Why did the 1979 Book of Common Prayer take prayers for the President and those is public authority out of their prominent place in Morning & Evening Prayer and bury them in a catch-all section in the back?
For a number of reasons, I used the 1928 BCP for my daily prayers all through the last liturgical year, and went back to '79 in Advent. The '28 Book has the prayers for public officials in a very prominent place. In fact, they come before the intercession for the church. You have to go hunting for them in the '79 Book.
Perhaps this is part of the "centrality of the Eucharist" emphasis. Eucharistic Prayers of the People do include prayers for public officials.
Or maybe the '79 Book reflects post-Viet Nam angst about all things national. Dunno.
But right now, President Obama faces our economic woes and global instability in various forms. Governor Mike Rounds here in SD is proposing some very painful budget cuts. Our chief executives, the legislatures that will have to grapple with budgets, and the courts upon which we dump all our problems are in need of prayer. Clergy, who should be attentive to daily prayer and Bible reading, ought to have prayer for public officials staring at us each day.
I am tempted to find a causal link between this flaw in the '79 Book and our national descent into political polarization. Our great old church of "national consensus" stopped emphasizing daily intercession for public officials, and our nation slid into petty factionalism. We have no clear political momentum beyond endlessly destabilizing our own leaders by "gotcha" (Watergate, a silly little event if you look into it, is intoned as if it were the Holocaust; Monica Lewinsky and the President's understandably human dissembling turned into a national distraction right when 9/11 was being planned against us; Dan Rather's attempt to create "evidence" against Pres. Bush was a manifestly political act; insane emails about Pres. Obama's "Islamic connections" were all over the net; and now Frost-Nixon is out to embellish the "gotcha is glory" myth.) The booing of former Pres. Bush at Pres. Obama's Inauguration was disgusting.
A healthy Anglican model was on display at my last cure in California. The mission included a PreK - 8th grade school. Along with the daily chapels, there was a weekly flag-raising during which the teachers and students shared a litany of prayer for public officials. It was illuminating to hear the leaders' names change after each election (I was there for about 10 years). The party and ideology didn't matter - we just prayed for those in office because that is our Biblical mandate.
The Episcopal Church has always been a small denomination. But its influence and voice used to have national reach and value. Perhaps it is God's judgement that we've gone from small to minuscule and from influential to irrelevant in the decades since we stopped praying for national leaders.
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Invoking the Holy Spirit for the Anglican Communion
The Primates (presiding Bishops) of the 38 Provinces of the Anglican Communion will meet in Alexandria, Egypt from February 1 thru 5.
The Communion is troubled these days. The questions and conflicts are exhausting and can be discouraging. At Lent & Beyond and other sites, prayers are being offered.
My own impression during prayer has been to call upon the Holy Spirit. If the problems are not to be immediately "fixed," there can be comfort and strength if the Spirit will reveal a bit of the divine purpose in all this. And we must keep praying that the Spirit will illuminate the Primates' minds with the Lord's will.
The Episcopal Church's Hymnal 1982 has a good collection of hymns to the Spirit. Go to the site and scroll down to #s 500-516. See also the Pentecost hymns 223 - 230.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
May God put His Holy Name on You
January 1st is a new year on the secular calendar. On the Christian calendar, it celbrates the naming of Yeshua... Jesus. This is the Holy Name into which Christians are baptized.The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them,
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
Numbers 6:22-27
+++
As you carry this Holy Name, may you be blessed to represent it well:
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
Friday, December 12, 2008
From the Daily Lessons (Saturday) - Prayer in Preparation for Sunday Worship
Luke 22:31-38 (NRSV)
'Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.'
Jesus, lover of our souls, we suffer Satan's sifting as we wait for you to come again.
Thank you for being our Great High Priest and intercessor at the Father's right hand.
Wherever you have each of us this Sunday - at an altar, in a pulpit, in the pews, in hospital or at home - pray for us and give us faith, repentance and strength by the Holy Spirit, so that we may strengthen your brothers and sisters around us.
