Binding and loosing

I recently heard a teaching on binding and loosing by Robert Westberry, a missionary to Fiji. We are three parts–body, soul, and spirit. He emphasized that we cannot take offense and reminded us of the silence of Jesus before His accusers. When we take offense, we create wounds on our soul. These wounds then distract us from the direction of the Holy Spirit within our spirits.
‘Loosing’ is like doing surgery on oneself, cutting out those things that are not of God. ‘Binding’ God brings healing to the weak places. This prayer incorporates some of the concepts I learned. Note the similarity to St. Patrick’s breastplate.–JW

Triune God,

I bind unto my will this day the will of the Father,
I bind unto my mind the mind of Christ,
I bind unto my spirit the fullness of the revelation of the Holy Spirit in scripture.

I bind unto myself the forgiveness of Christ and loose the offenses I harbor, especially _____.
I bind unto myself the security of Christ and loose my insecurity.
I bind unto myself the peace of Christ and loose my anger.
I bind unto myself the appetite of Christ and loose my gluttony.
I bind unto myself the wisdom of Christ and loose my foolishness.
I bind unto myself the love of Christ and loose my fear and anxiety.

I invite Christ into every aspect of my being, seen and unseen, known and unknown. Christ reign in my body, soul, and spirit. Christ! Christ! Christ!

I bind unto myself the knowledge that I am, by the grace of God and the blood of Christ shed for me, His beloved child, and I loose my orphan spirit. It is the Father’s good pleasure to give me the kingdom. Amen.

40 days for life

Dear Heavenly Father,
The cup of thanksgiving is a participation in the blood of Christ, the bread that we break, a participation in the body of Christ. We give thanks for the body and blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. As we receive the body of Christ at Your altar, help us to receive all the members of Your body, even the least of Your children. Amen.

Matthew 25:40, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

James 5:1-12

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. You have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury; you have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. You have condemned, you have murdered the just; he does not resist you. (James 5:1-6)
      Jesus, bring to repentance those of great wealth who have abused and looted those who work for them.

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (James 5:7-8 )
      Holy Spirit, please work in our hearts and give us the patience and temperance to wait on Jesus.

Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord–that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:9-11)
      Father, please se us free from grumbling and complaining about one another. Give us the freedom of your Holy Spirit. Thank you.

But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. (James 5:12)
      Holy Spirit, please help us to be straight-forward and honest in our speech with one another. Help us to be true to our words. Thank you.

A word received: Come to me — come into my arms of love.

Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Hosea 2:2-14: James 3:1-13: Matt. 13:44-52
HC: Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48; James 4:7-12(13-5:6); Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29; Ps. 19 or 19:7-14
Monday: 89:1-18 * 89:19-52; Hosea 2:14-23: Acts 20:17-38: Luke 5:1-11

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for a speedy recovery for Fr. Nigel Mumford from his hip replacement.

*****       A word received 6/4/2009: Pray for this nation. Pray for wise and godly men and women who will lead my people in my ways. Pray for the courts, that they will do true justice. Pray for the Congress and the legislatures, that they will have a spirit of wisdom and discernment. Pray for the President and the Governors, that their hearts will be turned into my ways.

*****.Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2012
From: Deacon Susan Plaske
Subject: Cathedral Prayer Table Report
      Hi Torre, Hope this report finds you feeling much better than last week. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
      Below is prayer table report form Sept 19 and 26th combined: Prayer ministers: Candy Palumbo, Beth Collum, Jana Lingo, Dcn.Plaske
Dave – Prayers for Bonnie, Bob (broken arm) friends in PA, for Jean and Tom (came both weeks)
Victoria – stopped by to show us a picture of her baby (healthy). We had prayed with her a year ago when she was pregnant, now seeking God’s intervention in her relationship with her husband, as he was un-faithful during her pregnancy and she is struggling to work things out. Lots of turmoil. For peace and direction.
Sharon and Connie prayer for Jim who is retired, Terique whose health is decreasing, her mother Daljit for God’s abiding peace. (came both weeks)
Candy – prayer for Michael her son. Direction, protection and provision.(both weeks)
Jermain and Calvin – offered prayer that the Lord would lead Jermain to a job and that God would protect Calvin from being led astray with addictions.
Beth – for Thor the dog. That God would lessen the pain that he suffers from old age and arthritis. Comfort for him and his people
Lisa – Continued healing with her health and family financial woes and help with her fathers care.
Joe – Family needs – his 2 daughters, Father and his fathers friend, his wife for peace to them all.
John – wrote a book called Grandma Harrington and the queen’s wardrobe. (Historical Fiction) based on Queen Mary. They were taking pictures at the Cathedral for the book. Prayer for the endeavors to be blessed an to bring Glory to God.
Steve – said wow what’s this? A place where people can just walk up and pray. Awesome! Steve is in discernment for the diaconate for the Orthodox church. Prayers for direction and clarity.

