Into Your chambers

Joshua 7 is the story of the defeat of the Israelites at Ai. The Lord reveals to Joshua that someone had defied God’s covenant and taken some Canaanite objects as the spoils of war. The sin is traced to Achan, who had buried them under his tent. He is stoned in the valley of Achor.
The subsequent history of the valley of Achor is fascinating. It is called the brook Cherith and is the place where the ravens fed Elijah bread and flesh twice a day (1 Ki 17:3-5). Isaiah prophesies that in the new eternal Israel, the valley of Achor will be a place for the herds to lie down, for the people who have sought God (Is 65:10). Hosea foretells that in the regathering of Israel, the valley of Achor will be a door of hope, a place of song, as in the days of her youth, when she was delivered from Egypt (Hos 2:15).

Song of Solomon 1:4 NIV
Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. [ Friends ] We rejoice and delight in you ; we will praise your love more than wine. [ Beloved ] How right they are to adore you!

Father,
We are living stones built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chosen and precious cornerstone. Yet supplanters have placed Canaanite objects into the fabric of the foundation of our church.
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. You cannot share Your glory with lies.
We cry out, Feed us with the Bread of Life.
We are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
We cry out, Let the Prince of Peace rule over us.
We are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
We cry out, Open the Door of Hope.
We are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
We rejoice in You and delight in You and praise Your love more than wine. Oh, how we adore You. Hurry! Open the door of hope and bring us into Your chambers. Amen.

Matthew 27:32

Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear his cross. (Matthew 27:32)
      Jesus, thank you for the many times we have been compelled to do things we didn’t want to do and they became great blessings.

      A word received: You are in my hand.

Tuesday: 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Judges 2:1-5,11-23; Romans 16:17-27; Matthew 27:32-44
Wednesday: 119:73-96; Judges 3:12-30; Acts 1:1-14; Matthew 27:45-54

      Notes from the Front Line

***** The Bissell Bunch

Albany Intercessor

Ohio and abolitionism

Ohio was once part of the underground railroad. Today, Cincinnati hosts the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. It not only serves as a historical museum, but also a center for the modern-day abolition movement.

We are living in the midst of a tragic paradox: no longer is there an underground network to guide slaves to freedom, but rather, there is an underground criminal network to entrap people and sell them into slavery.

O Lord,
Make Your face to shine upon the abolitionists of today and bless the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Amen.

Romans 16:7

I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, (Romans 16:1)
      Lord, please help us care for all your servants and deacons.

that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. (Romans 16:2)
      Holy Spirit, move our hearts to supply the needs of the deacons of this diocese and their families.

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. (Romans 16:3-4)
      Holy Father, thank you for all those who daily risk their lives in your service. Thank you for all the deacons among us who daily go the extra mile.

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. (Romans 16:5-6)
      Holy Spirit, move our hearts to help all who serve you in your church. Thank you.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. (Romans 16:7)
      Jesus, help us remember in prayer and deed all who are in prison or facing death for your sake. Thank you.

      A word received: Keep asking for my Holy Spirit.

      A word received at Christ Church 7/25/10: You sing, yes you sing — are you listening? Are you seeking? Are you ready to act? Listen. If you listen you will hear me. Seek. If you seek me you will find me — then I will be able to tell you what to do. I want you to really listen, really seek and be willing to step out and act.

Monday: 64, 65; Joshua 24:16-33; Romans 16:1-16; Matthew 27:24-31
Tuesday: 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Judges 2:1-5,11-23; Romans 16:17-27; Matthew 27:32-44

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Dear Ones,
      I guess my focus in prayer has shifted off the problems of the Anglican Communion. The problems seem so huge. Years ago I went to a very helpful workshop and the leader talked about praying at the level of your faith. He said, “I don’t have the faith to pray for world peace, but I have the faith to pray for peace in my neighborhood.” The workshop leader also talked about praying for their son who was mentally retarded. He said that as he and his wife looked at the issue, they realized that they did not have the faith to pray their son’s retardation would be taken away. But they found they had the faith to pray that their son would learn to tie his shoes, and he learned to tie his shoes. He said, “Bit by bit his retardation is being taken away as we pray at the level of our faith.”
      I try to look at where my faith level is and I find I have faith to pray for the Diocese of Albany and the Diocese of Down and Dromore in Northern Ireland. So that is what I largely pray for. I have found real freedom in praying this way.
Torre

Albany Intercessor

Anglican Communion

2 Chronicles 30:5-12 (New International Version)
5 They decided to send a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, calling the people to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. . . . 10 The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun, but the people scorned and ridiculed them. 11 Nevertheless, some men of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the LORD.

O Lord,
Place Your hand upon the humble of the Anglican Communion to give them unity of mind to carry out your commands and follow Your word. Amen.

Ohio

State Motto – “With God, All Things Are Possible”

O Father,
Indeed all things are possible with You. We thank You for this bold motto and pray that it will take root and bear fruit in the hearts of Ohioans. Amen.

Luke 11:1-4 and Prayer Table Report

Now it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, that one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)
      Jesus, please teach us as a diocese how to pray — teach us how to come together in prayer.

So he said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven,” (Luke 11:2a)
      Father, thank you for giving us a spirit of adoption and making us your children.

“Hallowed be your name.” (Luke 11:2b)
      Father, we have unclean lips and we dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips (See Isaiah 6:5). Please help us keep your name holy.

“Your kingdom come. your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.” (Luke 11:2c)
      Father, we ask for your will and purposes to be accomplished in our lives and in the life of this diocese.

“Give us day by day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3)
      Father, we don’t know what to do, but our eys are upon you (See 2 Chronicles 20:12); please help us receive each day the bread you have for us that day. Thank you.

