The reports of the incremental improvements of Nigel’s condition remind me of the dawning of a new day. One of the lessons to come from this experience is the value of perseverance.
JW

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight . . . . Philippians 1:9

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2b-4

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

Jesus, we walk in a dark valley. Yet, we fear no evil for You are with us. Even when we can’t discern where You are, we know You are there. We claim the promise, Blessed are all who take refuge in You. You are the Good Shepherd.
You manifest the love that Your righteous Father has for You. May that love be in us. Help us in the Episcopal Church to hold onto Your love, to overcome by Your love, and to do Your will to the end. Help us to be obedient. Shine in our hearts, Bright Morning Star. Amen.
Psalm 2:12, 23:4, John 17:20-26, Revelation 2:24-28

Date: Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:12 p.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel, Monday 11/09/09, 10:12 p.m.
      Fr. Nigel Mumford remains in critical condition on his 31st day in the hospital, but the good news is that your prayers are working! Although he is critical, he has improved slightly. Since his sedative has been eliminated, he is starting to awaken very slowly and his eyes are opening. He has been able to focus on Lynn and has even given her a slight smile, but then drifts off again. He is aware of his surroundings but his body is extremely weak.
      His fever has been up and down, but it is lower today so your prayers are working against whatever is causing it — thank you Lord for this healing.
Please pray for:

*      protection against blood clots

*      his lungs that they may heal so that he can be removed from the ventilator

*      that his fever be back to normal and that the cause of the fever be eliminated

*      a clearing of the medications from his muscles and tissues so that he can start to move again

*      rest and strength for Lynn and all the Mumford family

      We praise God for the healing that has taken place thus far. Your prayers are working so please keep them coming. May God bless and reward you for your faithfulness.

      “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:19-20)

Today’s prayer note:
“Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! “Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!” (Nehemiah 9:5b)
      Father, we bless you for who you are and for what you have done and are doing.

“You alone are the Lord; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all. the host of heaven worships you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
      LORD, set your people free of horoscopes: you created the heavens and the host of heaven worships you. Help us worship you only and be guided by you.

“You are the Lord God, who chose Abram, and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans, and gave him the name Abraham;” (Nehemiah 9:7)
      Jesus, you have chosen us and marked us out as your own: help us to be faithful to you.

“You found his heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites — to give it to his descendants. you have performed your words, for you are righteous.” (Nehemiah 9:8 )
      Holy Spirit, please help us separate ourselves from all who have returned to the surrounding paganism and sexual immorality of our time.

“You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea.” (Nehemiah 9:9)
      Jesus, you have seen the affliction of those who are sick and their families, and have had mercy on them. Thank you. Thank you for all that you are doing for Fr. Nigel and for Lynn.

“You showed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his servants, and against all the people of his land. For you knew that they acted proudly against them. so you made a name for yourself, as it is this day.” (Nehemiah 9:10)
      Father, help us see the signs and wonders you are doing in our day.

“And you divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors you threw into the deep, as a stone into the mighty waters.” (Nehemiah 9:11)
      Jesus, bless the remaining faithful dioceses and parishes in the Episcopal Church and help them escape the corruption that is afflicting the Episcopal Church.

“Moreover you led them by day with a cloudy pillar, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the road which they should travel.” (Nehemiah 9:12)
      Holy Spirit, lead us day by day. Thank you.

      A word received on how to teach the Sunday School class yesterday: Engage the people with my word. Ask them how they changed the direction of their lives by my word.

Monday: 80; Nehemiah 9:1-15(16-25); Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 15:1-20
Tuesday: 78:1-39; Nehemiah 9:26-38; Revelation 18:9-20; Matthew 15:21-28

Albany Intercessor

Then he also said to him who invited him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Holy Spirit, please help us open our homes and our hearts to the lost and the least this Thanksgiving. Help each of us identify the person we should invite to Thanksgiving dinner.

Sunday: 93, 96; Ezra 10:1-17; Acts 24:10-21; Luke 14:12-24
Monday: 80; Nehemiah 9:1-15(16-25); Revelation 18:1-8; Matthew 15:1-20

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report November 4, 2:30-3:15 PM. Deacon Neal Longe
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

+Leroy: Financial favor and favor with the community. He prayed that the Lord will use him to a tool to help others.

+Marcus: Life. Things aren’t going well. The Lord knows the details.

+Deloris: Abd pain. Prayed for healing.

+Robin: Happiness. Things just aren’t going well. Prayed for a few minutes. She responded “wow that was powerful. Maybe today there will be just a little hope”

Middle age man: “Busy right now”

Young man: “Sorry, late for work”

Four others went by: “No thank you, not now”

Blessings, -Dcn. Neal

Albany Intercessor

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report November 7, 9:25-10:30 AM Torre Bissell and Don Foust
+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina.

