Gouverneur Morris

REVOLUTIONARY OFFICER; MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; “PENMAN OF THE CONSTITUTION”; DIPLOMAT; U. S. SENATOR

There must be religion. When that ligament is torn, society is disjointed and its members perish… [T]he most important of all lessons is the denunciation of ruin to every state that rejects the precepts of religion.

Collections of the New York Historical Society for the Year 1821 (New York: E. Bliss and E. White, 1821), pp. 32, 34, from “An Inaugural Discourse Delivered Before the New York Historical Society by the Honorable Gouverneur Morris, (President,) 4th September, 1816.”

Hat tip: America’s Founding Fathers

Joel 2:28-32 and Sunday School Lesson

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; (Joel 2:28a)
      Father, flood us again with your Holy Spirit. Let pools of living water flow at the Diocesan Convention in June.

Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, (Joel 2:28b)
      Holy Spirit, please help us hear the word you are speaking through the youth of this diocese. Bless the Youth Rally at the Diocesan Convention.

Your old men shall dream dreams, (Joel 2:28c)
      Lord Jesus, speak to us through dreams and visions. Help us listen to what the elders of this diocese are saying to us.

Your young men shall see visions. (Joel 2:28d)
      Holy Spirit, move among the youth, the young men and women, and help them tell us what they are hearing and seeing.

And also on my menservants and on my maidservants I will pour out my Spirit in those days. (Joel 229:)
      Father, bless all those who are planning and preparing for the Diocesan Convention in June with the abundance of your Spirit.

“And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. (Joel 2:30)
      Lord, let there be a great in-gathering at the Diocesan Convention. Help us see your wonders and your work among us.

The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. (Joel 2:31)
      Jesus, through it all, help us see your path clearly by the light of the gospel.

And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the remnant whom the LORD calls. (Joel 2:32)
      Jesus, we call upon your name. Save us and protect the Diocese of Albany and the Diocese of South Carolina and all your faithful people throughout this land. Thank you.

Psalm 27:5, A word received: I AM your hiding place.

            Praying the Apostles’ Creed
Suffered under Pontius Pilate,
      Jesus, thank you for what you were willing to suffer for our salvation; please help us to endure what we must suffer to see the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion restored to Apostolic faith.

Friday: 88 * 91, 92; Joel 2:28-3:8; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 16:13-20
Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Joel 3:9-17; Revelation 20:1-6 Matthew 16:21-28

STUDY GUIDE: SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 09. November 13, 2011
Theme Verse: 19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Readings: Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28; Zephaniah 1:7,12-18; Psalm 90:1-12
Memory Verse: The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
Next Week: Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28; Ezekiel 34:11-17; Psalm 95:1-7

A word received: I want to build you into the church I want. I AM the foundation and cornerstone. Look to me — let me build you up by my Holy Spirit and my word.

      Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

A word received: I want you to use the gifts I have given you. I don’t want you to be dismayed by the gifts and talents I have given others. I made you and I gifted you according to my own plan and purposes. Use the gifts I have given you.

      Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

A word received: I want you to look at this chapter as a way to make use of the gifts I have given you. Go through the chapter and identify the ways you are to use your gifts.

      Old Testament: Zephaniah 1:7,12-18

(verse 12) A word received: I want you to count the cost of complacency. My people are too settled with what is. I want you to seek my kingdom and my faithfulness. Don’t be content with going through the motions. Turn to me — I AM mighty to save.

      Psalm: Psalm 90:1-12

(verse 12) A word received: Pray for my people to desire wisdom that comes from me. My words are for your wisdom and instruction. Seek my wisdom.

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011
From: Donna Steckline
Subject: Update from S. Sudan
Good Morning Everyone!
      Praise the Lord!! Kev just called and they have arrived safely in Maridi, So. Sudan. They just finished tea with Bp. Justin and Mama Joyce, so he called to update us. They are well.
      I asked if he could see some noticeable changes. He said yes! Our tukels have electric! We have one light bulb hanging inside the tukel! But he said Bp. Justin said the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army) is still quite active south of there, so they get an influx of people coming north to them, as well as people fleeing out of the Nuba Mtns in the north that we’ve heard so much about (at the border of N. Sudan and S. Sudan) So I’m sure the needs will be immense.
      Kevin said they were advised of their schedules: Kevin will be holding medical clinics every morning with teachings in the afternoon. Patti will work with the women on Prayer!
      Pray for the computer to work out its bugs! It’s not loading photos, or letting E-mail work. Thank God Kev got the satellite phone, it’s great to be able to hear his voice! Thanks so much for the prayer support!
FHS, Donna+

***** Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011
From: Joann E Ferris
      I wanted to share –These scriptures and corresponding prayers — are speaking to me and I am echoing them. These prayers are my prayers for the whole body.
      Oh Lord, Heavenly Father that you would open the ears and eyes of the flock –Give us spiritual maturity as we walk this earth. I pray we would see clearly the signs of the times and understand with a spiritual mind thru a relationship with you dear Father.
      Dear Lord –I pray we would worship you with our whole heart, soul and mind .Come Holy Spirit Come , Come now and come with more power descend on us –your flock— Impart the fruits of the spirit on us–Dear Lord. That we may be patience , kind, gentle, loving, peaceful and long suffering for you—Heavenly Father. We believe– help our unbelief! Give us a confidence of your presence and I pray that we will not be afraid. Oh Lord –the harvest is ready –the laborers few—call those you will empower to be laborers in the field and that we may go forth rejoicing in you–Lord. I ask this in Jesus most holy name. Amen

***** Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
      The eleventh Welcome Home Initiative (thirteenth in all, three off site) closed yesterday. It was the best one yet. You could actually see God healing several of the veterans. I want to that all who came to the closing and all who prayed for us. The general consensus: Brilliant!
God bless you, Fr. Nigel+

Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2011
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative testimony, vet set free….
Dear souls,
      We have seen an absolute miracle on the thirteenth Welcome Home Initiative (WHI). Joe (named used with permission) is a totally different man…he has been set free. I had him in my small group, he sat next to a Brigadier General who was also on the program. Listening to their stories …. Off the charts! Joe was a point rifleman… The Brigadier General led 8,000 men, Crome the front. They both sat next to each other at the closing… Both holding hands and weeping. This WHI was the most powerful ever…. My small group was filmed for the documentary…. Joe even agreed to be filmed… Now that was amazing. Joe is a messianic Jew and told me he had been to many programs to be healed. He told me that he never got healing, part of the root of the anger! At the end of this program, he realized that Jesus has healed him…I am so moved… Joe even harassed me during my first talk.. He was so very angry at the start. Now you can see his healing it in his smiling face… At the start, He even kept a hat on with the sun visor over his eyes,… It has been amazing. The really neat thing is that his journey has been documented…. As Joe was interviewed several times during the program. Without his hat to hide behind!
      The team and I are so honored to be used for healing of these haunted men. Jesus came to set the captives free… and that is what the WHI is all about.
      Thank you for making this possible through your prayers and donations.
God bless you, Fr. Nigel+

***** Date: Sun, 06 Nov 2011
From: The Rev. Dr. Nina George-Hacker, FHC
Subject: Miracle at St. Christopher’s, Cobleskill
Dear Torre, Please forward this to the Intercessors:
      God is still in the business of healing! This morning after Mass, an elderly parishioner with MS asked for prayer for a minor affliction. After our lay minister of healing prayer and I had anointed and prayed for her, she said God was telling her, “Drop the cane.” She walks very slowly, gingerly, and hunched over, and can’t take more than a few steps without her cane. But she obeyed … and began power-walking down the center aisle! Then she started RUNNING around the church! Her body suddenly looked relaxed, young, and in perfect condition. We finally asked her to stop racing around, because she was out of breath–and we were getting nervous, even though we couldn’t stop praising God. To Him alone be all the praise and glory!
      This is only one of many miracles God is doing in our midst at St. Christopher’s, Cobleskill. May He continue to bless, protect, and multiply these works of the Holy Spirit.
Grateful and awed beyond words, Mother Nina George-Hacker, Rector, St. Christopher’s, Cobleskill

Albany Intercessor

Repentance

I lay aside those possessions that hold me back from the race that is set before me. Create in me a right understanding of wealth.
I lay aside the cares of this life that choke out the things of God. I cast all my cares upon You, Lord Jesus. Transform me by the renewing of my mind.
I lay aside the old habit of regarding food as a compensation. Bury this habit unto death, so that I might walk in newness of life to the glory of the Father.
I lay aside self-will. Create in me a delight in doing Your will, O Lord.
I lay aside the desire to be honored. Replace it with a desire to honor You.
I lay aside my propensity to be sensitive. Plant within me a forgetfulness of self.
I lay aside my self-sufficiency. Create in me the trust to lean on You, Christ, my true sufficiency.
I lay aside my fear of other people’s perceptions. Imbue me with Your love so that I may love myself and love others.
I lay aside my weakness. Open my hands to take hold of Your strength.
I lay aside my pride. Create in me a servant’s heart.
I lay aside the sin of faultfinding. Fill me with the charity that covers a multitude of sins.
I lay aside my grudges. Create in me a spirit of forgiveness.
I lay aside my old nature. Teach me to walk in Jesus.

