Prayer & Praise/ Praying Through The Pandemic
The Collect
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal glory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Acts 17:1-15
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” And the people and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard these things. And when they had taken money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brothers immediately sent Paul off on his way to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
Psalm 66
Be joyful in God, all you lands; * sing praises to the honor of his Name; make his praise to be glorious.
Say to God, “How wonderful are your works; * through the greatness of your power shall your enemies cower before you.
For all the world shall worship you, * sing to you, and praise your Name.”
O come and see the works of God, * how wonderful he is in his doing toward all people.
He turned the sea into dry land, so that they went through the water on foot; * therefore in him let us rejoice.
He rules with his power for ever; his eyes keep watch over the nations; * let not the rebellious exalt themselves.
Bless our God, you peoples, * and make the voice of his praise to be heard,
Who holds our soul in life, * and does not allow our feet to slip.
+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
1 Peter 2:1-12
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:
“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,
“The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
and
“A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”
They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
John 14:1-14
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
Michael,
Even though I am not an Anglican (I am currently more of a Presbyterian/Continental Reformed type I would say), but I do appreciate the Collects, BCOP, and the like the Angelican Church has bestowed the body of Christ. I do find them edifying, exhorting, and instructing. Finally, as literary works they are giants (anyone who is a Shakespeare-phile really needs a copy of BCOP on their shelf).
To any church (non-denomination or otherwise), here are 3 example that everybody knows and has heard:
“Speak now or forever hold your peace”
“Till death us do part”
“Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”
please remember in prayer
Michael – tachycardia
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
So many prayers. Lord, have mercy in each of these situations. Oh how we need You.
With all the serious situations listed above, I hesitate to share this, but here goes.
Update on my work situation: Prior to all the Covid mess, I had built up to 26 voice and piano students. Then everyone at my studio transitioned to Zoom. It is definitely not ideal. Great for normal kinds of teaching, but not for music, due to glitches and timing issues. On the one hand, I’m grateful to still be employed, but on the other, I’m not liking this at all.
Due to the fact that students are also frustrated with the online format, and that some cannot currently afford the luxury of music lessons, I’ve lost more than half of my students. Hopefully this is temporary, but right now, only God knows the time.
As far as me personally, as the old spiritual says, “Sometimes I’m up, sometimes I’m down, sometimes I’m almost to the ground.” The combination of Fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue/depression/osteoarthritis is a bitch. Honestly, there’s days I just want to curl into a ball on my bed and never wake up. I’m too chicken to attempt suicide, and I can only imagine what that would do to my children, but I’d be lying if I said the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.
Thank you, Dusty!
CK,
Praying…it’s a grind now for many of us…so we keep in prayer for each other…
Captain! DON’T YOU DARE! ! ! DON’T even think it. Fibromyagia is a huge trial on top of our nation that is topsy turvy and giving us all huge angst…
Know you’re being lifted to the throne room of the Father by many here… You are one of the special Phoenix peeps
God keep and I say “thank you for having the humility to share this here.”. Praying here
CK your humility and vulnerability is brave. Praying for you brother.
Michael, Em and Joel G, thank you ever so much!!
So many needs, Father, please meet each and every one of these precious people where they are and send your angels and brothers and sisters in Christ to minister to them. CK, I hear you and have felt the same way lately. Hang in there… My husband’s business (in which our two sons work, too) has been cut in half. I am still working, but am working 12 hour days, so am thoroughly exhausted by the end of it. Lord have mercy on us all.