54(55-66)
Monday: 51:1-18(19-20) * 69:1-23; Jeremiah 12:1-16; Phil. 3:1-14; John 12:9-19
Tuesday: 6, 12 * 94; Jeremiah 15:10-21; Phil. 3:15-21; John 12:20-26
Wednesday: 55 * 74; Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17; Phil. 4:1-13; John 12:27-26

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 28, April 17, 2011
            Lectionary A, Palm Sunday
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 26:36-27:66; Philippians 2:5-11; Isaiah 45:21-25; Psalm 118:19-29
Memory Verse: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
Next Week: No Sunday School Easter Sunday.
      Gospel: Matthew 26:36-27:66

(verse 26:36) He knew that to prepare himself for what lay ahead he had to pray. A word received: I want you to come to me in prayer when you are facing hard times.

(verse 26:38 ) “Stay here and keep watch with me.” We need to be willing to watch and pray with Jesus. Be attentive to what Jesus is asking of us.

(verses 26:39, 26:42) A word received: I want you to surrender your will to me as my son did.

(verse 26:59) If you seek what is false, you will find it.

(verse 27:3) Judas was filled with remorse not repentance.

(verse 27:45) It is amazing that God went to such lengths and that Jesus suffered so much for us. Matthew 27:51 What does it mean that the curtain was torn in two from top to bottom? (See Hebrews 10:19-20)

      Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11

(verse 11) A word received: My heart’s desire is that you will confess that I AM Lord to bring glory to my Father.

Note: Surrendering your will. Your attitude should line up with the attitude of Christ.

Note: Jesus humbled himself even to death on a cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place.

      Old Testament: Isaiah 45:21-25

(verse 22) A word received: Turn to me and be saved.

(verse 24) A word received: I want you to find your righteousness and strength in me.

      Psalm: Psalm 118:19-29

(verse 19-20) Jesus is the gate, the righteous gate. You can only enter in by him and through him.

Note: Jesus, the stone, the capstone, our salvation.

(verse 26) How do we serve in the name of the Lord?

(verse 27-29) Since the Lord is God and has made his light to shine upon us, how are we giving thanks? Praise and exultation?

Albany Intercessor

Healing

I recently had an email exchange regarding a young woman with a chronic degenerative disease who fingers are now curling, making it difficult to type, hold a fork, etc.

Holy God,
Sally’s name is written on the palm of Your hand, and Your care for her is indelible. Your splendor is like the sunrise, rays flashing from Your hand, where Your power is hidden. Place Your hands over her hands, we pray. If there are obstacles that prevent You from doing this, knock them down! Amen.

Romans 11:1-5

I say then, has God cast away his people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not cast away his people whom he foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, “Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:1-5)
      Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the remnant of grace in the Episcopal Church. Help us to remain steady in you. Thank you for your grace in helping us know you and love you.

The following was sent by an intercessor yesterday who was facing a time of trial:

I was stopped in my tracks and the Lord told me Psalm 70:

Psalm 70
      For the director of music. Of David. A petition.
1 Hasten, O God, to save me;
      come quickly, LORD, to help me.
2 May those who want to take my life
      be put to shame and confusion;
may all who desire my ruin
      be turned back in disgrace.
3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!”
      turn back because of their shame.
4 But may all who seek you
      rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who long for your saving help always say,
      “The LORD is great!”
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy;
      come quickly to me, O God.
You are my help and my deliverer;
      LORD, do not delay

A word received: Look to me — look to my hand to do mighty things among you. Keep your eyes on me.

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.
maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.
and of all things visible and invisible;
      Father, we know that we are surrounded by your angelic hosts and that whole company of heaven, that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. Help us to be steady in you till we reach that place of rest. Thank you.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      Father, guide us by your Holy Spirit so that every other “lord” in our lives is brought under the sovereign rule of Jesus and he becomes our one Lord. Thank you.
the only begotten Son of God,
      Father, thank you for sending your one and only son to us so that we might become your children.
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
      Jesus, you have always been there; help us receive you into every part of our lives.
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
very God of very God,
      Jesus, you and the Father are one; please help us come to know you and him better.
begotten, not made,
      Father, thank you for choosing Mary to bring Jesus to us. Help us to respond as she did.
being of one substance with the Father;
      Jesus, you came to us bearing the image of the Father so that we might know his love for us. You are one with him and there is no division between you. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to know the unity and character that you share with the Father.
by whom all things were made;
      Jesus, everything we have was made by you, there is nothing that we can have that we can call our own except for your cross and resurrection. It is all a free gift of yours; thank you.
who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven,
      Jesus, thank you for being willing to give up the glory of heaven to come and live with us. Thank you that day by day your Holy Spirit is willing to live in us in the midst of all our sin.