Terrorism

Psalm 93:1a (NIV)
The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength.

You are indeed robed in majesty, Lord God. You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.
O Lamb of God, You are worthy, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! May our voices be joined with the voices of the cloud of witnesses and the hosts of heaven, saying, Worthy is the Lamb.
We claim the Blood of the Lamb over all spiritual gates in the atmosphere over the United States of America. The Blood of the Lamb says to the angel of death, You must pass over.
In the name of Jesus, we bind and rebuke all terrorist destruction from our gates. Father, send forth Your angels in power and strength to defeat the plans of all terrorists in our land.
We magnify the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We laud His holy name. May the atmosphere over the United States of America be filled with praise and adulation. Holy is the Lord. Holy is the Lord God of hosts. Holy is His name. Amen.

Washington, D. C.

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

Sanctify anew, Thou Ruler of Destiny, this bit of Federal soil which our forefathers set apart from any State to nourish the high mission of our common government. Bless, O Lord, the precious branches planted here:

The deep-rooted responsibility of Law,
the even measure of Justice,
and the leadership fitly chosen and
held aloft before our people.

Grant to all who serve in this District the same vision that drew Columbus to a new world, and a kindred steadiness of purpose to that of the first President whose name and flag we bear.

So by Thy grace may we be worthy of that special place given to a capital city in Thy holy Name. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest

Founding fathers in fervent prayer

Stained glass window depiction of a painting of the first Continental Congress in 1774.

Terrorists

Psalm 83:5-11 (NIV)
With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance against you—the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites,of Moab and the Hagrites,Byblos, Ammon and Amalek,Philistia, with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants. Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon, who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground. Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb,all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna.

Our Father in heaven,
Thank you, Father, for the many times You have delivered our nation from our enemies. We trust in Your arm for our salvation. We call forth the downfall of all terrorists on our land. Sow confusion in their alliances. Just as Jesus spoke “Peace, be still” to the elements in the storm, we speak “Peace, be still” to the elements of destructive devices targeting the United States of America.
Bring the terrorists down, dear Lord. Bring them down. Amen.

From the lessons for today

Then the Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing Him asked that He would show them a sign from heaven. He answered and said to them, “When it is evening you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red’; and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:1-3)
      Holy Spirit, please help us discern the signs of the times.

Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” (Revelation 19: 9)
      Father, help all of us in this diocese answer the invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Revelation 19:10)
      Holy Spirit, help us give the worship and honor that is due God the Father and his son Jesus and to you, and give men and women the honor that is due them. Don’t let us confuse the two.

Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the LORD has done marvelous things! (Joel 2:21)
      Jesus, please help us look at all that you have done for us and set aside fear.

Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field; for the open pastures are springing up, and the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their strength. (Joel 2:22)
      Help us, Jesus, produce the fruit of your Spirit.

Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God; for he has given you the former rain faithfully, and he will cause the rain to come down for you — the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. (Joel 2:23)
      Lord Jesus, so many have never received that first rain of the power of your Holy Spirit; help them receive it. Help all who have received the first rain to be blessed and refreshed with the latter rain of your Holy Spirit.

The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. (Joel 2:24)
      Father, help us bring in the full harvest you have prepared for us. Help your people hear your call to go labor in the harvest fields.

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
      Jesus, you are my light and my salvation. You have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Thank you.

      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; that having stood all, we might yet stand. Finally, help us to be strong in Jesus and in the power of his might, and cast off from us the chains of apathy that keep us from speaking boldly as we ought to speak. Thank you. (See Ephesians 6:10-20)

A word received: I want you to encourage each other.

Thursday: [83] or 23,27 * 85, 86; Joel 2:21-27;. Revelation 19:1-10; Matthew 16:1-12
Friday: 88 * 91, 92; Joel 2:28-3:8;-63; Revelation 19:11-16; Matthew 16:13-20

Albany Intercessor

North Carolina–Francis Sayre

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

Preserve unto us, good Lord, the precious treasure bequeathed to us by those silent eons when Thou wast preparing earth for our inheritance. May we cherish, and not despoil the cup of loveliness entrusted to our hands for a space.

So may the green land be blessed, whose smoky highlands yield their mineral riches to the soil below, and whose surf-bound coast is protected by necklaces of sand. Guard the peaceful Sounds; protect the forest mantle, the pliant ploughlands; and let Thy grace abound among Thy Carolina people whose lives are rooted in this place of promise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest

The mystery of prayer

I recently heard a Pentecostal speaker comment on the mystery of prayer. She pointed out that Hannah’s prayer for a son led to a spiritual and temporal revolution for Israel. Under Samuel’s leadership, the Philistines were subdued and stopped invading Israel, and there was peace with the Amorites (1 Sam 7). King David sought God’s guidance for war (2 Sam 5). One woman’s prayer and sacrifice served as a bridge for an entire nation.
Hannah’s vow to give her son to God was reminiscent of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Hannah fasted regularly and prayed in tears. The text of her prayer is similar to another passage of scripture–God’s instruction to Solomon.

