Psalm 68:4-11

Sing to God, sing praises to his name; extol him who rides on the clouds, by his name Yah, and rejoice before him. (Psalm 68:4)
      Holy Spirit, please help us sing to God the Father and make melody to him in our hearts.

A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy habitation. (Psalm 68:5)
      Father, there are so many fatherless children in our society — so many young men who know how to have sex but don’t know how to be a father to the children they produce.

God sets the solitary in families; he brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. (Psalm 68:6)
      Jesus, reestablish family life throughout this diocese.

O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, (Psalm 68:7)
      Jesus, the Episcopal Church has become a wilderness. March with the people of the Diocese of Albany and the Diocese of South Carolina as we go through that wilderness.

The earth shook; the heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God; Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. (Psalm 68:8 )
      Holy Spirit, move us by your presence.

You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, whereby you confirmed your inheritance, when it was weary. (Psalm 68:9)
      Father, sent the plentiful rain of your Holy Spirit to refresh us.

Your congregation dwelt in it; you, O God, provided from your goodness for the poor. (Psalm 68:10)
      Jesus, provide for the poor and the lost and the least in the land among us. Thank you.

The LORD gave the word; great was the company of those who proclaimed it: (Psalm 68:11)
      LORD, give your word and raise up many to proclaim it throughout your church. Thank you.

A word received: Keep coming to me. I AM blessing your coming to me.

Tuesday: 61, 62 * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Gen. 21:1-21: Heb. 11:13-22: John 6:41-51
Wednesday: 72 * 119:73-96; Gen. 22:1-18: Heb. 11:23-31: John 6:52-59

      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 (Mark 1:29-39; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; 2 Kings 4:(8-17)18-21(22-31); Psalm 142).

***** Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote…
      There are so many promises in the bible. Let us focus on the perfection of the Kingdom in the word. Let the “Word” of Jesus heal you’re wounds. Say a personal yes and Amen to God. Corinthians 1:20 writes, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the Glory of God. ”

***** Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012
From: Bishop Mike Chapman
      Earthquake in Ica around midnight last night. About 60 injured but no known deaths. As far as I know the team here is ok. Please pray for the injured. This is the second one here since October. Pray for Ica. +Mike

Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2012
From: Ginnie Grupinski
Subject: URGENT PRAYER FOR PERU
      Linda Chapman: Well, we had an earthquake last night at 12:11am. 6.3 It was so loud, like standing near a passing train. The noise shot me out of bed to the doorway of the bedroom. Then my husband yelled, Linda go! The whole building was shaking back and forth and the stairways going down from the 3rd floor were moving back and forth. Next thing we were out in the street, I in my nightgown. But everything was pitch black because we lost the electric. We stayed out there with all the other people for a while to see if it was going to happen again. We need to check out today how people are in some of the towns around us where the buildings are not as well made.
      Dear Intercessors…Please pray and declare Romans 8:18-27 for the Chapmans and Peru. I will update you as I hear any more from Linda. Thanks for your faithfulness to pray! Blessings, Ginnie

***** Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012
From: WHI Dayton Prayer
Subject: WHI Dayton Prayer Request and Praise Report 2012 01 31
      If you know someone that wishes to pray for this ministry, please ask them to send their e-mail to WHI Dayton Prayer
      1. WHI Dayton’s planning, teaming, resourcing, recruiting, partnering. Many team members are suffering from illness, old injuries, and family emergencies. Need strong spiritual covering.
      2. WHI Dayton initially requested to meet with one chaplain at Fort Campbell on Friday 10 Feb am. Now, the chaplain is hosting a 2-hour information meeting with estimated 40 (up to 70) chaplains, area pastors, and caregivers. 3 WHI Dayton team members planning to drive the 6-hr one-way trip from Thu to Sat, 9 to 11 Feb. Pray for the hosting chaplain, who would be in a 24-hr+ endurance training with his flock with only 3 hours of break before the meeting. Army Strong! Need to represent the overall WHI effort well. Jesus, thank you for granting favor!
      3. WHI NY planning female veterans retreat (TBD) and all-hands retreat in Nov. A DC church planning for General Officer’s retreat in Apr and all-hands in Oct.
      4. USAF active duty suicide rate in mid-Jan 2012 showed 6% increase from Jan 2011. Supervisors are directed to have one-on-one meetings with subordinates on resiliency.
      5. Cindy, widowed 2 weeks ago. Her husband was a WHI vet who accepted Jesus during the retreat. Cindy is having a hard time accepting the loss.
      6. Carolyn, a WHI spouse, with fragile cardiovascular and digestive systems, easily exhausted tending to family and possibly fighting infection.
      7. Combat vets being invited to April retreats: Dan E, Bill, Loretta, Wayne, Joe S, Ken, Robert, Joe M, Shane, Jim, Jeff, Bob, Paul, Mike, Don, Fred, Tom, and Dan A. Spouses / fiances Jenny, Gina, Diana (unknown medical condition), Joyce, Rachel, Joy, Lenore, and Dixie. WHI vet Dan and spouse expecting baby boy in March.
      8. Sonya, daughter of a USMC Korean War vet. She is mourning her dad’s passing in Dec 2011.
      9. Gen Bill returned home to East Coast. His daughter Caroline’s conditions are improving; she cannot wait to get back to normal routine.
      10. Praise the Lord for the nation’s first parade to honor Iraqi War vets and families in St. Louis on 28 Jan. Let the Lord’s healing begin in many.
      11. Pray for US Army Ranger Cory Smith, currently on his 18th day running / bicycling from his station at Columbus GA to his home state Indianapolis IN, inviting others to run with him and donate for PTSD and re-integration issues facing veterans. Pray for safety, strength, and completion. http://www.facebook.com/runrangerrun or http://gallantfew.org/index.cfm?pageId=32&Page=Run%20Ranger%20Run