Thursday: 131, 132, [133] * 140, 142; Jeremiah 26:1-16; Romans 11:1-12; John 10:19-42
Friday: 95 & 22 * 141, 143:1-11(12); Jeremiah 29:1,4-13; Romans 11:13-24; John 11:1-27, or 12:1-10

Albany Intercessor

4000 posts

We have posted 4000 prayers on this website. I am trying to recall how many posts were made on the old site before the hacker incursion–I think 2000.
I am deeply grateful. I’m grateful to Karen for starting the blog and inviting me to contribute in January 2005. I’m a computer Luddite, and if Karen had not built that platform of support and instructed me on many occasions, I never would have become a cyberspace intercessor.
I am grateful to Torre for his prophetic words. They always stir my spirit. His steady, unwavering model of leadership is inspirational.
I am grateful to our readers for seeking the presence of God, by their personal piety and in sharing it with others. (We commonly have over 1000 readers a day, most of which is Google searches for seasonal material.) I have learned much from you all and have developed warm friendships with several readers.
I am grateful to the editors of StandFirm and Titus One Nine for never complaining about my shameless promotion of L&B prayers on their comment threads. I delight that the atmosphere of both blogs allows prayer posts and spontaneous prayers on the comment threads.
I am grateful to my bishop, Rt. Rev. Duncan Gray III, for commissioning me as a licensed worship leader on July 25, 2004. Little did we realize how that commission would develop!
I am grateful to my family for supporting my prayer ministry.
Most of all, I am grateful to God for His call on my life.–Jill Woodliff

Judges 6:13-14

Gideon said to him, “O my lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all his miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” (Judges 6:13)
      Lord, renew in our day the wonders of your Pentecost. Turn our hearts back to worshiping you alone.

Then the LORD turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” (Judges 6:14)
      Holy Spirit, anoint and guide Bishop Bill and the other clergy and lay leaders of this diocese so that we will enter into all your provision and promises to us. Thank you.

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.
maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.
and of all things visible and invisible;
      Father, we know that we are surrounded by your angelic hosts and that whole company of heaven, that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. Help us to be steady in you till we reach that place of rest. Thank you.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      Father, guide us by your Holy Spirit so that every other “lord” in our lives is brought under the sovereign rule of Jesus and he becomes our one Lord. Thank you.
the only begotten Son of God,
      Father, thank you for sending your one and only son to us so that we might become your children.
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
      Jesus, you have always been there; help us receive you into every part of our lives.
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
very God of very God,
      Jesus, you and the Father are one; please help us come to know you and him better.
begotten, not made,
      Father, thank you for choosing Mary to bring Jesus to us. Help us to respond as she did.
being of one substance with the Father;
      Jesus, you came to us bearing the image of the Father so that we might know his love for us. You are one with him and there is no division between you. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to know the unity and character that you share with the Father.
by whom all things were made;
      Jesus, everything we have was made by you, there is nothing that we can have that we can call our own except for your cross and resurrection. It is all a free gift of yours; thank you.

Wednesday: 119:145-176 * 128, 129, 130; Jeremiah 25:30-38; Romans 10:14-21; John 10:1-18
Thursday: 131, 132, [133] * 140, 142; Jeremiah 26:1-16; Romans 11:1-12; John 10:19-42

Albany Intercessor

Receiving the word with prayer

Rev. David Speare Benedict, chaplain in the Order of St. Luke the Physician, has an article in the Mar/Apr issue of Sharing magazine. This prayer is his response to the “I AM” statements.