1 Samuel 1:11 (NIV)
And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

James Iredell

RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; ATTORNEY GENERAL OF NORTH CAROLINA; U. S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE APPOINTED BY PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON

For my part, I am free and ready enough to declare that I think the Christian religion is a Divine institution; and I pray to God that I may never forget the precepts of His religion or suffer the appearance of an inconsistency in my principles and practice.

James Iredell, The Papers of James Iredell, Don Higginbotham, editor (Raleigh: North Carolina Division of Archives and History, 1976), Vol. I, p. 11 from his 1768 essay on religion.

Nehemiah 8:8-12

And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. (Nehemiah 8:5)
      LORD, open your word to us as well.

And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. (Nehemiah 8:6)
      Holy Spirit, help the congregations of your people in this diocese respond with such awe and worship when we hear your word.

Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place. (Nehemiah 8:7)
      Jesus, raise up teachers throughout this diocese who can help your people understand your word.

So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. (Nehemiah 8:8 )
      Father, help all who read the lesson each week do so distinctly and clearly, and help your people understand what they are hearing.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. (Nehemiah 8:9)
      Move our hearts to repentance when we hear the reading of your word, Father.

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
      Jesus, let our joy in you be the source of our strength.

So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them. (Nehemiah 8:11-12)
      Holy Spirit, bring us such joy that we can go forth to our homes and communities having understood your word to us. Thank you.

A word received: Look to me.

The Joy Of the Lord is My Strength http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQkP85r_kpc

Wednesday: 119:97-120 * 81, 82; Nehemiah 7:73b-8:3,5-18; Revelation 18:21-24 Matthew 15:29-39
Thursday: [83] or 23,27 * 85, 86; Joel 2:21-27;. Revelation 19:1-10; Matthew 16:1-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Mon, 07 Nov 2011
From: Nigel Mumford and Noel Dawes
Subject: Welcome Home Initiative Retreat #11 from 7-9 November at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, Greenwich, NY 12834
Dear Souls,
      Please pray for the men and women attending the WHI this Monday – Wednesday. Pray that issues of combat related trauma will be healed; that those captive to horror memories will be set free.
      (Noel’s input: We have 15 combat Veterans coming along with 7 spouses. This maybe the largest group we have had to date. We have the first Canadian Armed Forces couple we have had. Seven Veterans are alumni and 8 coming for the first time. Two spouses have been before. Two Veterans are US Marines. We think the remainder are all Army. Those coming served in the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq and possibly Afghanistan.)
      Please also come to say “thank you” to the vets at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center at 10.45am Wednesday 9th Nov. See you there…
God bless you, Fr. Nigel+

Albany Intercessor

The land of Israel

I’ve been collecting my thoughts about the Israeli-Palestinian situation. This is the beginning.–JW

Rhode Island–Francis Sayre

The Very Rev. Francis B. Sayre Jr. (1915 — 2008) was Dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. for 27 years.

Praise be to Thee, O God, for the little prism where men have seen the splendor of Thy glory:

In the conscience of a single man who ventured to settle his life under Thy Providence alone;

In the coastal towns where faith was planted in open conpanionship and none was barred;

By the sparkling bays where spirit grew because there is no limit of Thy love.

Bless, O Lord, the smallest state of our fellowship, that her people may ever nourish the widest of our hopes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hat tip: The Anglican Digest

Henry Marchant

Henry Marchant was a lawyer from Newport, Rhode Island and United States federal judge. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress from 1777 to 1779, and was a signer of the Articles of Confederation for Rhode Island.

And may God grant that His grace may really affect your heart with suitable impressions of His goodness. Remember that God made you, that God keeps you alive and preserves you from all harm, and gives you all the powers and the capacity whereby you are able to read of Him and of Jesus Christ, your Savior and Redeemer, and to do every other needful business of life. And while you look around you and see the great privileges and advantages you have above what other children have (of learning to read and write, of being taught the meaning of the great truths of the Bible), you must remember not to be proud on that account but to bless God and be thankful and endeavor in your turn to assist others with the knowledge you may gain.

(to his daughter) Letters of Delegates to Congress: May 1, 1777 – September 18, 1777, Paul H. Smith, editor (Washington DC: Library of Congress, 1981), Vol. 7, pp. 645-646, Henry Marchant to Sarah Marchant on September 9, 1777