Albany Intercessor

Bethel

Bethel is located in the West Bank. El-bethel means God of Bethel.

Genesis 35:6,7,14 (NIV)
Jacob and all the people with him came to Luz (that is, Bethel) in the land of Canaan. There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel, because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother. . . . Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it.

Triune Lord, You are the God of Bethel.

US drought

A US drought map may be found here.

Proverbs 3:19-20 (NIV)
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

Father in heaven,
You are the God of hydrology, meteorology, and ecology, the Creator of heaven and earth. Your knowledge and understanding extends to every dimension and realm, both seen and unseen.
Have mercy on us, for we are arrogant and sinful. Have mercy on us for we do not perceive the unseen. If the drought-stricken land is cursed due to our sinfulness, then we humbly ask You to reveal to the Body of Christ what must be done.
Stir the hearts of the people in the drought-stricken area to read Holy Scripture. No drought of God’s Word!
Teach us how to pray so that our nation can come into a right relationship with You. You are our heart’s desire.
We pray for restoration of faith and hope. We speak love to the drought-stricken land and atmosphere. We declare a double portion of love and blessings to Texas.
We bless the processes of evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and collection. We bless the the wind and the clouds, the sun and the moon. We bless the land and every body of water in the drought-stricken areas. We bless the governments, the farmers, the churches, the businesses, the media, the schools, and the arts and entertainment. We bless the families.
Let it rain, Lord. Let it rain. Amen.

John 6:26-29

Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” (John 6:26)
      Holy Spirit, please help us understand our motives in turning to Jesus and desire him with the understanding that only you can give.

“Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on him.” (John 6:27)
      Jesus, please help us labor for what is enduring to everlasting life.

      Father, you set the seal of your Holy Spirit upon Jesus. Seal us with that same Spirit. I know that Jesus received the Holy Spirit without measure and that I cannot because of the sin in my life and my fallen nature, but I ask for as much of your Spirit as I can receive. Thank you.

Then they said to him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he sent.” (John 6:28-29)
      Father, please help us believe in Jesus whom you have sent to us.

Monday: 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65; Gen. 19:1-17(18-23)24-29: Heb. 11:1-12: John 6:27-40
Tuesday: 61, 62 * 68:1-20(21-23)24-36; Gen. 21:1-21: Heb. 11:13-22: John 6:41-51

      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 (Mark 1:29-39; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; 2 Kings 4:(8-17)18-21(22-31); Psalm 142).

***** Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012 06:12:37 -0500
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote
      Brethren try to focus on the good in people. Actively look for the positive and kind things about others. Try not to put people down, either to someone’s face or behind their back, even in you mind. Get out of that habit please. If you hear someone putting someone down do not be drawn into the conversation. “No” is a complete sentence! Philippians 4: 8 writes; “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.”

[Note from Torre on Nigel’s quote: Some years ago a pastor put me onto this verse: For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. (2 Corinthians 10:12) His free translation was that “it is stupid to compare yourself with others. When you do that, someone almost always gets put down, and the person who usually gets put down is yourself.” He said, to me, “You are putting down someone that Jesus died for and that is a sin and you need to repent of that!”]

