Exodus 19:1-10

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain. (Exodus 19:1-2)
      LORD, let the Diocesan Convention be such an encampment. Help us come before you to hear your word and worship you.

And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.” (Exodus 19:3-5)
      Holy Spirit, please bring us to that obedience to our Father’s word so that we become his special treasure.

“And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 19:6)
      Jesus, let this diocese become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. (Exodus 19: 7)
      Jesus, please bless Bishop Bill and help him lay before the priests and deacons and lay leaders of this diocese the words and desires of your heart.

Then all the people answered together and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. (Exodus 19:8 )
      Holy Spirit, help us to be a people who truly answer your call to us. Help us live out the vows we have made to you.

And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever.” So Moses told the words of the people to the Lord. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. (Exodus 19:9-10)
      Father, please help us consecrate ourselves to your service.

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.

Monday: 89:1-18 * 89:19-52; Jeremiah 16:10-21; Romans 7:1-12; John 6:1-15
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]; Jeremiah 17:19-27; Romans 7:13-25; John 6:16-27

Albany Intercessor

The tomb of Haggai

The prophet Haggai is buried in a catacomb on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.

Haggai 1:14 (New Living Translation)
So the Lord sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,

Haggai 1:14 (Amplified Bible)
And the Lord aroused the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people, so that they came and labored on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God,

Haggai 1:14 (Good News Translation)
The Lord inspired everyone to work on the Temple: Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah; Joshua, the High Priest, and all the people who had returned from the exile. They began working on the Temple of the Lord Almighty, their God,

Oh, Father, arouse the spirit of Your intercessors, spark the enthusiasm of Your people, and inspire them to work for the establishment of Your kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Amen.

Japanese reactors

From Japan Today

The government expects that several months may be required before radioactive particles stop being released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, its top spokesman said Sunday. . . . ‘‘Although the plant has not yet emerged from its critical situation, it has recovered some stability’’ and it is time ‘‘to inform the public what we are trying to do’’ with time frames to help ease anxiety, said Hosono, who has been serving as a major liaison between the government and the power company.

On the Hebrew calendar, we have entered the month of Nisan, a month of praise and thanksgiving.

Father,
We send our praises of Your holy name to the atmosphere over Fukushima:
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, You are our righteousness, and we thank You for the gift of Your Son.
Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, You are the God who sanctifies, and we thank You for the work of the Holy Spirit in the cleansing of the land, atmosphere, and sea and for the spiritual awakening among the Japanese people.
Jehovah-Shalom, You are peace, and we thank You for the measure of stability that is restored at Fukushima.
Jehovah-Shammah, You are present, and we thank You for Your presence in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami.
Jehovah-Rophe, You are our healer, and we thank You for the ongoing healing of this land and people.
Jehovah-Jereh, Your provision shall be seen in Japan.
Jehovah-Nissi, You are our banner, and we raise the name of Jesus over Fukushima.
Jehovah-Rohi, You are our shepherd, and we ask for Your guidance and nurture of this nation. Amen.

Ephesians 5:1-7

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. (Ephesians 5:1)
      Jesus, please help us walk in your footsteps.

and walk in love, as christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (Ephesians 5:2)
      Holy Spirit, help us love one another, just as Jesus loves us.

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; (Ephesians 5:3)
      Holy Spirit, cleanse our hearts and minds of all that is evil.

neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4)
      Father, you made our mouths to praise you but filth comes out of them. Purify our hearts so that our mouths are made clean.

For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. (Ephesians 5:5)
      Jesus, help us truly repent of all that is evil.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:6)
      Lord, we are masters of self-deception; protect us from empty words.

Therefore do not be partakers with them. (Ephesians 5: 7)
      LORD, establish us in your ways. Thank you.

Exodus 5:22-6:8
A word received: I want you to see my larger purposes in all this. I want you to see with eyes that are open to the movement of my Spirit. Look at what I am doing: It is more than hardening Pharaoh’s heart; it is more than leading my people out of Egypt. I am establishing the fact that I AM the one who lifts my people out of bondage when they turn to me and cry out to me. I AM the way, the truth, and the life.

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.

