From our Archives: He Reigns!

It’s been a very very busy few days for me in my “real job” and ministry. That has meant I’ve had little time to follow Lambeth news or read the closing statements, or to blog here at Lent & Beyond. But as my day is winding down (nearing 9 p.m. here as I write this), I did finally take time to read this morning’s Daily Office. And the opening Psalm is Psalm 93. It stopped me in my tracks!!

Psalm 93 (ESV)
1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;
the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
2 Your throne is established from of old;
you are from everlasting.
3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
4 Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!
5 Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O Lord, forevermore.

What I’m about to write will date me, but I can’t read this Psalm without hearing Matthew Ward of the legendary Contemporary Christian Music group, the Second Chapter of Acts, singing in my head. You can listen to this incredible rendition of Ps. 93 here: Psalm 93, The Lord Reigns

[Note to any other 2nd Chapter of Acts fans who may be missing Matthew Ward's glorious vocals -- you can buy this song at iTunes, it's from the 1978 album Mansion Builder]

I thought I had once posted this Psalm and song at our old blog as part of our illustrated devotional series, so I spent some time searching the L&B archives earlier tonight. I didn’t find an illustrated devotional for Ps. 93. But what I did find was a very closely related post about Psalm 97, written in Feb. 2007 during the days of confusion and concern during the Tanzania Primates Meeting. How timely to re-read the following post from our archives tonight along with the Psalms from today’s lectionary and be reminded that no matter what has or has not happened at Lambeth, THE LORD REIGNS and we can place our trust and hope in Him! Let’s rejoice in that hope, friends, tonight.

***

(from the Lent & Beyond Archives, Feb 15, 2007)

He Reigns!

Filed under: Adoration, 2007 Primate Prayer Campaign, Anglican Prayer & Intercession, Illustrated Devotionals — Karen B.

For the last hour or so I’d been mulling over the idea of posting one of my occasional multi-media adoration posts before I call it a night. But what? How at the end of a busy and anxious news days to help us refocus our eyes on Christ and to be strengthened in our confidence in His sovereignty that we may pray in faith and with boldness?

My friend BabyBlue provided the answer to my question with her post of a great selection of worship music. One of the songs is a favorite of mine, and something my teammates and I sing often in our worship here on the west side of Africa… the Newsboys “He Reigns” — the song that made me a devoted Newsboys’ fan. The other favorite of mine she has posted is “In Christ Alone.”

(Click on the link to BabyBlue’s blog to get the links to listen to “He Reigns.” Here are the lyrics.)

Anyway, the song reminds me again of Feb. 13th lectionary — the Psalm for Morning Prayer, which I found to be incredibly powerful as we were about to launch into the Primates’ meeting:

Psalm 97 (ESV)

The Lord Reigns

97:1 The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
2 Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
4 His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!

8 Zion hears and is glad,
and the daughters of Judah rejoice,
because of your judgments, O Lord.
9 For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.

10 O you who love the Lord, hate evil!
He preserves the lives of his saints;
he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is sown [1] for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!

For those of you who aren’t into contemporary worship music, you can listen to Max McLean reading Psalm 97 at the English Standard Version. website.

Or, how about this musical offering by Isaac Waats:
(Midi tune here)

The Lord Jehovah reigns; His throne is built on high.
The garments He assumes are light and majesty.
His glories shine
With beams so bright no mortal eye
Can bear the sight.

The thunders of His hand keep the wide world in awe;
His wrath and justice stand to guard His holy law.
And where His love
Resolves to bless His truth confirms
And seals the grace.

Through all His mighty works surprising wisdom shines—
Confounds the powers of hell, and breaks their cursed designs.
Strong is His arm,
And shall fulfill His great decrees,
His sovereign will.

And will this mighty King of glory condescend,
And will He write His Name: My Father and my Friend?
I love His Name;
I love His Word. Join, all my powers,
And praise the Lord!

***

Don’t forget: no matter what happens in Tanzania, [or now in the wake of the Lambeth conference!] the Lord reigns! He is in control. May we keep our eyes fixed on His goodness and may we be quick to see and proclaim His glory and faithfulness in all things! HALLELUJAH!

Exalted

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:32-33

An image of Christ Pantocrator from St. Catherine’s Monastery in Egypt and a comparison with the shroud of Turin.

Oh, Precious Lord, You poured out Your blood for the Anglican Communion and now You pour out Your Holy Spirit. How exalted You are. Amen.