This first Saturday in November was sunny, but breezy and cold. We are constantly amazed that in the midst of the terrible human suffering in Hamilton Hill, there are stories of hope and faithfulness. Those coming to the Prayer Table today brought both great suffering and great thankfulness. The Prayer Table has become a regular stop for a number of folks in the Neighborhood, and we have added their names to the bottom of the Prayer Table Report.

Larry–We prayed for his son Gabriel. Gabriel is 6 years old and has spent his entire life in hospitals because a neural muscular disorder. Pray for strength for Larry and healing for Gabriel.

+Richard–Richard has just entered a Half Way House for substance abusers. We prayed for him to “make it through the program” and for freedom from addiction.

Bill–(regular)–Bill was very tired today. We prayed for an end to Bill’s seizures and for a companion for Bill.

++Ron–We prayed for Ron’s son Matt. Matt has just entered a chemical substance abuse program. Please pray for strength for Ron and for a “heart to change” for Matt.

+Denise–This young mother brought her 2 young sons (+Lewis and +Kammel) across the street to pray as a family. We prayed for protection for this young family. After all 5 of us held hands and prayed, this family crossed back over the street and continued on their way.

+Windell–older man. We prayed for inner peace in Windell’s life.

+Carl–When asked if he would like prayer, Carl responded, “You can’t have too much prayer“. We prayed for Carl’s finances.

+Phil–middle-aged man from Manchester, England who walked with a limp–We prayed for healing in Phil’s foot. Phil attended the Church of England in Manchester.

Jim– (regular)–Jim continued his new practice of thanking God, this time for a positive series of medical tests he had this week. We prayed for a continuation of the healing of Jim’s memories. We thank God for Jim’s faithfulness,

Kayla– (regular)–Today is Kayla’s birthday. She turned 20, but was not happy. She recently got a job, but her cousin stole her savings–money she was going to use to celebrate her birthday. We prayed for provision. Please pray for Kayla; as a single mother of 20 in the past year she has been robbed and raped.

+Christian– We prayed for his 3 children that would grow up to know the Lord.

John–has stopped by the Prayer Table twice before–We prayed for his deceased mother Bessie Mae.

Man walking by who did not stop– When we asked if he wanted prayer, he answered with a glazed-over look on his face, “No, I’m fine”. He was obviously not fine, and we prayed for his protection.

Man in a van with his son– This man had a “life-changing experience” at Christ Church. Several times a year he drives up the Prayer Table with a large donation for the Church (even though he does not attend Christ Church). Today was no exception. One of Dennis Adams’ wooden crosses hung from the mirror in his van. We thank God for the change in this man’s life and his continuing support of Christ Church.

+Matt–This young man looked haggard. We prayed for continuing work so that he can support his family.

+Paul–We prayed for an end to the struggles in his home. May the hard times of this family turn into fruitful times.

+Jasmine–As Deacon Alan Hart would say, “there is always one person who really gets to you“. Today that person was Jasmine. She immediately came across State Street when we called to her. She was dressed in a fur-trimmed coat and heels so high that she could hardly walk. When we asked how she was doing, Jasmine responded, “Not well–I have started cutting myself again“. She raised the sleeves of her coat, revealing multiple bloody scars running the length of both arms. We prayed for the interdiction by the Holy Spirit in this young woman’s life. We also suggested that she attend services at Christ Church we she could be surrounded by caring people and receive further prayers of healing. She gave both of us a hug, and left weeping. The Prayer Table suddenly became very cold as the sun went behind the Church. Please pray for Jasmine. This woman is in great need of God’s help in her life.

+Victor– This Hispanic man could not speak English. We gave him a Spanish Bible and prayed for blessings in his life.

Prayer Table Regulars

Kayla–Pray for healing in her life after being raped. Pray for her mother Laura, her son Nassir, her brother Josh, and Josh’s son Deanthony.

Jim–Pray for healing in his life from abusive parents and for his personal peace after the death of his 31 year old son Robert.

Bill–Pray for his health and no more epileptic seizures. This middle-aged man has lived alone; please pray for companionship.

Lucinada and Eddiberto–Pray for protection for their family

Paulette and her children Monique and Taishawn–Pray for provision for this family

Clarence–Pray for direction as he seeks to change his life.