“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” (Luke 11:4a)
      Forgive us the sin of wanting our own way — of substituting our “good” for what you have said is good. Please help us let go of the debts others owe us.

“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Luke 11:4b)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize temptation for what it is and resist it.

      Father, please help us resist every trick and trap of the evil one.

      Jesus, we ask you to establish you kingdom in our hearts and in the heart of this diocese — give us a will to serve you each day.

Sunday: MP: 8, 84; Joshua 24:1-15; Acts 28:23-31; Mark 2:23-28
      HC: 138; Genesis 18:20-33; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13
Monday: 64, 65; Joshua 24:16-33; Romans 16:1-16; Matthew 27:24-31

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, July 24, 2010, 9:20 -10:30 A.M. – David Carlson, Carol MacNaughton (from St. Michael’s in Colonie), & Shane Goodman

+–indicates received wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina

+ Sheri — wanted to thank the Lord for her family’s new apartment/house and ask prayer for her teenage daughter Angela

+ Cesar and + Deborah – this couple has been at the prayer table before and asked where Torre was today (note: Torre’s kids and grandkids are all home for a family reunion so he didn’t join us today) – they were very cheerful and upbeat and grateful for our prayers; asked prayer for their family especially their daughter + Danielle

+++Paula (a regular) got 3 crosses to give to friends and family; she wanted to thank the Lord for answered prayer for one of her kids (Zorie) who is home now; she also asked prayer for a friend (Robin) who has terminal cancer and is very tired; Paula asked about Torre and was happy to hear good news about his eye (she has been praying for him); finally, she asked us to pray a blessing on her home

+++Debra (a regular) – asked us to continue to pray for her health; her daughter and 2 grandkids are coming from Albany to spend the day with her – we prayed for all of them

Shane – has an apartment now, which is an answer to prayer; has had a couple 1-day jobs but needs continued prayer for a full-time job

Connie — prayer for her relationship with her boyfriend

+ Kowin — man walking by with a +toddler – asked prayer for financial provision – seemed very grateful for our prayers

David

Albany Intercessor

SCAC

The Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion is meeting in England. May the intercessors of the Anglican Communion look to these scriptures of overcoming.

1 Peter 5:6-9a (New International Version)
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Isaiah 57:15
For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

9Resist him, standing firm in the faith

Amen.

SCAC

The Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion is currently meeting in England.

Isaiah 62:5 (Amplified Bible)
For as a young man marries a virgin [O Jerusalem], so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.

O Lord,
You are not looking for an unresponsive bride. Would that the intercessors of the Anglican Communion give You cause to rejoice. Would that the Spirit-empowered-prayers of the intercessors, planted like seed in a famine, reap a hundredfold harvest. Amen.
Genesis 26

A prayer of adoration may be found here.

SCAC

The Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion is currently meeting.

2 Samuel 22:14-15 MSG
Then God thundered out of heaven;
the High God gave a great shout.
God shot his arrows—pandemonium!
He hurled his lightnings—a rout!

O Lord,
May the prayers of faithful Anglicans around the world bring pandemonium to those strategies and plans that are not of you. Rout the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places that have influence over the Standing Committee meeting. Amen.

Matthew 27:11

Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” (Matthew 27:11)
      Jesus, please help us daily acknowledge your kingship in our lives by our thoughts and words and deeds. Thank you.

      A word received: Share my love with one another.

Saturday: 138,139:1-17(18-23); Joshua 23:1-16; Romans 15:25-33; Matthew 27:11-23
Sunday: MP: 8, 84; Joshua 24:1-15; Acts 28:23-31; Mark 2:23-28
      HC: 138; Genesis 18:20-33; Colossians 2:6-15; Luke 11:1-13

Albany Intercessor

Florida and Ohio

Both of these states are influential in electoral politics. Florida and Ohio have many underground streams and caves.

Dear Lord,
Your Holy Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. Search the thoughts of the voters in Ohio and Florida. Open their hearts to receive that which is not taught by human wisdom but by Your Holy Spirit. May their votes this year express Your spiritual truths, with streams of living water flowing from these states to cover this nation. You are the fountain of life, O Lord. You can make a great river to flow out of a small stream.
Open the floodgates of righteousness!
Commission St. Michael and all his angels to combat Satan and all of his forces that quench the flow of Your love, Your judgment, and Your mercy in their elections.
Come to our aid, Jehovah-Sabaoth. You are a righteous God! Be present to them in this hour, Jehovah-Tsidkeenu.
1 Corinthians 2, John 7:38, Psalm 36:9

SCAC

The Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion is currently meeting in England.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (King James Version)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Psalm 149
Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
In this meeting, let the praises of our mouths rise as the weapons of the Lord.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
. . . let the praises of Zion rise as the weapons of the Lord.
Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
. . . let the praises of our hands and feet rise as the weapons of the Lord.
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
. . . let the hearts of humble Anglicans around the world rise as weapons of the Lord.
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. . . . let the silent murmurs of our slumbering spirits rise as weapons of the Lord.
Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
. . . let our recitation of Your Holy Scripture rise as weapons of the Lord.
To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
In this meeting, let our praises rise as weapons of the Lord.
To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
We praise Your Holy Name.

Tropical storm Bonnie

In Florida, headed toward Louisiana and Mississippi.

O Lord,
How I wish the atmosphere over these states was so filled with the praises of God, so filled with the peace of God, so filled with the joy of God that no storm could come near. Amen.

Scattered

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Dear Heavenly Father,
I have sinned. I have acted in my own strength and missed the mark. I have traded part of Your perfect plan for my life for moments of lesser significance, temporary pleasures. Reign over my life and make me whole, I pray. Amen.

Inspiration for this prayer came from an email from Glory of Zion.