Matthew 28:16-20

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. (Matthew 28:16)
      Jesus, help us assemble at the times and places of your choosing.

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28:17)
      Holy Spirit, it took your work at Pentecost to resolve their doubts; please come with your power on those assembled at Lambeth and resolve their doubts.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18 )
      Father, bring to repentance those leaders and teachers of the Episcopal Church who claim authority you gave only to Jesus.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19)
      Jesus, please help us go forward to do your bidding and make disciples of all nations.

“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:20)
      Holy Spirit, please restore to the life of the Episcopal Church a faithful observance of all that Jesus has commanded us to do. Thank you for being present with us so that we can know Jesus.

A word received: Cry out to me for my people. Pray that they will be willing to lay down even their good motives for the sake of my will and my purposes.

Saturday: 23, 27; Judges 5:19-31; Acts 2:22-36; Matthew 28:11-20
Sunday: 34; Judges 6:1-24; 2 Cor. 9:6-15; Mark 3:20-30

Note: I have posted a report on the Welcome Home Initiative at http://albanyintercessor.blogspot.com/2008/08/welcome-home-initiative.html

Albany Intercessor

Acts 2:1-4

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)
      Holy Spirit, please restore the bishops and people of the Anglican Communion to being in one accord in Jesus and in harmony with your word in the Scriptures.

And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2)
      Holy Spirit, please come with your full power on the bishops at Lambeth.

Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:3)
      Holy Spirit, let your fire fall on each of us.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:4)
      Jesus, baptize us afresh with your Holy Spirit and pour out again the gifts and manifestation of your Holy Spirit.

      Father, renew in our day the wonders of your Pentecost. Renew the church and your people; renew me. Thank you.

      Words Received for a Sunday School lesson in September
Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. (Luke 19:2)
      A word received: There is a choice you can make: looking at the outward man or seeking the inward man. Outwardly Zacchaeus was successful; inwardly he was hungry for me.

And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. (Luke 19:3)
      A word received: When you seek me, you will find me.

So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was going to pass that way. (Luke 19:4)
      A word received: I long for the adults and children to seek me as Zacchaeus did.

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” (Luke 19:5)
       A word received: I want to come into every home in Christ Church. Zacchaeus welcomed me when I asked. I want you to do the same.

So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. (Luke 19:6)
      A word received: I want you to receive me joyfully into your hearts and your homes.

But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” (Luke 19:7)
       A word received: Notice, they were complaining about me. Remember how I spoke of this generation wanting me to dance to its tune. (Matthew 11:16-19) That has not changed. Neither do I change: I will welcome anyone who comes to me with a heart hungry for me.

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” (Luke 19:8 )
      A word received: Zacchaeus loved me more than money. That is what I want for you as well.

Friday: 73; Judges 5:1-18; Acts 2:1-21; Matthew 28:1-10
Saturday: 23, 27; Judges 5:19-31; Acts 2:22-36; Matthew 28:11-20

Note: I have posted all the words received that were posted from 2000 – 2008 2nd Quarter at http://albanyintercessor.blogspot.com/2008/08/words-received-2000-2008-2nd-quarter.html

Albany Intercessor

The empty sepulchre

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. Matthew 28:2

Dear Lord,
Commission an angel to roll back the stone on the portal of Your blessings at Canterbury. In the name of Your Son, we pray for an outpouring of Your Holy Spirit on the Lambeth Conference. Amen.

Freedom from slavery to sin — Wilberforce Commemoration Collect

In the context of Abp. Mouneer’s remarks to the Times Online, (see post below) I was struck that yesterday was the commemoration of William Wilberforce. Perhaps that fact influenced +Mouneer’s remarks re: the slavery to the flesh. In any case, here is the collect commemorating William Wilberforce. Really timely…!

O God our deliverer,
who didst send thy Son Jesus Christ
to set thy people free from the slavery of sin:
grant that, as thy servant William Wilberforce
toiled against the sin of slavery,
so we may bring compassion to all,
and work for the liberty of all the children of God;
through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

And here is the suggested Post-Communion prayer:

O God our redeemer,
who didst inspire William Wilberforceto witness to thy love
and to labour for the coming of thy kingdom:
grant that we, who in this sacrament share the bread of heaven,
may be fired by thy Spirit
to proclaim the gospel in our daily lives
and never to rest content until thy kingdom come,
on earth as it is in heaven;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer for Abp. Mouneer Anis of Egypt (Primate of Jerusalem & Middle East)

The Times Online has posted some commentary about Lambeth by various bishops, including a long excerpt by Abp. Mouneer Anis of Egypt (Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East).