Albany Intercessor

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, April 2, 2011, 9:20 – 10:30 a.m. Windy but bright and sunny. Torre Bissell on State St.
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

Curtis (from the last two weeks) — “Prosperity and for my family.” I prayed for the Father’s love and provision to be poured out in this family. [Later, he passed by again and said, "God bless you too." in response to my greeting.]

+Patrick (from previous times) — I prayed for the Father’s blessing on him and his family.

(Man across the street) — “Please!” when I asked him if I could pray for him.

+Russell — Injured on job; provision; asked for and accepted forgiveness. He asked, “Do you require a donation?” I said, “No, this is free.” When I gave him the cross he said, “This is what I’ve been waiting for.”

+Eddie — “For peace and for Israel.” I prayed for peace in the hearts of men and governments and for the peace of Jerusalem.

+Bill — “That I can get back to the City.” [He was hoping for a handout.]

+Dexter — “I have to get food for my kids.” After I prayed for him and his kids and gave him a cross he said, “Oh, God bless you.”

Billie (came a week or so ago) — Alcoholic, hoping for a handout. “I got booted out of my hotel this morning.” I prayed for shelter for him.

+Tishon (young man) –”For my wife and my kids.” Prayed for the Father’s provision and that he would grow into the man, the father, the husband that God is calling him to be.

Steve (10:00) — Again prayed he could own his own business and for joy. He said I should not be out here on the street by myself and stood guard for the next half hour.

+Andrew (semi-regular) — Alcoholic. Prayed for sobriety and for his kids.

+Jahlyn (teen-age boy) — Prayed for his family and that he would grow into the man, the father, the husband that God is calling him to be.

+Patrick (and young son Scottie) — “I thank the Lord Jesus. I am getting back on my feet. Some friends are setting me on the right path.”

+Jeanette and her son +Jahlyn — They are going to Massachusetts to visit a friend named +Rose who is in rehab. They took a cross for her.

+Paula (regular) — We prayed for blessings and the refreshment of the Holy Spirit. She was heading over to check on Debra, another regular.

The relics of St. John the Baptist

According to ancient tradition, the burial-place of John the Baptist was at Sebaste in Samaria, and mention is made of his relics being honored there around the middle of the 4th century. Historians record that the shrine was desecrated under Julian the Apostate around 362, the bones being partly burned. A portion of the rescued relics were carried to Jerusalem, then to Alexandria, where they were laid in the basilica that was newly dedicated to the Forerunner on the former site of the temple of Serapis. Many places claim to have a portion of his relics.

Father,
As John the Baptist’s relics are scattered from Halifax, West Yorkshire to West Bengal, from Munich, Germany to Scetes, Egypt, we cry out for his prophetic words to echo through these lands. We join our voices with those living and active words:

Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins. . . . The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Jeremiah 13:10-11

“This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who follow the dictates of their hearts,” (Jeremiah 13:10a)
      Have mercy on us, Holy Father, and help us repent of going our own way. Help us hear your word and walk in your ways.

“and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them,” (Jeremiah 13:10b)
      Jesus, please help us recognize any other gods that we are serving and turn from them to you with an undivided heart.

“shall be just like this sash which is profitable for nothing.” (Jeremiah 13:10c)
      Holy Spirit, please write on our hearts the truth of your word to us: “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

“For as the sash clings to the waist of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah to cling to me,” says the LORD, “that they may become my people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they would not hear.” (Jeremiah 13:11)
      Holy Trinity, one God, please help us to hear you and cling to you. Thank you.

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.

            Praying The Nicene Creed
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.

We cry out to you, Lord Jesus Christ:
      You are the way, the truth, and the life.
Please teach us where we are currently in ignorance,
      That we may know your truth and abide in it.
Show us where we are stumbling in the darkness,
      And guide us back into your way.
Establish us in the life of your Spirit
      That we correctly discern the true from the false;
And guard us from all false teaching
      And knowledge that would be hurtful to us.
Father, defend us evermore
      Through your son Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank you.
(Bishop Westcott revised)

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 26, April 3, 2011
            Lectionary A, Second Sunday of Lent
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: John 9:1-41; Ephesians 5: 22-6:8; Exodus 5:22-6:8; Psalm 105:23-27, 37-45
Memory Verse: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8 )
Next Week: John 11:1-44; Romans 6:16-23; Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 95:6-11

      Old Testament: Exodus 5:22-6:8

A word received: Pray for my people who are under harsh task-masters.