***** Check out the web-site for Bishop Grant and Doctor Wendy LeMarquand: http://www.grantandwendy.com/

***** Date: Sun, 30 Sep 2012
From: Nigel Mumford
Subject: This Bible verse spoke to me to today
Fr. NM+

Philippians 2:1-2
The Message

He Took on the Status of a Slave
2 1-4 If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Albany Intercessor

40 days for life

Planned Parenthood has received federal funding since 1970, when President Richard Nixon signed into law the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act, amending the Public Health Service Act. Planned Parenthood receives about a third of its money in government grants and contracts (about $360 million in 2009).

The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. Psalm 119:61 KJV

Our Father in heaven,
We pray that the voters of the United States will not forget Thy laws. Amen.

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report

Christ Church Schenectady Prayer Table Report, Saturday, September 29, 2012, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Darlene Chesnut, Candy Paumbo and Torre Bissell on State St. It was a misty, cool morning with no heavy rain during the hour.

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina
a–anoint with Holy Water

+a Tyson (young man) — He came to ask prayer for his brother, Timothy, who is in Afghanistan. [He returned the way he had come which indicated he was not just a casual passerby.]

Darlene (woman) — She asked prayer for her son Owen and daughter-in-law Angela who are expecting another child and are job seeking and moving. She also asked prayer for Mark who is away at Nashotah House for a week-long course.

+a Rishii and +a Vee (husband and brother) — They asked prayer for Felicia who is studying at Cobleskill.

+a Vanessa (woman) — Her cell phone wasn’t working and she was distressed by it.

Candy — Her son, +Michael, called her and needed help.

+Sierra (young woman) — “For my life.”

Steve — We prayed for God’s blessing on him.

+Brian — He asked prayer “for my daughter Melanie.”

+a Moses — We gave thanks that he is still “clean and dry”.

a Theo [He already had a Dennis Adams cross on.] — He asked prayer for his girlfriend +Ayla, for a job for himself and for “life”.

+a Matra (young woman) — She asked prayer for her husband +Clarence and daughter +Jeteya.

John and Paula (regulars) — We prayed for and gave thanks for all their children and their granddaughter Bella. We prayed for John that he would not stumble or fall.

Luke 4:38-41

Now he arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of him concerning her. (Luke 4:38 )
      Jesus, please come into our homes and heal those who are sick. Thank you for hearing our requests for healing of body, mind and spirit.

So he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them. (Luke 4:39)
      Jesus, please rebuke our illnesses so that we may arise and serve you and others. Thank you.

When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that he was the Christ. (Luke 4:40-41)
      Jesus, please lay your hand on all who come to the prayer table today and heal them and set them free from disease and demonic oppression. Thank you.

A word received: Keep testifying to my faithfulness.

Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Hosea 1:1-2:1: Acts 20:1-16: Luke 4:38-44
Sunday: 66, 67 * 19, 46; Hosea 2:2-14: James 3:1-13: Matt. 13:44-52
HC: Mark 9:38-43,45,47-48; James 4:7-12(13-5:6); Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29; Ps. 19 or 19:7-14

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for a speedy recovery for Fr. Nigel Mumford from his hip replacement.

*****       A word received 6/4/2009: Pray for this nation. Pray for wise and godly men and women who will lead my people in my ways. Pray for the courts, that they will do true justice. Pray for the Congress and the legislatures, that they will have a spirit of wisdom and discernment. Pray for the President and the Governors, that their hearts will be turned into my ways.

      A word received 6/25/2009: Pray for the President.
      Pray for my work in his heart and mind.
      Pray for wise and godly counselors for him.
      Pray for wisdom in the storm.
      Pray that he will look to me rather than opinion polls.
      Pray for my word to lodge in his heart.

