Prayer & Praise/Praying Through the Pandemic
EASTER DAY
The Collect
Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life-giving Spirit, be delivered from sin and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Preface of Easter
Acts 10:34-43
So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Psalm 118:14-17, 22-24
The Lord is my strength and my song, * and has become my salvation.
The voice of joy and deliverance is in the dwellings of the righteous; * the right hand of the Lord brings mighty things to pass.
The right hand of the Lord is exalted; * the right hand of the Lord brings mighty things to pass.
I shall not die, but live, * and declare the works of the Lord.
The same stone which the builders refused * has become the chief cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made; * we will rejoice and be glad in it.
+Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be; world without end. Amen
Colossians 3:1-4
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
John 20:1-18
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples went back to their homes.
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
YES
HE IS RISEN… RISEN INDEED
King of all kings and the Saviour og out souls
How do you spell HALLELUJAH?
And of and our…. God keep
please remember in prayer
Our Phoenix Preacher family, health, healing, joy, peace
Kelly -I have a real need to continue to see my counselor. In addition to the other reasons I see him for I have been having day long panic attacks that I hide behind a smile since my kids are schooling from home. I don’t know if video counseling is going to work out and that adds to the panic on top of the depression and PTSD-C symptoms. (Add to that not know if my husband will continue to have a job and health insurance to pay for counseling.) 2 – 4 months feels like forever to not have that support. Please pray for those of us that have mental illnesses that need that support to function in this insane world. I pray my kids never detect this anxiety and have the care free childhoods they deserve.
Alissa-We just experienced this as well. My sweet husband has Autism and was let go from his job yesterday. For Autistic folks change is doubly difficult. Routines are altered and anxiety increases leading to meltdowns and stress. Finding a good job that understands and can adapt with folks on the spectrum is essential. It is heartbreaking that this is happening….but….GOD IS IN CONTROL. Lord please calm your children’s minds. You know how each and every BEAUTIFUL autistic mind functions. Please pour out your peace which surpasses all understanding. Please give support, understanding and routine back into lives. Thank you for providing those jobs for that season. Guide us and direct us, in Jesus name. Amen
filbertz -my wife and I are fine. I went to immediate care a couple days ago for symptoms and I’m simply sick, not with the virus-that-must-not-be-named. That’s good. We closed our café after trying to keep the doors open and a couple staff employed, but had too little business to justify staying open. Catering–DOA for now–all dates have been cancelled. I’m out of school and the building is shuttered until the end of April. I’m concerned for our students. I’m concerned for my kids whose jobs are teetering on the brink. But we will get through it. I’m keeping busy, being available to anyone who needs a hand. I’m not fussing over my retirement funds–maybe I’ll have to work longer, who knows. I’m peaceful for now and praying for wisdom for myself and those who have difficult decisions to make. I’m praying for peace and comfort for those who have deep stress and anxiety. I’m praying that the Spirit of God will move in his people to mobilize them for good and service in their communities and with their neighbors in the name of Jesus. I’m in a good space, but have been in bad ones before so I understand how transient and unpredictable these things are.
Patrik -Pray for me, an ER nurse in Indianapolis. You are right in what you’ve said about the public generally not knowing what they are dealing with. I am concerned about contracting this stuff in time.
Dan form Georgia-Pray for me too. I work in aviation/transportation. We are getting hit HARD as many of you know. I am not even confident when I go into work everyday that it will be my last day (layoff or termination). Also struggling alot with anxiety.
Cathy Andrews -I am not one who panics easily, but I can tell you, this has me all twisted up…not for me, but for my coworkers, my church family and my neighbors…I have been furloughed as of tomorrow, two of my coworkers have no other income other than what we make at work…I am scared for them…my stepson just moved in with us recovering from a horrific auto accident in november…I am scared for him…I am scared for my brother & sisters in my church family who have compromised lungs…I am scare for my pastor who is not physically well at all…I am scared for myself because I am helpless to help them…but I am repeating and repeating “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27…perhaps we should all keep repeating this…
Bride of Christ-My daughter works for the city of Honolulu coordinating data storage for the new rail project there. She and her employees are planning on working from home for the next two weeks. She has two employees who don’t have computers at home and she is conflicted about what to do. The two employees both are borderline poverty level and she doesn’t know how to proceed. Public libraries are still open in Oahu but I told her they will probably be closing soon. The cost of living in Oahu is the highest in the country, so this might explain why x me don’t have computers or internet connection at home. She also will be working with a 3 month old baby at home with her since her private daycare center isn’t sure how long they will remain open. Her husband is in the Army and they had to cancel their planned trip to Monterey where she was to be the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding next month because the military has forbidden military and their families from traveling anywhere more than 50 miles from where they are stationed. This alone is a hardship for many military families because so many are stationed far from home. My daughter called me this morning asking for prayer. I just came home 10 days ago from Hawaii after staying with them for a month after the birth of their son . I am so grateful I went when I did and was able to meet my new grandson. My husband and I were planning to go to the wedding in Monterey and my husband was so excited about meeting him then, but now that the wedding has been cancelled he’s wondering when he ever will be able to hold his new grandson. Our military families are facing even stricter travel prohibitions than the general population and facing higher anxiety than normal.
