“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (Matthew 5:43-44)
Stop a minute and call to mind any who have
been your enemy
cursed you
hated you
spitefully used you
Now forgive them and pray for them.
“that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45)
Holy Spirit, help each of us recognize our need to be forgiven.
Father, you love all of us: the good and the evil, the just and the unjust. Help all of us recognize that we have sinned and fallen short of your glory. (See Romans 3:23)
Jesus, help us share the truth of the gospel so that many will gind grace and mercy and be washed clean in your blood.
Nothing but the Blood of Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhtppff37pY
“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so?” (Matthew 5:46-47)
Jesus, help us go outside the walls of our churches to the lost and the least with the good news of salvation.
“Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 )
Holy Spirit, bring us all to the maturity and perfection that Jesus desires for us so that we mirror the Father’s love and character. Thank you.
Monday: 1, 2, 3 * 4, 7; 1 Samuel 15:1-3,7-23 Acts 9:19b-31 Luke 23:44-56a
Independence Day: 145 or 145:1-9; Deuteronomy 10:17-21; Hebrews 11:8-16; Matthew 5:43-48
Notes from the Front Line
Diocesan Intercessions: July 4 Thanksgiving for Freedom in the U.S. and for all members of the Armed Forces
Remember and pray for +Eddie (young man from Saturday’s prayer table) — “I’m about to be deployed to Afghanistan.”
Pray for the Welcome Home Initiative.
Independence Day July 4
Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP)
The American Cemetery in Manila, The Philippines
Remember the cost of our freedom. Pray for those in harms way.
***** Celtic Woman – O, America! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLNn2YflwNs
All I Once Held Dear (Knowing You) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGbuz8QuhmE
When its all been said and done http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1llIIhBMCjU&feature=related
Faithful one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxviwvjyg1w&feature=related
Albany Intercessor