***** Prayer requests from Willowfield parish in Belfast, Northern Ireland:
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2012
From: Ronnie O’Neill
Subject: Fw: Prayer update on “Y”
      Just in from Mark and Liz: Hi all, quick update on “Y” whom many of you have been praying for. As some will have heard in church this morning; “Y” is still in protective care and rehabilitaion, however we’ve heard in the past couple of days that her younger sister who had been sold into the brothel to replace “Y” has been rescued and is now also in protective care – praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers!!! Her mother has alos been found work that provides some income and should reduce the risk of other “Y”‘s other siblings being sold. Thanks to you all once again for your prayers and to God for his mercy, grace and protection. Cheers and God bless, Mark and Liz…

Albany Intercessor

Christian mysticism–Fr. Dale Matson

On his blog Soundings, Dale Matson reflects on mysticism:

Actually it is in Christ that we learn who we truly are. In Him our personality is not annihilated; in Him our personality is brought to fruition. The ultimate aim of the Christian mystic is union with Christ.

Mark 1:21-28

Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. (Mark 1:21)
      Jesus, enter ever parish of this diocese today and teach through the power of your Holy Spirit.

And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22)
      Holy Spirit, please help us recognize and heed all teaching that authentically comes from Jesus. Let the words that he speaks cut us to the heart.

Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” (Mark 1:23-25)
      Jesus, whenever evil spirits manifest themselves in our lives or in our parishes, rebuke them and cast them out.

And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. (Mark 1:26)
      Father, please help us persevere through to victory in the fight with what is evil in your sight.

Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” (Mark 1:27)
      Father, help the clergy and people of this diocese recognize and accept the authority with which Jesus speaks to us.

And immediately his fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee. (Mark 1:28 )
      Jesus, we pray that the news of what you are doing in our congregations will spread throughout our communities. Thank you.

Sunday: 24, 29 * 8, 84; Gen. 18:16-33: Gal. 5:13-25: Mark 8:22-30
HC: Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111
Monday: 56, 57, [58] * 64, 65; Gen. 19:1-17(18-23)24-29: Heb. 11:1-12: John 6:27-40

      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 (Mark 1:29-39; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; 2 Kings 4:(8-17)18-21(22-31); Psalm 142).

***** Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote…
      Someone once said that if you are right about something; keep quiet about it. On the flip side if you are wrong about something; apologize. This might be a good equation in life within marriage, with friends and family. Jesus said, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Albany Intercessor

Animals

Job 39:26-27 (NKJV)
“Does the hawk fly by your wisdom,
And spread its wings toward the south?
Does the eagle mount up at your command,
And make its nest on high?

Father,
By Your wisdom, the creatures of this world live and move and have their being. By Your provision, the quail flew into Israel’s camp in the wilderness. You instructed Balaam’s donkey to speak and commanded the ravens to feed Elijah and gave Nehemiah’s horse wisdom to travel at night around the walls of Jerusalem.
Your Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords, entered Jerusalem in triumph, yet lowly, sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey. Jesus instructed the disciples to cast their nets on the right side of the boat to bring in a multitude of fish.
We thank You that in their service to man, these animals served You. Your kingdom come, Your will be done in the lives of the animals of Israel today. Establish Your kingdom, Lord, from Dan to Beersheba, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River. Amen.

Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, January 28, 2012, 9:05 – 10:30 a.m. Torre Bissell from Christ Church Schenectady and Carol MacNaughton from St. Michael’s Colonie.
+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina
H–indicates received a hat
M–indicates received mittens
G–indicates received gloves
S–indicates received a scarf
A pair of hand-knitted woolen socks was donated by a woman in Norway.

Prayed for a man walking on theother side of the street limping.

+Nancy — She is traveling by bus to Pennsylvania and by plane to California. We prayed for travel mercies and that her “family will keep together.”

+Luke (young man from Haiti) — We prayed for a job and then confessed his sins and once again accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and accepted God’s forgiveness. We also prayed for a wife for him and that he would not make any more “mistakes” about the women he goes out with.

+Thomas — He asked prayer for his daughter Zayana who is 8 months old and has been sick at least half of that time. He said, “It is getting over-whelming.” We prayed he would know how to be the man and the father God is calling him to be.

+Joe — We prayed for him and his girlfriend for good health. He has a job interview this week.