Albany Intercessor

Quotable: How the Doxology Shapes Us

An absolutely wonderful reflection on how liturgical worship, and particularly the doxology shape our theology and our daily Christian living.  This is a theme I’ve been reflecting a lot on lately, and I will be posting some other thoughts and articles about this in the coming days.  – Karen.

One drop of water on a rock has little effect, but a steady dripping will eventually wear a hole into a seemingly impenetrable stone. Singing the Doxology every week is like getting a steady drip of life-giving Trinitarian water over hardened hearts.

James K. A. Smith, in Desiring the Kingdom, reminds us that the very form and rituals of worship have a shaping effect on us.  We don’t just become more godly by learning the theology of the songs and imbibing the propositional content of the sermon.  Our desires and habits, as we move along the path of the liturgy, are shaped to more subconsciously and instinctively move along the direction of that path.   For instance, I have been in a context where I have experienced the same weekly liturgy of Confession, Assurance, and Repentance for over ten years now.  I now find that I have new instincts and desires when I slip into sin.  With nearly Pavlovian certainty, my heart drops into its knees, I acknowledge it before God, I preach the good news to my heart of God’s assurance of my pardon through Christ, and I find greater strength to turn and re-commit myself to God’s service.  Repeated liturgy makes you love it and live it every day of the week.

Read the full article here.

H/T Trevin Wax

For the intercessors for the USA

Genesis 24:17-20 (NIV)

¹⁷ The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.”

¹⁸ “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink.

¹⁹ After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” ²⁰ So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels.

Our Father in heaven,  the Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,

We thank You for the models of holy living given in Scripture. Just as Rebekah poured out water from the well for the servant and his beasts of burden, we humbly ask that You pour out living water from on high upon the intercessors for the United States of America.

We bind our wills to Your will, our minds to the mind of Christ, and our spirits to the fullness of Your Spirit revealed in Holy Scripture.   We loose from our souls all strongholds of false thinking so that Your love may be shed abroad in our hearts.

Teach us how to love as Christ loved us. Teach us how to draw upon You. Teach us how to pray. Amen.

Luke 4:31-32

Then he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbaths. And they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority. (Luke 4:31-32)
      Holy Spirit, bring all the people of this diocese to that same astonishment that the people of Capernaum had at the authority of Jesus’ words.

A word received: Look to me; I AM waiting for you.

Friday: 88 * 91, 92; Esther 8:1-8,15-17*: Acts 19:21-41: Luke 4:31-37
Saturday: 87, 90 * 136; Hosea 1:1-2:1: Acts 20:1-16: Luke 4:38-44

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for a speedy recovery for Fr. Nigel Mumford from his hip replacement.

***** Please pray for the various prayer table ministries that are going on around the diocese [there may be others that I don’t know about]:
      Christ Church Schenectady
      Schenectady City Mission
      St. Michael’s Colonie
      Christ Church Cooperstown
      St. James Lake George
      St. Ann’s Amsterdam
      Zion Colton
      St. Mark’s Hoosick Falls
      All Saints Cathedral
      The Diocesan Convention
      Grace Waterford
      Christ and St. John’s Champlain
      Christ Church Walton
      St. Christopher’s Cobleskill

***** Schenectady City Mission Prayer Table Report, Thursday September 20, 2012, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.. Dan Meguin of the Schenectady City Mission. This took place during the evening meal at the City Mission.

Diana — She is able to see her children, Danielle and Junior, only once a week as they are in foster care.

Randy and Sharon — Spiritual, financial, and physical healing.

Jerry — He has his 2-year MRI coming up to check on his brain cancer.

Burnette Family friend — They asked prayer for the father-in-law, Jay, and for Eleanor.

Carol — She asked prayer for Chris who needs to see a doctor and won’t go.

Jennifer — She gave up her rights to her son Ethan at age 5 because of the situation she was in. Now two years later she is torn up by regret that she did that.

Schenectady City Mission Prayer Table Report, Thursday September 27, 2012, 5:15 – 6:30 p.m.. Torre and Jean Bissell and Chuck Rinaldo from Christ Church Schenectady. This took place during the evening meal at the City Mission.

+–indicates received a wooden cross made by Dennis Adams of North Carolina
a–indicates anointing with Holy Water

Peter (a volunteer at the Mission) and Connie shared the good news with their families that they are expecting a baby. Pray for the baby and for Jesus to be at the center of the family business.

a Chuck and a Kolbe (little boy) — We prayed that Chuck would grow into the fatherhood that God has for him and that Kolbe grow up to be God’s man. We have been impressed over the last months at the way Chuck has led Kolbe in giving thanks to God for the food they receive at the Mission. [Wednesday and Thursday the Mission fed over 220 people each day.]

