Tu Bishvat

Tu Bishvat is a minor Jewish holiday, from Tuesday evening to Wednesday evening. It is also called “The New Year of the Trees.” Leviticus 19:23 is a biblical prohibition on eating the fruit of trees produced during the first three years after they are planted. Tu Bishvat is the cutoff date for determining the age of a fruit-bearing tree. The Jewish National Fund schedules major tree-planting events every year on this day.

Romans 8:19-21 (ESV)
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

Father, I don’t pretend to fully understand these verses. Yet I pray for the revealing of the sons of God and the revival of nature in Israel. Amen.

CoE General Synod

The Synod is currently meeting. This prayer for unity is from the 1928 BCP.

O GOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace; Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly, union and concord: that as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-25

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, (Hebrews 13:20a)
      Father, we pray for your peace and that you will raise us to new life as you did Jesus.

that great Shepherd of the sheep, (Hebrews 13:20b)
      A word received: Pray for faithful shepherds to lead my flock.

through the blood of the everlasting covenant, (Hebrews 13:20c)
      What can wash away my sins Nothing But The Blood of Jesus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRmMvseLBn8

make you complete in every good work to do his will, (Hebrews 13:21a)
      Holy Spirit, bring us to that completion and maturity you desire for us.

working in you what is well pleasing in his sight, (Hebrews 13:21b)
      Jesus, please help us see things from your perspective.

through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:21c)
      Father, please help us by our thoughts and words and deeds to bring glory to Jesus.

And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words. (Hebrews 13:22)
      Holy Spirit, help us hearken to the words of exhortation in the Scriptures

Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. (Hebrews 13:23)
      Thank you for the apostolic witnesses you have raised up over us: Bishops Bill and Dan and David.

Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. (Hebrews 13:24)
      Holy Spirit, help us receive everyone you send to us.

Grace be with you all. Amen. (Hebrews 13:25)
      Father, please help us receive your grace. Thank you.

Tuesday: 78:1-39 * 78:40-72; Gen. 26:1-6,12-33: Heb. 13:17-25: John 7:53-8:11
Wednesday: 119:97-120 * 81, 82; Gen. 27:1-29: Rom. 12:1-8: John 8:12-20

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Pray for the Diocesan Convention — pray that we will live out the theme of this year’s convention: Dare to Share the Joy of Jesus

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (Mark 1:40-45; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Kings 5:1-15b; Psalm 42:1-7).

***** Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: aily quote
      Be kind. I like “kind” people. So do other people, so does God! Be a kind person! Proverbs 12:25 writes, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. ” Practice being kind with your life, you will change lives. Take kindness for a test drive. To whom can you be kind to today?

Albany Intercessor

Income

Job 42:2 (ESV)
“I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Father,
You grant an inheritance to those who love You, and You fill their treasuries. We thank You for the spiritual treasures You have bestowed upon us, so many precious jewels.
Help us to keep Your ways. Open our ears to hear Your instructions and not neglect them. We watch daily at Your gates, waiting beside Your doors. You are our hearts’ desire.
In our lifetimes, we have already received more blessings than we can know. We lean on Your wisdom regarding our income. We trust You–Your ways and Your plans. You can do all things, and no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Your purposes are not thwarted by nations or institutions or war. You rule over heaven and earth and all that is therein.
We thank You for guarding and protecting us. We thank You for Your provision. We thank You for all of our many blessings. You are our hearts’ desire. Amen.
Proverbs 8