+H Darius — He asked prayer for a new beginning and gave his life to Jesus.

+Christopher — He asked prayer for peace and for a friend who just died.

+HH Gary — He asked prayer for a renewed relationship with his sons.

Joseph — for his daughter Evea

+Christopher — He asked prayer for relaxation. He then gave his burdens to Jesus.

++Eric — He asked prayer for health for him and his family.

Desdemona — She was on her way to the Macedonia 7th Day Adventist Church on Swan St. with her adult son +Louis who goes to a “Sunday” church in New York City. We prayed for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Macedonia and on Christ Church.

++Ethel — She asked prayer for her fianceé and for peace.

+Dale — He asked prayer for his 5 grandchildren.

The multifaceted glory of God

Genesis 18:1-5,10 (NIV)
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”

“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”

. . . Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Genesis 30:37-39 (NIV)
Jacob, however, took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond and plane trees and made white stripes on them by peeling the bark and exposing the white inner wood of the branches. Then he placed the peeled branches in all the watering troughs, so that they would be directly in front of the flocks when they came to drink. When the flocks were in heat and came to drink, they mated in front of the branches. And they bore young that were streaked or speckled or spotted.

Triune God,
Our eyes behold the streaked, speckled, spotted dimensions of Your glory.

GLORY be to God for dappled things—
For skies of couple-colour as a brinded cow;
For rose-moles all in stipple upon trout that swim;
Fresh-firecoal chestnut-falls; finches’ wings;
Landscape plotted and pieced—fold, fallow, and plough;
And áll trádes, their gear and tackle and trim.

We bow low before You. If we have found favor in Your eyes, do not pass us by.
Jesus is our living water. Jesus is the bread of life. Jesus is life.
Let us drink deeply of Your goodness that new life may abound. Amen.

The blockquote is a stanza of “Pied Beauty” by Gerard Manley Hopkins.

John 6:16-21 and Genesis 18:1-5, 13-14

Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, got into the boat, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was already dark, and Jesus had not come to them. Then the sea arose because a great wind was blowing. So when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; and they were afraid. But He said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going. (John 6:16-21)
      Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFkgAj2hEEc&feature=related

Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.” They said, “Do as you have said.” (Genesis 18:1-5)
      Father, Son and Holy Spirit, come into my home and dwell there. Do not pass me by.

And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” (Genesis 18:13-14)
      Holy Spirit, help me excamine myself and clear away all doubt about what you can do in my life.

A word received: You are in my care.

Saturday: 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Gen. 18:1-16: Heb. 10:26-39: John 6:16-27
Sunday: 24, 29 * 8, 84; Gen. 18:16-33: Gal. 5:13-25: Mark 8:22-30
HC: Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for Sunday (Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111) so that you can receive all that God has for you.

***** Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: Daily Quote…
      Have “Good grief” in your life. Lucy got it right in Peanuts, as she said, “Good grief Charlie Brown!” Grieve well my friends. Invite Jesus into the grief. Go just a little bit deeper with Him into your grief. He will help you. Blessed are those who grieve for you will be comforted by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 5:4)

Albany Intercessor

Solar storms

It has been a week of solar storms. This post compiles spectacular photographs of the auroras.

Psalm 19:1 (NKJV)
The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Father, we give You thanks for the safety of air travelers and the beauty of the auroras. Amen.

Human trafficking

In the ninth chapter of Daniel, he confesses his own sins and the sins of the nation Israel. In 1619 at Jamestown, slavery was introduced to North America. This is a prayer of confession for our nation based on the ninth chapter of Daniel. (I think it particularly important to say this prayer if you are a blood descendant of a Jamestown settler.–JW)

O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. To you, O Lord, belongs righteousness, but to us the inhabitants of the United States of America belongs open shame because of the treachery that we and our ancestors have committed against you. To us, O LORD, belongs open shame, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against you. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him and have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God by walking in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. Our nation has transgressed your law and turned aside, refusing to obey your voice. And the curse and oath that are written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out upon us, because we have sinned against him. He has confirmed his words, which he spoke against us and against our rulers who ruled us. We suffered much in the Civil War. The vestiges of slavery are still with us.
And now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have made a name for yourself, as at this day, we have sinned, we have done wickedly. We confess that our ancestors introduced slavery to the continent of North America, and we confess our own indifference to the 27 million people enslaved today.
O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from the United States because of our sins, and the iniquities of our fathers. Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servants and to our pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your people. O my God, incline your ear and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the church that is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your people are called by your name.