      Psalm: Psalm 105:23-27, 37-45

A word received: Look to me for help. Let your hearts be turned to me so that you can keep my commandments.

      Epistle: Ephesians 5:8-14

A word received: Look to me for light to see by. I will show you the way to walk in.

      Gospel: John 9:1-41

A word received: This man has see the light. Pray that you will walk by my light as this man is. Consider the ways he is walking in my light.

Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Jeremiah 13:1-11; Romans 6:12-23; John 8:47-59
Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Jeremiah 14:1-9,17-22; Galatians 4:21-5:1; Mark 8:11-21
HC: 23; 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Ephesians 5:(1-7)8-14; John 9:1-13(14-27)28-38

      Notes from the Front Line

***** For Prisoners.
      O GOD, who spares when we deserve punishment, and in your wrath remembers mercy; we humbly beseech you, of your goodness, to comfort and succour all prisoners [especially those who are condemned to die]. Give them a right understanding of themselves, and of your promises; that, trusting wholly in your mercy, they may not place their confidence anywhere but in you. Relieve the distressed, protect the innocent, awaken the guilty; and forasmuch as you alone bring light out of darkness, and good out of evil, grant to these your servants, that by the power of your Holy Spirit they may be set free from the chains of sin and death, and may be brought to newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Remember the prisoners as if chained with them–those who are mistreated–since you yourselves are in the body also.” Hebrews 13:3
      Please pray for our prisoner intercessors: Shane, Lori, Renee, and Amie.

Albany Intercessor

Exodus 13:17-22

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” (Exodus 13:17)
      God, you know what is best for us and you know our weaknesses: lead us in the direction you think is best for us.

So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up in orderly ranks out of the land of Egypt. (Exodus 13:18 )
      LORD, thank you for the wilderness times and all that you have taught us about your faithfulness in those times.

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.” (Exodus 13:19)
      Holy Spirit, please help us carry out all of our solemn vows.

So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. (Exodus 13:20)
      Jesus, thank you for the journey we are on.

And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. (Exodus 13:21)
      Jesus, thank you for the many ways you lead us.

He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. (Exodus 13:22)
      Father, thank you for your enduring faithfulness.

A word received: My strength will carry you through.

Friday: 95 & 88 * 91, 92; Jeremiah 11:1-8, 14-20; Romans 6:1-11; John 8:33-47
Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Jeremiah 13:1-11; Romans 6:12-23; John 8:47-59

Albany Intercessor

Obadiah’s tomb

Talmudic sages claim that Obadiah was an Edomite proselyte who served in the court of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. He managed to save 100 Jewish prophets by hiding them in two caves and supplying their needs. His tomb is in Israel. The book of Obadiah is one chapter long. Obadiah chastises his fellow Edomites for rejoicing in and taking advantage of the captivity of the Jews.

Obadiah 1:13-15 (New King James Version)
You should not have entered the gate of My people
In the day of their calamity.
Indeed, you should not have gazed on their affliction
In the day of their calamity,
Nor laid hands on their substance
In the day of their calamity.
You should not have stood at the crossroads
To cut off those among them who escaped;
Nor should you have delivered up those among them who remained
In the day of distress.
“ For the day of the LORD upon all the nations is near;
As you have done, it shall be done to you;
Your reprisal shall return upon your own head.

Father,
Forgive us for our sins of racism, class consciousness, and sectarianism. Were it not for the gift of Your Son, we would be like a rotting carcass in Your eyes. Thank You for Your tender mercies.
Your Son Jesus walked the land that Obadiah walked and knew the words he spoke. Jesus taught us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. He showed us how to turn the other cheek.
We stand in agreement with the teaching and actions of Obadiah and Jesus. May we have mercy on those who are different from us. Teach us how to do this day to day.
In this time of political tumult, when the nation of Israel is surrounded by enemies, pour out upon this nation a spirit of wisdom to know Your will for them. Grant them wise decisions. Amen.