Almighty God, by your Holy Spirit you have made us one with your saints in heaven and on earth: Grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may always be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves to be surrounded by their witness to your power and mercy. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who lives and reigns for ever and ever. (Book of Common Prayer 1979, chosen in honor of Archbishop Cranmer and others who influenced the liturgy))

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying “Lord, have mercy.”

For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church
of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For our friends in Christ:

• Free Reformed Churches of Australia
• Heritage Reformed Congregations

For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray
to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

• North Eastern Caribbean & Aruba – (West Indies) The Rt Revd Leroy Brooks
• North Karamoja – (Uganda) The Rt Revd James Nasak

For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in
authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

• Uganda
• Ukraine

For this city, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air or through outer space, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

 

Barbara’s friend (hearing loss); Irene (lump removed from nose, cancer survivor); Sheela (dental pain); Eleanor (irregular heartbeat, infection); Ethan (preemie, prayers for continued health improvements); Franklin (car accident); Elijah (preschooler, upcoming surgery); KS (m, failing health), comfort for granddaughter Lori and family

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Michelle and her husband (financial windfall, a job for him); Michelle (traveling mercies); for churches in Oklahoma as they minister in the wake of the tornadoes

Linda (good grade on a paper); Don and Sheila (selling a home); all those affected by the OK tornadoes

We also pray for those who have recently lost a pet: Nan

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Military members killed: William, Mitchell, Jeffry, Trenton, Zviad, Vladimir, Alexander, 4 unknown souls
All those killed during the OK tornadoes

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
 Lord, have mercy.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.

Lord, have mercy.

In the communion of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.

To thee, O Lord our God.

We also give thanks for the blessings in our lives: for all opportunities for Christian growth

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

A Prayer of St. Alcuin: Give me, O Lord, I beseech thee, firm faith, unwavering hope, perfect charity. Pour into my heart the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and spiritual strength, the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness, and the Spirit of thy holy fear. Light eternal, shine in my heart. Power eternal, deliver me from evil. Wisdom eternal, scatter the darkness of my ignorance. Might eternal, pity me. Grant that I may ever seek thy face  with all my heart and soul and strength; and, in thine infinite mercy, bring me at last to thy holy presence where I shall behold thy glory and possess thy promised joys.  Amen.

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying “Lord, have mercy.”

For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church
of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Davoud (imprisoned for his faith); Farhoud (imprisoned for his faith); Shahnaz (imprisoned for her faith); Naser (imprisoned for his faith); Patrick (to know Christ); Hernan (fatherless due to Colombian persecution); persecuted pastors in Azerbaijan; ines and Jesus (to know Christ); McGee family (to know Christ); Tory (discernment); for all prisoners’ children attending ministry camps

Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches; Free Reformed Churches of North America; Free Reformed Churches of South Africa

For our Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray
to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

North Dakota – (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Michael Smith; South Dakota – (VI, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd John Tarrant; North East India – (North India) The Most Revd Dr Purely Lyngdoh

For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in
authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

We pray for Turkey; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu

For this city, for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air or through outer space, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

Patricia (floaters); Pastor Leo (recent eye surgery); Pastor Avery (still in critical condition); Archie (difficulty breathing, possible blood clots); Merry (glaucoma); Jim (lung cancer)
For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

John (second job interview for a needed position); victims of Tropical Storm Mahasen; DeQuita (seeking a home or Christian job); Theresa’s daughter (raising a child with no support from her ex); Johncy (needs a job); Joyce (job difficulties)

God’s comfort for Norman; Patrick and family in their loss

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

David, Patrick

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
 Lord, have mercy.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.

Lord, have mercy.

In the communion of Alcuin and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.

To thee, O Lord our God.

We also give thanks for the blessings in our lives: Chris’ ability to take his girlfriend out to dinner

Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

Revised Common Lectionary

1928 Lectionary

Acts 2:1-21

Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, is sometimes known as the “birthday of the Church.” As it’s one of the major Feast days, many Episcopal parishes do something special. One common practice in many congregations involves having the Gospel lesson read in different languages, emphasizing the Church’s universal nature. No matter whether we identify as Anglicans, Catholics, Baptists, or non-denominationalists, we’re all part of Christ’s one body, the Church.