You can read the whole commentary here.

I was stuck most by these words, and so thankful for Bp. Mouneer’s clarity and honesty, and for his concern for the spiritual health of those in North America, and his warning about slavery to the flesh:

I find that many of our North American friends blame us and criticise us for bringing in the issues of sexuality and homosexuality but in fact they are the ones who are bringing these issues in. Here at Lambeth, you come across many advertisements for events organised by gay and Lesbian activists which are sponsored by the North American Church. If you visit the marketplace at the conference, you will notice that almost half the events promoted on the noticeboard promote homosexuality and are sponsored by the North Americans. And in the end, we, the people who remain loyal to the original teaching of the Anglican Communion, which we received from the Apostles, are blamed. They say that we talk a lot about sexuality and that we need to talk more about poverty, about AIDs, and injustice. They are the ones who are bringing sexuality into this conference. It’s not us. We want to talk about the heart of the issues which divide us, not only sexuality. That is just a symptom of a deeper problem.

They talk about the slavery and say that 200 years ago Christians were opposed to the freedom of slaves and they compare us to those Christians for our attitude to gay and lesbian practises. To be honest, I think this is inviting us to another kind of slavery, slavery of the flesh, to go and do whatever our lusts dictate. Sometimes, I think that maybe because of the pressure in Western culture to push the practise of homosexuality, our friends in the West are pushing these issues. But, on the other hand, I see many who live in the West and still want to preserve the faith and the tradition of the Church. Should we allow culture to pressure the Church or should the Church be distinctive, light and salt to the world? Cardinal Ivan Dias said that we didn’t bring the Gospel to the culture we could end up suffering from spiritual Alzheimers.” the rest

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for Abp. Mouneer, that in his vocation and ministry he may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Acts 1:15-22 and Joshua 24:31

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, (Acts 1:15)
      Holy Spirit, raise up bishops like Peter in our day who will truly lead your people.

“Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; (Acts 1:16)
      Holy Spirit, as you spoke through Scripture to your assembled body then, speak through Scripture to the bishops at Lambeth and those bishops who could not go to Lambeth for conscience sake.

for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry.” (Acts 1:17)
      Jesus, there are numbered among the bishops those who betray you now as Judas did.

(Now this man purchased a field with the wages of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his entrails gushed out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem; so that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.) (Acts 1:18-19)
      Jesus, we grieve for those bishops who are betraying you by their words and deeds — even now, draw them back from destruction.

“For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his dwelling place be desolate, And let no one live in it’; and, ‘Let another take his office.’” (Acts 1:20)
      Holy Spirit, as you did with the church then, do in our day and let other, faithful witnesses take up the office of those who have abandoned their office by their unfaithfulness.

“Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John to that day when he was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)
      Father, raise up bishops in our day who know the saving deeds you have worked among us through your son Jesus.

Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which he had done for Israel. (Joshua 24:31)
      LORD, raise up in our day elders who know your works so that we do not go astray any longer.

A word received: Call my people back to me.

Thursday: 74; Judges 4:4-23; Acts 1:15-26; Matthew 27:55-66
Friday: 73; Judges 5:1-18; Acts 2:1-21; Matthew 28:1-10

Albany Intercessor

Writers’ list

There are many journalists at Lambeth, but no list of names of the journalists. I gathered a list of some writers, mostly from StandFirm’s Around the World page. This list is not intended to be complete, but every prayer helps.

Matthias and Mouneer

Today’s lectionary recounts the addition of Matthias to the apostles. Church tradition says that Matthias preached in Judea and Ethiopia and was crucified in Caucasian Georgia. Let us pray for Mouneer Anis, primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East. This province covers Judea and Ethiopia. There is no Anglican province that covers Georgia.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Arise, O God, and come to the aid of Your Church. Speak to Your servant Mouneer who stands at his watch. Speak to him that he may reveal Your words plainly and share them with the Anglican Communion. Pour down Your Holy Spirit upon him. May he plead Your cause and be Your witness at the Lambeth Conference. Amen.
Habakkuk 2:1-2

We cry out

While they waited, Ehud got away. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah. Judges 3:26
Lord, we cry out for Your people. Let us escape ungodliness and pass beyond the idolatry of our culture.
He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth. In his days the righteous will flourish; prosperity will abound till the moon is no more. Psalm 72:6-7
Lord, we cry out for Your people. Come down like rain upon the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. Come down to Canterbury. May the righteous flourish in the Anglican Communion and abundance of peace endure.