We pray this in your Name. Amen.
'Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.'
Jesus, lover of our souls, we suffer Satan's sifting as we wait for you to come again.
Thank you for being our Great High Priest and intercessor at the Father's right hand.
Wherever you have each of us this Sunday - at an altar, in a pulpit, in the pews, in hospital or at home - pray for us and give us faith, repentance and strength by the Holy Spirit, so that we may strengthen your brothers and sisters around us.
We pray this in your Name. Amen.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Christians under attack in Nigeria - Church requests prayer
Archbishop of Jos appeals for prayer amidst violence in Jos, Nigeria
November 29th, 2008
Please pray for us in Jos, we are being attacked by Muslims. Churches have been burnt, no exact figures of casualties yet. We need prayer to stay the hand the hand of bloodshed, destruction, violence and death. Pray for instant return to peace and order. The crisis began around 2am Friday after local elections in Jos, why Christians must pay for this I do not know.
The Lord be with you, +benjos (Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi)
Update Saturday morning
Archbishop Kwashi reports: "The reports from those I have sent out to collect information are that the Muslims are attacking and burning this morning. It looks well co-ordinated. They are well armed with AK 47 and pump machine guns. This morning they have been at Dogonduste. Quite a number of Christian homes have been burnt. We do not know how many have been killed. The local government has underestimated the vehemence of the militants. At the moment this is all restricted to Jos City.We ask prayer for knowing the right thing to do. I have moved one of our archdeacons and his family to live in our home. St Luke's Cathedral is in the middle of the area of violence. We hope we can proceed with our normal services tomorrow."
November 29th, 2008
Please pray for us in Jos, we are being attacked by Muslims. Churches have been burnt, no exact figures of casualties yet. We need prayer to stay the hand the hand of bloodshed, destruction, violence and death. Pray for instant return to peace and order. The crisis began around 2am Friday after local elections in Jos, why Christians must pay for this I do not know.
The Lord be with you, +benjos (Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi)
Update Saturday morning
Archbishop Kwashi reports: "The reports from those I have sent out to collect information are that the Muslims are attacking and burning this morning. It looks well co-ordinated. They are well armed with AK 47 and pump machine guns. This morning they have been at Dogonduste. Quite a number of Christian homes have been burnt. We do not know how many have been killed. The local government has underestimated the vehemence of the militants. At the moment this is all restricted to Jos City.We ask prayer for knowing the right thing to do. I have moved one of our archdeacons and his family to live in our home. St Luke's Cathedral is in the middle of the area of violence. We hope we can proceed with our normal services tomorrow."
Friday, November 14, 2008
Advent Resources
Although some pathetically mean people hacked the site awhile back, the folks at Lent & Beyond have managed to bring back links to a real treasure trove of Advent resources - thoughts, sermons, music, decorations, liturgies... you name it, it is there.
If you are planning worship, sermons, studies, family devotions or preparing your own soul, take a trip to the L & B site as the Church prepares for a new year.
If you are planning worship, sermons, studies, family devotions or preparing your own soul, take a trip to the L & B site as the Church prepares for a new year.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans' Day, 2008
Veterans' Memorial, Canton (Lincoln County Seat), SDO Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thanksgiving for Heroic Service, BCP 1979
P.S. A big XXOOXX to my wife. She's just started a ministry of compassionate visiting at the VA Hospital here in Sioux Falls.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Blizzard slams the Dakotas - please pray
North Dakota and Western/Central SD are getting the worst of it. Sioux Falls is just getting a bit of wind and maybe some snow, so we're OK.
Governor Rounds of SD is meeting with staff. Interstate 90 (major east-west route across the state) is closed. I-29 (north-south) might close in a bit. Reports of snow several feet deep in the Black Hills, with wind gusts up to 70 mph on parts of the Plains.