This is often all too easy to forget. While most Christians are probably at least mildly interested in what other Christian traditions teach, divisions have happened even when the Church was in her infancy. It seems like these divisions take the center stage way too often.

Keep this in mind: on that Pentecost Sunday after the Resurrection, the division between Jews and Gentiles was very sharp. Some of Jesus’ early followers just couldn’t see how Gentiles could have a place in the full life of this new religion. Pentecost showed how this could be a reality to the world. Nobody in their time or ours is “unreachable”. After all, Jesus’ message is for all.

O God, you have brought us near to an innumerable company of angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, especially William and Thurgood: Grant us during our earthly pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in our heavenly country to become partakers of their joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. (Book of Common Prayer 1979, adapted)

Let us pray to our Risen Lord, who invites us to share in his Resurrection.

As you equipped the apostles to preach the Gospel to all, strengthen your Church to share the Good News.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for:

• North Ankole – (Uganda) The Rt Revd John Muhanguzi
• South Ankole – (Uganda) The Rt Revd Nathan Ahimbisibwe
• North Carolina – (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Michael Curry
• Assistant Bishop of North Carolina – (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd William Gregg
• The Episcopal Church in South Carolina – (IV, The Episcopal Church) The Rt Revd Charles VonRosenberg

We pray for our friends in Christ in the:

• Dutch Reformed Church in Botswana
• Dutch Reformed Church
• Evangelical and Reformed Church in Honduras
• Evangelical Reformed Church in Bavaria and Northwestern Germany
• Evangelical Reformed Church of Christ

 

Lord, you came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Restore all situations in our lives that hurt or discourage us and reassure us of your grace.

We pray for the people of :

•  Thailand
• Togo
• Tonga
•  Trinidad and Tobago
•  Tunisia

success for Vin Productions; Bethany and her husband (separated, going to a counselor); Cynthia (more work); Cindy (more work); Theresa (laid off); Sheela (depressed, misses her late mother, wants a husband); Maria (financial breakthrough and peace)

You reconciled us by your blood and by your wounds we are healed, restore all of us to that health that is yours to give.

Elmer’s brother; Linda’s mom (liver failure); Kathleen and Calvin (cancer); Shirley’s daughter (dying); Ray (high blood pressure, may not know Christ); Sue

Let the departed rest in peace; comfort those who mourn with the promise of resurrection from the dead and bring all of us safely to your Kingdom.

We also praise you for the blessings in our lives, especially the gift you gave us at Calvary.

Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in you loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

 

Welcome to all new readers and subscribers! your feedback, discussions and prayers are always welcome.

I did want to just take a minute to address a couple of issues with comments that have arisen. Reading my Comments Policy page first is always recommended.

There have been several comments posted lately that have been removed for spam concerns. I realize that most of you who comment have your own sites that you link back to and that’s fine.

However, comments that are posted primarily to promote a link without coherent,  useful discussion will be removed. This includes comments that seem too generic and don’t appear to address the original post at hand.

One final note: this blog is strictly a personal, not a business site.  No more “comments” promoting SEO services, please.

Thanks!

Almighty God, whos blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory
everlasting. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

Let us pray to our Risen Lord, who invites us to share in his Resurrection.

As you equipped the apostles to preach the Gospel to all, strengthen your Church to share the Good News.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for:

• Nnewi – (Niger, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Dr Godwin Izundu Nmezinwa Okpala
• Nord Kivu – (Congo) The Rt Revd Muhindo Isesomo
• Assistant Bishop of Nord Kivu – (Congo) The Rt Revd Enoch Kayeeye

We pray for our friends in Christ in the

• Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches
• Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria
• Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa – NG Church

 

for the protection of Chinese Christians against cult influence

Lord, you came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Restore all situations in our lives that hurt or discourage us and reassure us of your grace.

We pray for the people of  

• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania

Mikaela (age 9, missing); Tongret (important interview coming up); Christjne (f, depression and concerned about “bothering” people); Meredith (sobriety)

You reconciled us by your blood and by your wounds we are healed, restore all of us to that health that is yours to give.

Pastor Avery (stroke)

Let the departed rest in peace; comfort those who mourn with the promise of resurrection from the dead and bring all of us safely to your Kingdom.