Make a Way

The Holy Spirit prompted a friend of mine, a lay woman from Mississippi, to write this prayer.–JW
Gracious Father, giver of all good and perfect things,
I come humbly before you with a grateful heart thanking you for all the blessings in this life, the means of Grace and the Hope of Glory.
Grant, Father of all Mercies, that Thy gracious hand will uphold and direct this day at the Lambeth Conference.
Cause the Holy Spirit to descend on all Bishops and attendees.
Raise up Your Godly Bishops.
Cause Your will to be done.
Make a Way, Dear Lord, for the orthodox Christians who believe in the Bible as the inspired Word of God; Jesus as the only way to Salvation; and You as one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
I pray especially for our Bishop Gray and wife Kathy. Enter his heart, mind and spirit. Cause his eyes to be opened, Lord, to the error of the Revisionists’ ways and agenda.
Warm his heart. Wrap Your holy angels aroudn him. Bind Satan from him and all Bishops at Lambeth.
Cause Your will to supercede all agendas, Lord, that will give us a way forward that we may break forth in a New Beginning.
We know not how, nor do we pretend to have the answer, but You Lord know–You are all powerful, all knowing.
Lord, have Your way.
In Jesus’ name I pray.

Our Wounded Anglican History: The King of England Beheaded

This is the final installment of a 15 part series examining the historical antecedents of the Anglican Communion.

“Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of the LORD which he spoke to us; therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 

Joshua  24 : 27

King Charles I of England was born in Scotland.  His father was King James VI of Scotland who became King James I of England when Queen Elizabeth died.  James had been a strong believer in the divine right of kings.   James had written a book on the duties of a king for his son, Henry.  (Henry was the older brother of Charles who died before he could inherit the throne).  A good king, James wrote, “Acknowledgeth himself ordained for his people, having received from God a burden of government, whereof he must be countable. The idea of the divine right to rule has appeared in many cultures Eastern and Western spanning all the way back to the first God king Gilgamesh.”  Under the theory of the divine right of kings, a king was appointed by God and not by any temporal authority.  A king was accountable to God for his actions, but could never be accountable to other men.  To betray a king was to betray God. 

King James had wished to create an alliance with Spain and entered into prolonged negotiations with that country’s king, Philip II, for a marriage between Charles and Maria Anna, Philip’s daughter.  The proposed marriage between an English prince and a Spanish princess was unpopular in England, where recent wars with Spain were yet fresh in memories.  King James was thought by many, especially the Puritans, to be overly sympathetic to Catholicism.  The prospect of a marriage of the heir apparent to a Catholic princess was regarded with great alarm.  Negotiations dragged along, until 1623 when Charles, accompanied by the duke of Buckingham, traveled secretly to Spain to attempt to close the deal in person.  The Spanish demanded that Charles become a Catholic and that he remain in Spain for at least a year after the marriage to show England’s good faith.  These were unacceptable terms and Charles returned to England still a bachelor.   

Charles was eventually wed to Princess Henrietta Maria, sister of King Louis XIII of France.  The marriage took place a few months after he took the throne in March, 1625.  Several members of his first Parliament had expressed opposition to his marriage to the Catholic princess, fearful that Charles would relax restrictions on Catholic practices and that he would not punish recusants.  “Recusant,” was the term applied to those who failed to conform to the Church of England.  A law enacted in 1593 under Elizabeth I defined “Popish Recusants” as individuals who were,  “convicted for not repairing to some Church, Chapel, or usual place of Common Prayer to hear Divine Service there, but forbearing the same contrary to the tenor of the laws and statutes heretofore made and provided in that behalf. “ Charles promised Parliament that he would not relax enforcement of laws against recusants, but his secret marriage treaty with Louis XIII promised that he would.

The suspicion that Charles was leading England down the path back to Catholicism was also fueled by his attitudes toward Puritans and the more radical reformists.  Charles appointed William Laud as Archbishop of Canterbury, someone known to be hostile to Calvinism and who looked favorably upon the existing BCP liturgy.  Laud’s views were apparently congruent with those of Charles, and Laud was able to use the infamous Court of Star Chamber and other government apparatus to punish those who opposed him.  Charles also attempted to impose Church of England structure and practices on the Scottish church.  Armed conflict, known as the Bishops Wars, ensued.  They ended in humiliating defeat for Charles, and made him more dependent than ever on the assistance of Parliament.  But worse things awaited Charles.          

