4/4/2011, #4, 2nd Quarter 2011

In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on the same day, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai. For they had departed from Rephidim, had come to the Wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. So Israel camped there before the mountain. (Exodus 19:1-2)
      LORD, let the Diocesan Convention be such an encampment. Help us come before you to hear your word and worship you.

And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine." (Exodus 19:3-5)
      Holy Spirit, please bring us to that obedience to our Father's word so that we become his special treasure.

"And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel." (Exodus 19:6)
      Jesus, let this diocese become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

So Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the Lord commanded him. (Exodus 19: 7)
      Jesus, please bless Bishop Bill and help him lay before the priests and deacons and lay leaders of this diocese the words and desires of your heart.

Then all the people answered together and said, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do." So Moses brought back the words of the people to the Lord. (Exodus 19:8 )
      Holy Spirit, help us to be a people who truly answer your call to us. Help us live out the vows we have made to you.

And the Lord said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever." So Moses told the words of the people to the Lord. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. (Exodus 19:9-10)
      Father, please help us consecrate ourselves to your service.

Praying the Nicene Creed, a word received 12/29/07: Each day I want you to take a phrase from the Nicene Creed and pray that phrase. My people need to hear what is true and make it their own.
I believe in one God,
      Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being one and thank you for your love for one another. Please help me, help your people live in the reality of your unity and love. Thank you.
the Father Almighty,
      Father, thank you for being a father to me. Thank you that by your might you have made your son Jesus known to us so that we can become your children.

Monday: 89:1-18 * 89:19-52; Jeremiah 16:10-21; Romans 7:1-12; John 6:1-15
Tuesday: 97, 99, [100] * 94, [95]; Jeremiah 17:19-27; Romans 7:13-25; John 6:16-27

      Notes from the Front Line

***** The Essential One Hundred Challenge
            The Bible reading plan people love to complete
            
Scripture Union's Bible Reading Method™
Pray: before you read, asking God to help you understand.
Read: the Bible passage for the day, perhaps more than once.
Reflect: on the passage. Write your thoughts in a journal.
Apply: what God teaches you from His Word to your life.
Pray: again, asking God to help you live out His Word.

The Law and the Land
#21 The Ten Commandments      Exodus 19:1-20:21

***** Subject: Mudge Prayer Mail, 4 April 2011
Dear Partners in Prayer,
Peace be with you. This is our weekly public prayer mail for 4 April 2011.
Thanksgivings:
      1) For the spiritual closeness to God that we have been having.
      2) For the spiritual warfare progress that we have had, particularly today.
      3) For the excellent Diocese of Peru Synod yesterday.
      4) For our friends in Peru, and our friends elsewhere.
      5) For our Biblical interpretation class last week. It was really awesome to see God pull things together for the students.
      6) For the great coffee hour consumables at the mission of La Ascension that Julie and Lydia prepared (and yes, I did help).
Prayers:
      1) For students and classes this week and next. This is the last week of the current cicle. Our exam week is next week. Pray for the students as they prepare for their exam.
      2) For students as they prepare to decide what courses they will take next cycle. The next cycle begins after Easter Week.
      3) For Holy Week and Easter Week preparations.
      4) For Lydia´s preparing-for-college trip in July/August.
      5) For which churches and groups to visit in the Diocese of Albany, during July and August, to talk about our work in Peru. If you would like us to visit a parish, a group, or a deanery gathering - such as a deanery picnic, please let us know.
      6) For the relationships and spiritual protection of missionaries and other diocesan team members in Peru, and for our ministries, finances, resources, and priorities.
      7) That we would be able to keep on top of all the things that God would like us to do.
      Thank you for praying for us. Your praying makes a difference for us, and I pray for you every day.
God bless you, In Christ,
Shaw, and on behalf of Julie and Lydia
Missionaries of the Diocese of Albany, serving in Lima, Peru.

Albany Intercessor