Military members killed in action: Michael, Charles, Trinidad, Herman, Victoria, Mark, Brandon, Kevin, Brandon, Francis, Thomas, Eric, David

We also praise you for the blessings in our lives, especially the gift you gave us at Calvary.

for all faithful prayer partners, known and unknown

Grant, we pray, Almighty God, that as we believe your only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into heaven, so we may also in heart and mind there ascend, and with him continually dwell; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant Frances, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last we may with her attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

Let us pray to our Risen Lord, who invites us to share in his Resurrection.

As you equipped the apostles to preach the Gospel to all, strengthen your Church to share the Good News.

In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we pray for Nicaragua – (Central America) The Rt Revd Sturdie Downs; Niger Delta North – (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Most Revd Ignatius Kattey; Niger Delta West – (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Emmanuel Oko-Jaja;
Niger Delta, The – (Niger Delta, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Ralph Ebirien; Niger West – (Niger, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Anthony Nkwoka; Nike – (Enugu, Nigeria) The Rt Revd Evans Jonathan Ibeagha

We pray for our friends in Christ in the

• Christian Reformed Church in North America
• Christian Reformed Churches
• Christian Reformed Churches of Australia
• Christian Reformed Church in Sierra Leone
• Christian Reformed Church in South Africa
• Continued Reformed Churches in the Netherlands

 

The Children’s Center in Colombia, persecuted ex-Buddhists in Myanmar who struggle to find jobs; Herman (salvation); Rob (discernment); Larry and Sandy (to know Christ and his love)

Lord, you came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. Restore all situations in our lives that hurt or discourage us and reassure us of your grace.

We pray for the people of  

• Sri Lanka
•  Sudan
•  Suriname
• Swaziland
•  Sweden
• Switzerland

Nancy and Bob; Marc and children Blake and Maci (custody issues and non-Christian influence from their mom); Kitty (depression over having miscarried children years ago); SS’ son (addict); Tammy’s husband (urgently needs a job)

You reconciled us by your blood and by your wounds we are healed, restore all of us to that health that is yours to give.

Rick (non-drinking related liver disease and hepatitis); Tony (heart problems); Taylor (15, f mono); Bob (stent placement); Raymond (possible cancer); Anna (sick, unsupportive employer & husband); Nancy (cancer); Richard (continued improvement after shooting); Kaitlynn (continued recovery); Brittany (continued recovery); Carolyn (continued recovery); Herman (healing); Joyce’s neice (healing); John (severe head injury in a car accident); Theresa (bad news from doctors); Suzanne (severe pain); Cindy’s brother (low blood pressure); Robert (widespread cancer); Katarina (uterine myomas); Nancy (leukemia, pneumonia); Nancy’s mother; Carolyn; SS (f, stroke); Kathleen (sciatica); Larry and Sandy (Larry has cancer)
Max (dog who requires hernia removal)

Let the departed rest in peace; comfort those who mourn with the promise of resurrection from the dead and bring all of us safely to your Kingdom.

Joe (RIP+); Joe’s family (God’s comfort); Byron’s relatives (killed in plane crash); JJ (RIP+); Kathy and JJ’s family (God’s comfort)

We also praise you for the blessings in our lives, especially the gift you gave us at Calvary.

Neoma (has had some medical bills paid off)

O merciful Creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature: Make us always thankful for your loving providence; and grant that we, remembering the account that we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever
and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer 1979)

Revised Common Lectionary

1928 BCP Lectionary

This Thursday, the Church observed Ascension Day. Christ’s ascension into heaven is one of those events in Scripture that leaves us with a very definite promise. He sent the Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen the apostles, just as promised.

Revelation 22:12-21 nicely wraps up what happens at the “end of all things”. We are issued an invitation to come and drink the water of life. This invitation wasn’t just to John and other early Christians. It’s for us, too.

Christ’s gift to us is one to be accepted by faith. It doesn’t matter how bad or good we think we are. The gift of grace thankfully doesn’t depend on us being better than anyone else or deserving more. Otherwise, we’d be pretty much left to our own devices.

Come, taste and see that the Lord is good. Happy are all who trust in him. Psalm 34:8