Please pray for all people here, and for public safety, utility and transportation folks.
Governor Rounds of SD is meeting with staff. Interstate 90 (major east-west route across the state) is closed. I-29 (north-south) might close in a bit. Reports of snow several feet deep in the Black Hills, with wind gusts up to 70 mph on parts of the Plains.
Please pray for all people here, and for public safety, utility and transportation folks.
Still grappling with that first Beatitude...
Still in the fog of thoughts and emotions around my mother's death, family health issues, the culture of death, the death of TEC, etc., I was challenged again by the Lord's words on All Saints' Sunday:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
I found some help in an old friend:
He then says that the way is narrow -- that is to say, the way of perfection -- in order to make it clear that, to travel upon the way of perfection, the soul has not only to enter by the strait gate, emptying itself of things of sense, but has also to straiten itself, freeing and disencumbering itself completely in that which pertains to the spirit. And thus we can apply what He says of the strait gate to the sensual part of man; and what He says of the narrow road we can understand of the spiritual or the rational part; and, when He says 'Few there are that find it,' the reason of this must be noted, which is that there are few who can enter, and desire to enter, into this complete detachment and emptiness of spirit. For this path ascending the high mountain of perfection leads upward, and is narrow, and therefore requires travellers that have no burden weighing upon them with respect to lower things, neither aught that embarrasses them with respect to higher things: and, as this is a matter wherein we must seek after and attain to God alone, God alone must be the object of our search and attainment.
St. John of the Cross, The Ascent of Mount Carmel II.VII.3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
I found some help in an old friend:
He then says that the way is narrow -- that is to say, the way of perfection -- in order to make it clear that, to travel upon the way of perfection, the soul has not only to enter by the strait gate, emptying itself of things of sense, but has also to straiten itself, freeing and disencumbering itself completely in that which pertains to the spirit. And thus we can apply what He says of the strait gate to the sensual part of man; and what He says of the narrow road we can understand of the spiritual or the rational part; and, when He says 'Few there are that find it,' the reason of this must be noted, which is that there are few who can enter, and desire to enter, into this complete detachment and emptiness of spirit. For this path ascending the high mountain of perfection leads upward, and is narrow, and therefore requires travellers that have no burden weighing upon them with respect to lower things, neither aught that embarrasses them with respect to higher things: and, as this is a matter wherein we must seek after and attain to God alone, God alone must be the object of our search and attainment.
St. John of the Cross, The Ascent of Mount Carmel II.VII.3
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Anglican Prayer Site Will Focus on South Dakota's Pro-Life Movement This Week
Beginning tomorrow and running through Oct. 25th, Lent & Beyond will post daily prayers and readings focused on South Dakota as part of the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign. Do drop in, and post your prayers as comments there!Monday, October 6, 2008
Thumbs-ups vastly outnumber middle fingers at the Sioux Falls Life Chain
Yesterday there was a pro-life human chain across Sioux Falls. From 2 - 3 p.m., witnesses lined 41st Street, the major East - West axis of the city.
Our parish had a team there, including yours truly. We were at 41st & Louise, one of the busiest intersections in town. This was also rewarding because the abortion advocates had tried a demonstration there (using snarly, aggrieved college students from out of state), but it fizzled because of rain. It rained on the Life Chain, but we didn't leave.
A few of the enlightened, progressive types flipped us off, and some threw the F-bomb, but mostly we got supportive honks and thumbs ups.
Our parish had a team there, including yours truly. We were at 41st & Louise, one of the busiest intersections in town. This was also rewarding because the abortion advocates had tried a demonstration there (using snarly, aggrieved college students from out of state), but it fizzled because of rain. It rained on the Life Chain, but we didn't leave.
A few of the enlightened, progressive types flipped us off, and some threw the F-bomb, but mostly we got supportive honks and thumbs ups.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Prayer Requests for Diocesan Conventions
There are several Conventions this weekend.