Linda–Pray for her family in Guyana

Albany Intercessor

Fr, Nigel Update 10:18 AM

Saturday 11/7/09
Fr. Nigel continues to be in critical condition but he is stable. He is still on the ventilator but he is still improving on his “numbers” on the ventilator, which measure his oxygen intake and the ability of his lungs to take over for him. The doctors are working towards a day when he will be weaned from the machine. He continues to fight something that is causing a fever.
Fr. Nigel’s doctor advised Lynn late Friday afternoon that Fr. Nigel did have the H1V1 virus during his early time at the hospital. The Department of Health notified Fr. Nigel’s doctor that he had tested positive for the virus, even though initial testing had been negative for the virus. Although he tested negative at that time, he was medicated against the virus when he first came into the hospital 29 days ago and was recovering from that when he contracted the pneumonia.
Please continue to pray for Fr. Nigel’s recovery – for healing of his lungs, for protection of his organs, for a reduction of his temperature, and that his body can clear out the remainder of the medications. “In thy good time, restore him to health, and enable him to lead the residue of his life in thy fear and to thy glory;” (BCP 458)
Please also pray for Lynn that she may have the strength and stamina and protection for this long vigil.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. From your lips to our God’s ears.

Elizabeth Strickland

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
O Lord,
How often I quench Your Spirit. How easy it is to insulate myself from the rest of the world. Keep me from despising the idea that You might be speaking through people to me or through me to others. Help me to honor the flow of Your Spirit.

Ephesians 4:29-30
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
O Lord,
How often I grieve Your Spirit. How easy it is to blurt out the first thing that crosses my mind. Teach me to console, to edify, and to exhort in gentleness. Help me to honor the vulnerable. Amen.

We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks! For your wondrous works declare that your name is near. (Psalm 75:1)
      Jesus, thank you for your name and the salvation you have wrought for us. Please help us keep your name holy.

“When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly.” (Psalm 75:2)
      Jesus, all your judgments are righteous and true.

“The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly.” (Psalm 75:3)
      Holy Spirit, all that seems safe and secure around us will melt away. Jesus is the one rock for us to stand on that will not move or shake. Help us keep our eyes fixed on him.

“I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn. Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck.’” (Psalm 75:4-5)
      Father, you will deal with the proud and arrogant; help us to have steady endurance in Jesus.

For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the judge: he puts down one, and exalts another. (Psalm 75:6-7)
      Father, please help us look to you where true joys and honor are to be found.

For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is fully mixed, and he pours it out; surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth drain and drink down. (Psalm 75:8 )
      Jesus, don’t let us take their cup to our lips.

But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. (Psalm 75:9)
      Holy Spirit, please move our hearts to praise and bless our father in heaven and his son Jesus.

“All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” (Psalm 75:10)
      Jesus, help us bless what you bless. Thank you.

Friday: 69:1-23(24-30)31-38; Ezra 7:27-28, 8:21-36; Revelation 15:1-8; Matthew 14:13-21
Saturday: 75, 76; Ezra 9:1-15; Revelation 17:1-14; Matthew 14:22-36

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Check out Rev. Jackie Jones article on her blog http://motherjackie.blogspot.com/.

***** Give thanks to God for what he is doing for Fr. Nigel:
Date: Fri, 06 Nov 2009, 10:47 a.m.
From: Elizabeth Strickland
Subject: Update on Fr. Nigel
Friday 11/6/09

      Praise be to God! Fr. Nigel is slowly improving. He had a steady day yesterday and a good night last night. The doctors have taken him off his sedation so he is slowly, very slowly, “waking up”. The sedation that has been in his system for so many weeks now has to work its way out of his muscles and his system. He continues on the ventilator while his lungs are healing. Fr. Nigel continues to battle a fever, so as the doctors and nurses analyze that situation we will continue to pray for them. Let us pray:

*      For a reduction in the fever and whatever is causing it, and for knowledge, wisdom and skill to be bestowed upon the doctors and nurses as they tend to Fr. Nigel;

*      For protection for all of Fr. Nigel’s organs as his body recovers from all of the medications;

*      For complete healing of his lungs so that he can be removed from the ventilator and begin breathing on his own again;

*      For restoration of Fr. Nigel to full health.

*      For continued strength and rest for Lynn and the Mumford family.

      Our God is an awesome God! He has heard your prayers. Although Fr. Nigel remains in critical condition, he is slowly improving. May God bless you in many ways for your constant prayers.

Albany Intercessor

Thank you for your prayers, dear intercessors. The format used in discussions in the past few years was breaking into assigned groups to discuss assigned questions, with a reporter from each small group. Yesterday, the clergy were allowed to share their hearts, one at a time. It was respectful, charitable, and spiritually mature.

O Lord, You are a God of tender mercies. We praise Your holy name. Amen.

Judge to rule on summary judgment in San Diego today.

We lean on You, dear Lord. We lean on You.