Lord, You are the Living Bread of my life; I receive you to replace the hunger and thirst in myself and ask the same for others.
Lord, You are the Light of Life; I receive Your light to replace the darkness of the world in my self and ask the same for others.
Lord, You are the Door of the sheep; I willfully decide to enter your door and share the security of your fold, and pray the same for others who are uncertain and undecided.
Lord, You are the Good Shepherd; I receive your leadership and abiding care for me and ask the same for others.
Lord, You are the Reseurrection and the Life; I receive the New Redeemed Life you have given me and seek that same blessed gift for others.
Lord, You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life; I receive Your Way fo Grace, Your Truth of Righteousness, and Your Life of Love, for myself and seek these same blessings for others.
Lord, You are the Vine and we are the branches; I receive the gift of this sacred connection, that it may forever nourish, guide, and redeem me and humankind, everywhere.

Mercy and judgment

Exodus 25:21-22 (New King James Version)
You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (Amplified Bible)
For we must all appear and be revealed as we are before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive [his pay] according to what he has done in the body, whether good or evil [considering what his purpose and motive have been, and what he has achieved, been busy with, and given himself and his attention to accomplishing].

Father,
At creation, Your Spirit hovered over the face of the waters and brought order out of chaos. Hover over the chaos in my heart, I pray.
Speak! Build my spirit on the foundation of Your holy law. Bring to my mind unconfessed sins (pause). Remove them from me as far as the east is from the west. I want to love what You love and hate what You hate.
Cover me and my family with the wings of Your holy angels, I pray. Your truth and Your righteousness are our protection, and we thank You. Amen.

Abp Okoh’s prayer requests

From his opening address to the standing committee of Nigeria:

Permit me therefore to use this medium to charge everyone of us to pray for:

i) Nigeria, for peace, progress, stability and unity;

ii) A successful elections, free from all previous negative experiences of killing, rigging, thuggery, and dishonesty.

iii) That only those truly and duly elected by the people will actually emerge.

iv) That in these elections the forces of truth, honesty, fairness, indeed, the power of God will defeat the powers of darkness, backwardness and all forms of evil.

Amen.

The full Gafcon Congress will hold almost certainly in Jerusalem again in 2012. We ask for your prayers, for effective planning and execution.

Amen.

On your behalf, we extend our hearty congratulations to Bishop Albert Chama, who has just been elected Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Central Africa. We pray that the Church of God may proper in his hands. We pray for good health for him and his wife.

Amen.

Hat tip: T10

Psalm 71:1-4 and John 9:24-38

Father, please put on all of 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, and the helmet of salvation. Place on our arm the shield of faith with which to quench every fiery dart of the evil one; and place in our hand the sword of your Spirit which is your Word, Jesus; that having stood all, we might yet stand. Finally, help us to be strong in Jesus and in the power of his might. Thank you. (See Ephesians 6:10-20)

In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.

Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness;
turn your ear to me and save me.

Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of evil and cruel men. (Psalm 71:1-4)

So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, “Give God the glory! We know that this man is a sinner.” (John 9:24)
      Holy Spirit, please give us your strength to resist the prejudgments and prejudices of the learned and powerful.

He answered and said, “Whether he is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.” (John 9:25)
      Holy Spirit, help us to be ready in season and out to give our testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives.

Then they said to him again, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” (John 9:26)
      Father, thank you for the boldness of this man. Help us to be bold as well.

He answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” (John 9:27)
      Holy Father, restore to the leaders and teachers of your people listening ears and hearts.

Then they reviled him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spoke to Moses; as for this fellow, we do not know where he is from.” (John 9:28-29)
      Jesus, thank you for the high honor of being your disciple.

The man answered and said to them, “Why, this is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where he is from; yet he has opened my eyes! Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, he hears him. Since the world began it has been unheard of that anyone opened the eyes of one who was born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” (John 9:30-33)
      Jesus, thank you for opening our eyes to the truth of the gospel.

They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out. (John 9:34)
      Lord Jesus Christ, many are being driven from your church in our day because they adhere to the truth of the gospel. You are our rock on which we stand. Thank you for the courage you gave this man and us.

Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is he, Lord, that I may believe in him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen him and it is he who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped him. (John 9:35-38 )
      Lord, I believe!

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.
maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.
and of all things visible and invisible;
      Father, we know that we are surrounded by your angelic hosts and that whole company of heaven, that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. Help us to be steady in you till we reach that place of rest. Thank you.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      Father, guide us by your Holy Spirit so that every other “lord” in our lives is brought under the sovereign rule of Jesus and he becomes our one Lord. Thank you.
the only begotten Son of God,
      Father, thank you for sending your one and only son to us so that we might become your children.
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
      Jesus, you have always been there; help us receive you into every part of our lives.
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
very God of very God,
      Jesus, you and the Father are one; please help us come to know you and him better.
begotten, not made,
      Father, thank you for choosing Mary to bring Jesus to us. Help us to respond as she did.
being of one substance with the Father;
      Jesus, you came to us bearing the image of the Father so that we might know his love for us. You are one with him and there is no division between you. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to know the unity and character that you share with the Father.