South Dakota's Convention is underway. The American Anglican Council Chapter will have an information table for the first time, and the Convention will hear resolutions calling on the Episcopal Church to account for lawsuit funding and to sit down with (rather than sue) Christians who can't accept Episcopalian departures from Christian faith and practice. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will transform the Convention environment and that any spiritual evil will be exposed and rejected.
The Common Cause Partnership Prayer Blog has prayers, readings and reflections for the hours of this weekend's Diocese of Pittsburgh Convention. Pittsburgh will vote on leaving the Episcopal Church to join another Anglican entity.
Lent & Beyond is another good prayer resource.
South Dakota's Convention is underway. The American Anglican Council Chapter will have an information table for the first time, and the Convention will hear resolutions calling on the Episcopal Church to account for lawsuit funding and to sit down with (rather than sue) Christians who can't accept Episcopalian departures from Christian faith and practice. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will transform the Convention environment and that any spiritual evil will be exposed and rejected.
- Delegates from Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls - Fr. Timothy Fountain, Bonnie Makinson, John Daucsavage (also Larry & Marlene Weires, unable to attend due to a death in the family).
- Prayer Support & Witness - Tammy Briggs and Gene Makinson
- AAC/SDK Table Hosts - Dale and Ingrid Dobrovolny
The Common Cause Partnership Prayer Blog has prayers, readings and reflections for the hours of this weekend's Diocese of Pittsburgh Convention. Pittsburgh will vote on leaving the Episcopal Church to join another Anglican entity.
Lent & Beyond is another good prayer resource.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
40 Days for Life Prayer Campaign Underway
Visit the Lent&Beyond site each day for Christian prayers and readings for life! There will be a special prayer focus on South Dakota, Oct. 19-25. Blessings on Jill Woodliff, who is following God's inspiration and guidance to pray for life, and to intercede specifically for South Dakota's campaign for life.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Sin in South Dakota: Usury
He does not exploit the poor, but instead is fair to debtors and does not rob them.
Ezekiel 18:16
Usury: ...the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates... an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest...
The Credit Card industry is such a major employer and influence here that our lone Representative, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, was the ONLY Democrat to vote against limits on interest rate and fee limits!
At the state level, South Dakota allows "payday loan" businesses to proliferate and charge horrific interest rates. As reported here earlier, the Legislature turned back efforts to limit usury in this "industry."
And the toxic impact of usury does not stop with its impact on debtors. South Dakota philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who amassed his fortune through the credit card business, recently sent $30,000,000 out of state to support embryonic (life destroying) stem cell research.
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.
Collect for Social Justice, BCP 1979
UPDATE: The Archbishop of York calls usurers "hyenas."
Ezekiel 18:16
Usury: ...the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates... an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest...
The Credit Card industry is such a major employer and influence here that our lone Representative, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, was the ONLY Democrat to vote against limits on interest rate and fee limits!
At the state level, South Dakota allows "payday loan" businesses to proliferate and charge horrific interest rates. As reported here earlier, the Legislature turned back efforts to limit usury in this "industry."
And the toxic impact of usury does not stop with its impact on debtors. South Dakota philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who amassed his fortune through the credit card business, recently sent $30,000,000 out of state to support embryonic (life destroying) stem cell research.
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.
Collect for Social Justice, BCP 1979
UPDATE: The Archbishop of York calls usurers "hyenas."
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
More News on the Reservation Suicide Plague
The Sioux Falls Argus Leader ran a commendable three-day series on the high suicide rates afflicting the Rosebud and other Reservations in South Dakota. This helpful link gives access to all of the articles, graphics and a video.
For a mainstream/old line media source, the Argus did a decent job of addressing some of the core spiritual issues involved. There are some good insights from Pastor Jack Moore, a tribal member who leads a church and Christian school on the Rosebud.
Please pray that the path of death will be closed and Christ, the Way of life will reach the afflicted people.