+a Jamal and Jamal Jr. (little boy sleeping in his father’s arms) — We prayed for Jamal that he would grow into the being the father that God wanted him to be.

Dan — He asked prayer for a friend Camille: her sister Loretta is going in for a biopsy for cancer. Loretta is far from God.

Eleanor — She asked prayer for her boyfriend, Jay, who has just been sent to Downstate prison.

+++++a Jerry — He got good results from his 2-year MRI for brain cancer. The cancer has neither grown nor shrunk. His friend Neil is very disappointed at the slowness of getting his new artificial leg. Jerry’s grandson Jerret is doing well. Jerry took a cross for Neil and 4 others to give out at the VA. The men there ask for them. Jerry had “returned to give God thanks.”

+a Thomas — He asked prayer for his wife of 33 years, Kathleen, who has had a stroke.

+a Becky (weeping) –“That my family will be brought back together.”

a Tom [He already had a Dennis Adams cross on.] — 36% of his pension is taken up for child support of his 19-year old son, Paul. Paul and his other son, Tom, do not get along at all.

a Steve — His 19-year old daughter, Kara, has Colitis which is getting worse.

+a Lloyd — He asked prayer for protection for his family and for wisdom.

Albany Intercessor

40 days for life

From Anglican Priests for Life:

Almighty and Everlasting God, who welcomes the innocent babes who are martyred into larger life. Bless and defend those who minister in the sight of evil, that they may turn hearts through faith, prayer and witness to end this holocaust. May the power of your Holy Spirit, cause those who participate and perpetuate abortion, to repent, be converted and serve the cause of righteousness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Source: Fr. Bentley,OHI / Director Anglican Priests for Life

Praying for the Crown Nominations Committee and the Selection of a New Abp. of Canterbury

Thanks to the Rev. Dr. Kendall Harmon for the reminder that the Crown Nominations committee is meeting this week to select a new Archbishop of Canterbury, and for posting the following prayer.

Almighty God,
you have given your Holy Spirit to the Church
to lead us into all truth:
bless with the Spirit’s grace and presence
the members of the Crown Nominations Committee.
Keep them steadfast in faith and united in love,
that they may seek your will, manifest your glory
and prepare the way of your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.
Amen.

You can find more info at ACNS

40 days for life

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

O Lord,
We are driven by bitter envy and selfish ambition. Guide the United States of America in this election, Wonderful Counselor.
We are biblically illiterate. Strengthen this nation by Your word, Mighty God.
We violate the Sabbath. Help us to understand Your times and Your seasons, Everlasting Father.
Our cravings are at war within us. Visit us, O Prince of Peace. Protect the unborn child. Amen.

Psalm 85

LORD, you have been favorable to your land; you have brought back the captivity of Jacob. (Psalm 85:1)
      LORD, set your people in the Episcopal Church free from the captivity of those who despise your word.

You have forgiven the iniquity of your people; you have covered all their sin. (Psalm 85:2)
      Jesus, forgive our iniquity and cover over all our sins with your blood.

You have taken away all your wrath; you have turned from the fierceness of your anger. (Psalm 85:3)
      Father, turn the fierceness of your wrath from the Episcopal Church.

Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause your anger toward us to cease. (Psalm 85:4)
      Jesus, restore us and cause your anger towards the Episcopal Church to cease.

Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? (Psalm 85:5)
      Holy Spirit, restore us to a right relationship with Jesus.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6)
      Holy Spirit, revive us so that your people may rejoice in you.

Show us your mercy, LORD, and grant us your salvation. (Psalm 85:7)
      Show us your mercy, LORD, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people and to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. (Psalm 85:8 )
      Father, please help us hear and receive what you are saying to us. Let us not turn back to the folly of unbelief and political correctness.

Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. (Psalm 85:9)
      Jesus, help us fear the judgment that is to come so that your glory may dwell in our land. Thank you.

Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed. (Psalm 85:10)
      Father, let your mercy and truth, righteousness and peace come among us and stop these evil lawsuits brought by the Presiding Bishop against Bishop Bill and other faithful biships.

Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. (Psalm 85:11)
      Holy Spirit, bring us and the whole Episcopal Church to your truth and righteousness.

Yes, the LORD will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. (Psalm 85:12)
      Father, thank you for your goodness and mercy; give us eyes to see what you are doing among us.

Righteousness will go before him, and shall make his footsteps our pathway. (Psalm 85:13)
      Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life; help us daily walk in your righteous ways and make your footsteps our pathway. Thank you.

A word received: I AM your strength.

Thursday: [83] or 146, 147 * 85, 86; Esther 7:1-10: Acts 19:11-20: Luke 4:14-30
Friday: 88 * 91, 92; Esther 8:1-8,15-17*: Acts 19:21-41: Luke 4:31-37

      Notes from the Front Line

***** Please pray for a speedy recovery for Fr. Nigel Mumford from his hip replacement.

***** Subject: Here is the report for St. Christopher’s Prayer Table ministry 9-22-12, Saint Christopher’s Church, Cobleskill NY Prayer Table Report Date: Saturday, September 22, 2012 Location: Centre Park, West Main Street, Cobleskill NY Time: 10 am to 2 pm Prayer Ministers: Joan Bent, Doug Foland, Mtr. Nina George-Hacker, Cynthia Masick, Linda Rouleau, (R) indicates that a rosary was given to the person:

Man – declined prayer; we asked God to bless him.

Lisa – a young, expectant mother of two toddlers (Colin & Eva), asked for prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

A family, mother, father, and two kids – declined prayer; we asked God to bless them.

Jack – older man; general prayers for his health and wellbeing, and God’s grace.

Donna & Jack – grandparents of Angelina & Julia, fighting a nasty battle for custody of the girls; asked for justice when their case goes to court on 10/4.

Woman – declined prayer; we asked God to bless her.

Michael – middle-aged man, asked us to pray for world peace, and for direction and protection for his adult daughter Kelsea.

(R) Carolyn – middle-aged woman on her way to the hospital to care for her friend Terri, for whom healing prayers were asked.

Martha – older woman; general prayers for her health, wellbeing, and God’s grace.

Man – declined prayer; we asked God to bless him.

Margaret – older woman with right wrist in a brace; asked for healing prayer, and prayer for her husband Horst.

Cherie – middle-aged woman, chairs a cancer-support group & fundraising marathon, asked for healing prayer for all who have cancer.

Joanne – middle-aged woman, had just come from the hospital visiting her mother, Genevieve, for whom prayer was asked.

John – sick, asked for healing prayer.

Sharon – middle-aged woman walking with a cane, asked for prayers for her mother’s friend Evelyn who is sick, and accepted prayer for her own healing, as well.

Kay – drove up alongside us and shouted from her car, “Pray for me! I’m teaching my granddaughter to drive!” We prayed for safety for Kay and Arlene as the light changed and they drove off.

Susan, Pauline, Rosanna, and Patty – 4 sisters whose father died 2 days ago; we prayed for the family’s comfort and God’s peace.

Many, many thanks to Terry for sending us the “Prayer Table” cloth–receiving it galvanized the intercessors at St. Christopher’s Church to brave their first Prayer Table experience–and all were greatly blessed by doing this.

Yours in Christ’s service, Mother Nina+

Albany Intercessor

For our nation

Psalm 93 (ESV)
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.
Father, You are robed in majesty, and our nation is robed in sin.
Lord, have mercy,
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
Lord, You are everlasting, and our nation is temporal.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord,
the floods have lifted up their voice;
the floods lift up their roaring.
Mightier than the thunders of many waters,
mightier than the waves of the sea,
the Lord on high is mighty!
Lord, Your words are mightier than the words of our nation.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O Lord, forevermore.
Lord, You are holy, and our nation is unholy.
Lord, have mercy on the United States.
Christ, have mercy on the United States.
Lord, have mercy on the United States. Amen.

Day of Atonement

Today is Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur, also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer. They do not work on this day.

This Christian prayer of confession and repentance is from Byzantine Vespers:

The Lord my Creator took me as dust from the earth,
and formed me into a living being,
breathing into me the breath of life.
God honored me,
setting me as ruler upon earth over all things visible,
and made me companion of the angels.
But Satan the deceiver,
using the serpent as instrument,
enticed me by food–
parted me from the glory of God,
and gave me over to the earth and to the lowest depths of the earth.
But in compassion, O Savior, call me back again!