Chris -My wife started her second career as a nurse this week on the hospital floor that they treat the Covid patients. She is courageous with her own health but scared of bringing it home and killing one of our family. Pry for peace and courage and health
Em – For those who have prayed for my daughter’s BIL with Corona V: he is not out of the woods, but today’s report IS a miracle….March 8, 2020
“The breathing tube was removed this morning. They put him on what’s called “Bipap” and he absolutely hated it. We were able to change to a “high flow oxygen” system and he’s more content with that. That being said, he’s lost 8+ days of his life and is really surprised when we tell him what has transpired during the last week.” today is his first conscious day….
his wife knows many are praying and always expresses her gratitude
Em – A lovely man died last night – a neighbor who suffers from PTSD went into his garage and turned on his car – he leaves a 2 1/2 year old child and a wife who is 4 months pregnant – hopefully the VFW here will help
as would prayers from the pray-ers here
thank you and God keep
Linneia – gall bladder, which is another issue!) and joint and muscle aches
Nancy – uested prayer for her discernment of an unexpected opportunity to become a more public advocate for the homeless, especially the challenges that homeless women face. Sandra participates in her church’s ministry of providing meals, clothing and occasional housing opportunities. She understands the serious responsibilities of being an effective and sensitive communicator of those needs and also the benefits and temptations that a more public presence might bring into her life. Her passion is great to be obedient to God and truly serve others. I am blessed to be one of her beneficiaries!!
Em – daughter is healing from fracture spine
Babylon’s Dread – My ministry partner got ill manifesting mental instability. He is a stroke survivor so we returned early. He is now in hospital being tested for stroke. He is my friend of 25 years and was my co-pastor starting our church. Because of the coronavirus he’s in quarantine protocols – he has no symptoms of infection but all international returnees with illness go into these protocols. He is very confused and unstable.
Michael – I would appreciate prayer as well…life is pretty overwhelming right now.
Em- my nurse daughter took a nasty fall, cracked a vertebrae and there is no one else on staff at the hospital that can do her job, so she’s been working through it, sometimes wearing a brace… we need prayer that with so little respite her vertebrae will heal correctly…
BrianD – I lost my sister, and now a friend of the family (my mom)Sherrie has died of cancer. Please pray
Captain Kevin – Appreciate prayer. I’ve been in a Fibro/fatigue/depressed funk all week.
Also, I’m teaching piano and voice at a local studio, and need many more students to make things work.
Linnea – Would you pray for Greg? He and my husband play tennis. He was treated for an aggressive brain cancer and thought he was clear, but it has roared back. Please pray for healing and that he and his wife come to know the Lord. Thank you!
Xenia-+Pray for the churches of Sri Lanka
Paige – Asking for prayer for a family issue… God knows…. and the silencing of a lying gossip who is spreading slander about me to family members and others. It’s an on going issue that is quite perplexing, and apparently demonic. Twisted, delusional and strange.
I spoke to a trusted friend about the issue and was told “Satan has given XYZ power to turn people against you” and “XYZ has been used by Satan to destroy your former marriage and harm the church and now to divide your family”.
This XYZ happens to also be cyber stalking me here on the Phoenix preacher.
May God enlighten all souls to see and know Truth and walk in it by His Spirit.
cash – depression , PTSD
David H – I could use a prayer. I was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy . Right side of my face is paralyzed. Prednisone and an antiviral.
Michael – heart aneurysm and a bad valve, bad back and neck issues.
Captain Kevin – Please pray for my oldest daughter. She is separated from her husband. This is probably the 3rd time in the 3 years they’ve been married. I’m not sure who is more at fault or if there is any abuse, so I just pray for God’s will. They are believers, I think.
JD – Marshal whose mother told him that she doesn’t love him
Linnea – Jon and Sarah. Please pray that they would know God’s love and would follow Him out of horrible lifestyles to freedom.
Michael, Rick, Joel, Dan, capt. Kevin, Owen – wand to hear from God in their prayer life
JTK- ongoing back issue.
David H – Aunt Ramona has Adenocarcinoma primary lung cancer.
Victor- chronic back pain
Linnea- sister salvation
Paige- 4 boys to be pleasing to God
Father be near to we who are broken, in need of Your touch.