For a mainstream/old line media source, the Argus did a decent job of addressing some of the core spiritual issues involved. There are some good insights from Pastor Jack Moore, a tribal member who leads a church and Christian school on the Rosebud.
Please pray that the path of death will be closed and Christ, the Way of life will reach the afflicted people.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pray for God's Mercy
When a word pops up in several places without human coordination, it might well be a message from God.
"Mercy" has been coming up in a number of places. I ran into it here (see comment 3) last night and then this morning in the prayer here.
In unsettled, frightening times (and we are having them in the church and in the world), we are preserved and comforted only by the reality of God's mercy.
The word "mercy" runs all through the Bible, but perhaps the best verse for today is
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
"Mercy" has been coming up in a number of places. I ran into it here (see comment 3) last night and then this morning in the prayer here.
In unsettled, frightening times (and we are having them in the church and in the world), we are preserved and comforted only by the reality of God's mercy.
The word "mercy" runs all through the Bible, but perhaps the best verse for today is
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
Sunday, September 14, 2008
PLEASE pray for the House of Bishops... and apply today's Gospel
The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops meets in Salt Lake City this week.
Please intercede. If you need prayer guidance, there are good posts going up at the Anglican prayer blog Lent & Beyond.
I especially encourage your prayers for the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. It is easy to be aggravated and I'm the first to say that her "theology" is a departure from the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ, her lack of leadership skill is appalling, her treatment of people who disagree with her is... OK, I'm starting to rant.
But hear today's Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus gives us no wiggle room. His sacrifice on the cross is what erases every sin, known and unknown, public or secret, in our entire life. We are the servant who is forgiven the massive debt. We must be forgiving and merciful toward the few points at which the sins of the PB or other bishops or others in the church afflict us - and we must let our hearts be transformed to forgive in this way.
Father, give your Holy Spirit to the House of Bishops. And give the Holy Spirit to all of us, sinners. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Please intercede. If you need prayer guidance, there are good posts going up at the Anglican prayer blog Lent & Beyond.
I especially encourage your prayers for the Presiding Bishop, Katharine Jefferts Schori. It is easy to be aggravated and I'm the first to say that her "theology" is a departure from the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ, her lack of leadership skill is appalling, her treatment of people who disagree with her is... OK, I'm starting to rant.
But hear today's Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus gives us no wiggle room. His sacrifice on the cross is what erases every sin, known and unknown, public or secret, in our entire life. We are the servant who is forgiven the massive debt. We must be forgiving and merciful toward the few points at which the sins of the PB or other bishops or others in the church afflict us - and we must let our hearts be transformed to forgive in this way.
Father, give your Holy Spirit to the House of Bishops. And give the Holy Spirit to all of us, sinners. We ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
South Dakota's chance to end elective abortion is coming up...
Are you pro-lifers praying and giving?
For a feisty local pro-life blog, visit Voices Carry.
To keep up with the campaign for life as the November vote nears, visit Vote Yes for Life. And please consider a donation. The abortionists are getting big time out of state money from Planned Parenthood and the like. Support the campaign for LIFE!
I'm proud to say that our American Anglican Council/South Dakota Chapter provided a team at the Vote Yes for Life headquarters last week. Way to go, saints of God!
For a feisty local pro-life blog, visit Voices Carry.
To keep up with the campaign for life as the November vote nears, visit Vote Yes for Life. And please consider a donation. The abortionists are getting big time out of state money from Planned Parenthood and the like. Support the campaign for LIFE!
I'm proud to say that our American Anglican Council/South Dakota Chapter provided a team at the Vote Yes for Life headquarters last week. Way to go, saints of God!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
SKYPE Evening Prayer strikes again...
Well, we did it again... a few humorous technical glitches, and also barking dogs, Hannah Montana on TV and motorcycles passing by! But with all that we had 12 folks from South Dakota, Iowa, Niagara Falls, the Dominican Republic and Arizona hearing the Word, giving glory to God and lifting up thanksgivings and intercessions.