Tuesday: [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]; Jeremiah 25:8-17; Romans 10:1-13; John 9:18-41
Wednesday: 119:145-176 * 128, 129, 130; Jeremiah 25:30-38; Romans 10:14-21; John 10:1-18

Albany Intercessor

Judges 2

So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel. (Judges 2:7)
      Jesus, please continue to raise up elders among us who have seen your great works so that we remain faithful as a diocese.

Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died when he was one hundred and ten years old. And they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash. When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel. (Judges 2:8-10)
      Holy Spirit, guide us throughout this diocese so that we bring our youth to a saving knowledge of Jesus and the baptism with your fire. Anoint the ministry to children and youths that will take place at the Diocesan Convention. Prepare the hearts of all who will be going to the Diocesan Convention to come to a deeper knowledge of you and your works.

Then the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel; and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not heeded My voice, I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the LORD, to walk in them as their fathers kept them, or not.” Therefore the LORD left those nations, without driving them out immediately; nor did He deliver them into the hand of Joshua. (Judges 2:20-23)
      Holy Father, we are being sifted and refined as a nation. We have not walked in your ways or heeded your commandments. Turn our hearts back to you and your ways. Thank you.

Heal Our Land http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zjTSLLLYlk

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.
maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.
and of all things visible and invisible;
      Father, we know that we are surrounded by your angelic hosts and that whole company of heaven, that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. Help us to be steady in you till we reach that place of rest. Thank you.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      Father, guide us by your Holy Spirit so that every other “lord” in our lives is brought under the sovereign rule of Jesus and he becomes our one Lord. Thank you.
the only begotten Son of God,
      Father, thank you for sending your one and only son to us so that we might become your children.
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
      Jesus, you have always been there; help us receive you into every part of our lives.
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
very God of very God,
      Jesus, you and the Father are one; please help us come to know you and him better.
begotten, not made,
      Father, thank you for choosing Mary to bring Jesus to us. Help us to respond as she did.

Monday: 31 * 35; Jeremiah 24:1-10; Romans 9:19-23; John 9:1-17
Tuesday: [120], 121, 122, 123 * 124, 125, 126, [127]; Jeremiah 25:8-17; Romans 10:1-13; John 9:18-41

Albany Intercessor

Matthew 21:8-9

And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. (Matthew 21:8 )
      Holy Spirit, move us to do those things which will bring honor to Jesus as that multitude did.

Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
      ”Hosanna to the Son of David!
      ’Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
      Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:9)
      Father, please give us a heart and a voice to say, “Hosanna!” to your son Jesus. Thank you.

A word received: Pray for my work among you. Pray for my will to be accomplished among you.

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.
maker of heaven and earth,
      Thank you, Father, for your creation. Please help us by your Holy Spirit to be better stewards of your creation.
and of all things visible and invisible;
      Father, we know that we are surrounded by your angelic hosts and that whole company of heaven, that cloud of witnesses that has gone before us. Help us to be steady in you till we reach that place of rest. Thank you.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ,
      Father, guide us by your Holy Spirit so that every other “lord” in our lives is brought under the sovereign rule of Jesus and he becomes our one Lord. Thank you.
the only begotten Son of God,
      Father, thank you for sending your one and only son to us so that we might become your children.
begotten of his Father before all worlds,
      Jesus, you have always been there; help us receive you into every part of our lives.
God of God, Light of Light,
      Jesus, you are God and you are the light to take us through this time of darkness in the church and in the nation. You are the word of God and are a lamp to our feet.
very God of very God,
      Jesus, you and the Father are one; please help us come to know you and him better.

Sunday: 118 * 145; Jeremiah 23:16-32; 1 Corinthians 9:19-27; Mark 8:31-9:1
HC: 130; Ezekiel 37:1-3(4-10)11-14; Romans 6:16-23; John 11:(1-17)18-44
Monday: 31 * 35; Jeremiah 24:1-10; Romans 9:19-23; John 9:1-17

Albany Intercessor