In 1642, Charles entered the halls of Parliament with an armed force, intending to arrest its leaders.  Most of them escaped.  His opponents armed themselves.  By the fall, England was embroiled in civil war.  The royalists lost this war.  A victorious Parliament demanded that Charles agree to creation of a constitutional monarchy form of government.  Charles refused to agree, and escaped to Scotland where he attempted to enlist the aid of Scottish nobles in his cause.  A second civil war erupted, and Charles was captured, put on trial, and convicted of high treason.  On January 30, 1649, he was beheaded.  Disputes over theology and the encroachment of Catholicism in England had resulted in a devastating civil war and the overthrow of the government.  England no longer had a king.      

Father, we have murdered.  We have assassinated.  We have refused to make peace with our brothers.  We have refused to be reconciled to one another.  We have allowed disagreements among Christians to become the reason for terrible wars.  We have rebelled against lawful government and we have rebelled against you.  

Forgive us, Father.  Forgive our ancestors.  Heal our broken Anglican Church.    

Have mercy, Father.  Use the blood shed by Jesus on the cross to cleanse the sins of our ancestors and our own sins.  Wipe clean this stain on our history.  Restore us.  Break the cycle of repeated sins.  Free us from bondage to this history.  Begin a new creation in which you are our God and we are your people. 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord and true King.

Amen.                                                    

Lambeth Reflections Group

The members of the Lambeth Reflections Group are:
Andrew Proud: Bishop for the Horn of Africa (Jerusalem and Middle East)
Alan Abernethy Bishop of Connor (Ireland)
Howard Gregory Bishop of Montego Bay (West Indies)
Sue Moxley: Bishop of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (Canada)
Daniel: Bishop of East Kerala (South India)
Patrick Mwachiko: Bishop of Masai (Tanzania)
James Ochiel: Bishop of Souther Nyanza (Kenya)
Johannes Seoka: Bishop of Pretoria (Southern Africa)
Ezekiel Kondo: Bishop of Khatoum (Sudan)
John Neil Alexander: Bishop of Atlanta (TEC)
Roger Chung Po Chue: Bishop of Antsiranana (Indian Ocean)
Gerry Wolf: Bishop of Rhode Island (TEC)
David Njova: Bishop of Lusaka (Central Africa)
Bill Godfrey: Bishop of Peru (Southern Cone)
Michael Perham: Bishop of Gloucester (England)
Louis Tsui: Bishop of Eastern Kowloon (Hong Kong)

What a rich harvest Your goodness provides! Wherever You go there is plenty.
Psalm 65:11

O God,
Go. Go to Andrew, Alan, Howard, Sue, Daniel, Patrick, James, Johannes, Ezekiel, Neil, Roger, Gerry, David, Bill, Michael, and Louis. We yearn for a rich harvest of Your goodness in the Anglican Communion. Go, we pray. We cry out for Your church. Amen.

Windsor Continuation Group

The WCG is scheduled to release their third report any moment. There have been many rumors about the report. May we lift up the members in prayer:

The Most Revd Clive Handford, former Primate of Jerusalem and the Middle East (chair)
The Most Revd John Chew, Primate of South East Asia
The Right Revd Gary Lillibridge, Bishop of West Texas
The Right Revd Victoria Matthews, former Bishop of Edmonton
The Very Revd John Moses, former dean of St Paul’s, London
The Most Revd Donald Mtetemela, Primate of Tanzania

They will be joined as a consultant by:

Dame Mary Tanner, Co-president of the World Council of Churches

and assisted by:

Canon Andrew Norman of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Staff and
Canon Gregory Cameron of the Anglican Communion Office

O God,
We pray that Clive, John, Gary, Victoria, John, Donald, Mary, Andrew, and Gregory will come to You in weakness and fear and in much trembling, for You have chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty. We humbly ask that their work will not display seductive words of human wisdom but rather Your Spirit and power. May their work be informed by our crucified Lord and Him only. We ask all of this in the name of Christ, our wisdom, our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption. Amen.
1 Corinthians 1:27-2:5

Our Father in heaven,
Your Word deepens and broadens,chiseling, shaping, defining us. The Holy Spirit fills us.
We ask that the Windsor Continuation Group fully cooperate with the Holy Spirit and with Holy Scripture. May they submit to Your Word and give full access to the Spirit. Amen.
Reference: Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer