Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Now in the seven plentiful years the ground brought forth abundantly. So he gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities; he laid up in every city the food of the fields which surrounded them. Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped counting, for it was immeasurable. (Genesis 41:46-49)
Holy Spirit, give us wisdom, as you did Joseph, to store up in the fruitful years so that there will be food in the years of famine and drought. Guide us as we gather in so that we share our bounty with those who have not.
And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On, bore to him. Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” (Genesis 41:51-52)
Father, you made Joseph fruitful even when everything was against him. Please help us in this diocese to live fruitful lives in your Spirit so that many are brought into your kingdom.
Then the seven years of plenty which were in the land of Egypt ended, and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. The famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. So when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do.” The famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine became severe in the land of Egypt. So all countries came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all lands. (Genesis 41:53-57)
Jesus, please help us give alms and share what we have with your little ones. Help us lay aside our political agenda and reach out to the lost and the least. Thank you.
You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths drip with abundance. They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with grain; they shout for joy, they also sing. (Psalm 65:11-13)
Holy Spirit, help us live into the bounty you provide. Help us see the beauty and wonder that is all around us. Bring us to a place of spiritual richness where streams of living water flow out from us. Thank you.
A word received: Call people to be mindful of the things of God — of my words to them.
Monday: 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65; Gen. 41:46-57: 1 Cor. 4:8-20(21): Mark 3:7-19a
Tuesday: 61, 62 * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Gen. 42:1-17: 1 Cor. 5:1-8: Mark 3:19b-35
Notes from the Front Line
***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for Sunday so that you can receive all that God has for you (John 2:13-22; Romans 7:13-25; Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:7-14).
***** Date: Sun, 04 Mar 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote…
What do you want to hear today? What would you like to hear today? What do you need to hear today? Do you need a pat on the back, or a word or your ear? Do you just need a hug? Do you just need to be loved? What is it you really need? “A message of encouragement perhaps?” (Acts 13:15) Tell “Him” what you want, what you really, really want. (The Spice Girls, emphases added)
Albany Intercessor