John 6:1-15

After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. Then a great multitude followed him, because they saw his signs which he performed on those who were diseased. And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus lifted up his eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” (John 6:1-7)
      Lord Jesus, so often we look at our resources and strength and say, “I can’t do what you have asked of me.” Help us to look to you and the resources and strength of heaven to do what you are calling us to.

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” (John 6:8-9)
      Holy Spirit, help me keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and know that he can do what I cannot.

Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. (John 6:10-11)
      Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you have fed and led your people through the years. You gave them manna from heaven, water from the rock, and the food for the five thousand, and you have fed us with your word daily. Thank you.

So when they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” (John 6:12)
      Jesus, gather up the broken fragments of my life so that nothing is lost.

Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (John 6:13-14)
      Holy Spirit, please help us see the “signs following” that mark ministry directed sustained by Jesus. (See Mark 16:17)

Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he departed again to the mountain by himself alone. (John 6:15)
      Jesus, please help us accept you for who you are and stop trying to fit you into our agenda. Thank you.

A word received: Pray that my people will thank me.

Friday: 40, 54 * 51; Gen. 17:15-27: Heb. 10:11-25: John 6:1-15
Saturday: 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); Gen. 18:1-16: Heb. 10:26-39: John 6:16-27

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Start now reading and reflecting on the lessons for Sunday (Mark 1:21-28; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111) so that you can receive all that God has for you.

***** Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2012
From: Fr. Nigel Mumford+
Subject: Daily Quote…
      Strive to live in the present moment. Try not to linger in the past. Hope in the future and live you life to the fullest, now, and with great abundance.! Hebrews 13:8 writes, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.

***** Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2012
From: Bob Downey
Torre,
      Have you heard of the little man from St. George St in Sydney? This is a story about him in case you haven’t heard of him before. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdspKNEzH54

Albany Intercessor

Schenectady City Mission Prayer Table Report

Schenectady City Mission Prayer Table Report, Thursday January 26, 2012, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.. Torre Bissell, Richard Baratiere and Chuck Rinaldo from Christ Church Schenectady and Carol MacNaughton from St. Michael’s Colonie. This took place during the evening meal at the City Mission.

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

Rich (young man) — He asked prayer that he would be God’s man, father, and husband and that he would no longer run from responsibility. His son is Richard Jr. and his wife is Sophia.

Anthony (a regular from the Christ Church prayer table) — “For my family.” He took eight crosses to hand out to other people.

+Kevin — He asked prayer for a job and for a closer walk with Jesus.

+Ron — He asked prayer that communication would be reestablished with his daughter Isabella that he has not seen since Thanksgiving.

+Richard — He asked prayer for his wife +Mary Ellen who has just had major back surgery and is in a lot of pain.

Peter — He asked prayer for a big meeting he has on Wednesday.

+James — “I have lung cancer and my brother died of a heart attack this week.”

King Oswald

While exiled, Oswald (604-642) spent part of his boyhood with the monks on Iona. He later became King of Northumbria and evangelized it. Cadwallon had killed Oswald’s brother, the king, after he attempted to negotiate peace. From Wiki:

Subsequently, Oswald, at the head of a small army . . . met Cadwallon in battle at Heavenfield . . . Before the battle, Oswald had a wooden cross erected; he knelt down, holding the cross in position until enough earth had been thrown in the hole to make it stand firm. He then prayed and asked his army to join in.

Adomnán in his Life of Saint Columba offers a longer account, which Abbot Ségéne had heard from Oswald himself. Oswald, he says, had a vision of Columba the night before the battle, in which he was told:

Be strong and act manfully. Behold, I will be with thee. This coming night go out from your camp into battle, for the Lord has granted me that at this time your foes shall be put to flight and Cadwallon your enemy shall be delivered into your hands and you shall return victorious after battle and reign happily.

Oswald described his vision to his council and all agreed that they would be baptised and accept Christianity after the battle. In the battle that followed, the British were routed despite their superior numbers; Cadwallon himself was killed.

Once king, Oswald requested a missionary bishop be sent to Northumbria. Oswald gave the island of Lindisfarne to Aidan as his episcopal see, and Aidan achieved great success in spreading the Christian faith; Bede mentions that Oswald acted as Aidan’s interpreter when the latter was preaching, since Aidan did not know English well and Oswald had learned Irish during his exile.

Father,
We thank You for the saints before us. May we too plant the cross in the battles of our daily lives and heaven come to the field of our existence. Amen.