Matthew 3:1-6

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, (Matthew 3:1)
      Holy Spirit, please guide the preaching that takes place in this diocese. Move in the wilderness areas of our lives where we are still untouched by the gospel.

and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2)
      Holy Spirit, move us to true and lasting repentance. Let the kingdom of heaven be manifested among us.

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.”‘” (Matthew 3:3)
      Father, give us ears and hearts to respond to all preaching inspired by your Holy Spirit. Help us discern the true from the false.

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4)
      Jesus, thank you for all those messengers you send to us. Bless them and provide for them. We pray that Bishop Ken Good and his wife, Mary, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, will be able to fly here to lead Priests’ Retreat and to lead Clergy Wives’ Retreat. We pray that the disruption in air travel will quickly end.

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him (Matthew 3:5)
      Holy Spirit, draw multitudes from all over this diocese to the Diocesan Convention to hear your word to us.

and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:6)
      Jesus, move among us at the Diocesan Convention to confess our sins and repent of them. Then help us take up our cross and follow you. Thank you.

      A word received: Pray for my living waters to flow.
      Lord, give us a thirst for what you want to give us. Come, Holy Spirit, and do a work of preparation in us.
      A word received: Trust me.

Monday: Exodus 18:13-27; 1 Peter 5:1-14; Matthew (1:1-17),3:1-6
Tuesday: 36, 39; Exodus 19:1-16; Colossians 1:1-14; Matthew 3:7-12

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2010 9:26 pm
From: Sister Mary Elizabeth
Subject: Mother Miriam
Torre and Jean–
      Mother Miriam asks specific prayers for stabilization of her heart beat. She has developed an abnormality common with surgery of this nature — one in three patients experience it. Pray for a slowing and regularity in her sinus rhythm. She is very eager to come home, but this must be resolved before the hospital will release her.
Sister Mary Elizabeth

***** Mary Jones gives her testimony about the power of the Holy Spirit working in her life       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSh51739-WA

Dave Dussault gives his testimony about the power of the Holy Spirit working in his life       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muxaSUUNtnM

***** Check out “Nearer My God To Thee” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A19Fx7A_GI&feature=channel This is a clip from the 1936 movie “San Francisco” with Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, and Jeannette MacDonald. Pray for those caught up in natural disasters lately, e.g., Haiti, Chile, China, and elsewhere.

***** Please pray for the Diocesan Convention, June 11-13, 2010, at the Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York

      Pray that the worship at the Diocesan Convention.

      Pray that we as a diocese will truly take up our cross and follow where Jesus leads.

Albany Intercessor

St. Andrew’s Cathedral at Singapore

The cathedral is the venue for the Fourth Global South to South Encounter.

O God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
You are the Lord our God, and Jesus is Your Son. Be with the Global South leaders in this meeting. Protect them wherever they go.
We cry out that Jesus stand over St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Jesus is the gate, the very gateway to heaven. All those who enter in through Him will be saved. May the angels ascend and descend upon them.
May all those present say, “Surely the Lord is in this place. What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God.”
Genesis 28:16-17, John 10:9

St. Andrew’s Cathedral at Singapore

The spire rises 207 feet (63m). Housed in the spire are the Cathedral’s eight bells, the largest being equal in weight to No.8 in the peal of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. After installation, it was discovered that the foundation of the tower would not stand the strain of ringing. The bells were then permanently fixed, their clappers tied, and they were struck with hammers instead, so that they still “chimed”.

O Lord,
We pray that nothing will stop the name of Jesus from ringing forth from this week’s meeting at the Cathedral throughout the Communion. Amen.