If you are interested in joining this weekly (Sundays at 1730 CST) prayer meeting, feel free to email us here at john316@northernplainsanglicans.com .
Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Psalm cxli. 2.
If you are interested in joining this weekly (Sundays at 1730 CST) prayer meeting, feel free to email us here at john316@northernplainsanglicans.com .
Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Psalm cxli. 2.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Faithful Anglican Leader Calls for Prayer
PRAYER BULLETIN SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2008
Grace and peace from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise and glory be to the One who was, the One who is and the One who sits on the throne for ever and ever. Amen.
The Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola has been moved in his spirit to call on all intercessors throughout the world to seek God's face fervently, spending nights and days on our knees, praying earnestly for our Anglican Communion. At his instigation, we therefore bring before you the first of a series of quarterly Prayer Bulletins, and ask that you join us in praying for the following:
1. Pray for a Spirit-led, united leadership for the GAFCON Primates Council, that they may remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible, steadfast in promoting the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and uncompromising in the pursuit of the truth of the word of God and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also pray for the GAFCON Theological Resource Group and the GAFCON Leadership team that they may remain faithful, focused and not distracted.
2. Lift up before the throne of grace The Jerusalem Declaration, which represents the collective mind of the participants at GAFCON, as revealed by the Holy Spirit, that this statement may be a guide in the pursuit of the two fundamental resolutions of GAFCON, i.e.:
a. that the Bible be upheld as the final authority for the life, faith and conduct of all believers;
b. that mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy, remain the main tasks of the church.
3. Pray earnestly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit powerfully to bring about renewal, revival and transformation of lives, communities and environments.
4. Pray for a clear focus for the Anglican Church to pursue God's agenda from Scripture, God's authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God's mission in saving sinners and turning them to saints through the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray sincerely that all other agendas be lost, and Jesus alone be Lord.
We count it a privilege to be called upon for this great task in the vineyard of the Lord.
The Lord be with you,
+Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin A. Kwashi
Archbishop of Jos
Co-ordinator GAFCON Prayer Teams
Grace and peace from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Praise and glory be to the One who was, the One who is and the One who sits on the throne for ever and ever. Amen.
The Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Rev. Peter Jasper Akinola has been moved in his spirit to call on all intercessors throughout the world to seek God's face fervently, spending nights and days on our knees, praying earnestly for our Anglican Communion. At his instigation, we therefore bring before you the first of a series of quarterly Prayer Bulletins, and ask that you join us in praying for the following:
1. Pray for a Spirit-led, united leadership for the GAFCON Primates Council, that they may remain faithful to the teachings of the Bible, steadfast in promoting the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and uncompromising in the pursuit of the truth of the word of God and the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Also pray for the GAFCON Theological Resource Group and the GAFCON Leadership team that they may remain faithful, focused and not distracted.
2. Lift up before the throne of grace The Jerusalem Declaration, which represents the collective mind of the participants at GAFCON, as revealed by the Holy Spirit, that this statement may be a guide in the pursuit of the two fundamental resolutions of GAFCON, i.e.:
a. that the Bible be upheld as the final authority for the life, faith and conduct of all believers;
b. that mission and evangelism, saving the lost, bringing life and health to the poor and needy, remain the main tasks of the church.
3. Pray earnestly for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit powerfully to bring about renewal, revival and transformation of lives, communities and environments.
4. Pray for a clear focus for the Anglican Church to pursue God's agenda from Scripture, God's authority as given by Jesus Christ, and God's mission in saving sinners and turning them to saints through the work of the Holy Spirit. Pray sincerely that all other agendas be lost, and Jesus alone be Lord.
We count it a privilege to be called upon for this great task in the vineyard of the Lord.
The Lord be with you,
+Most Rev. Dr. Benjamin A. Kwashi
Archbishop of Jos
Co-ordinator GAFCON Prayer Teams
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