Prayers Requested for Southern Sudan

Prayer Alert: Violence in Southern Sudan

See HERE.

From the Scriptures
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.'"

Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV)

"...bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

Luke 6:28 (ESV)

Guiding Prayers
O GOD, merciful and compassionate, who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee; Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant us thy help in this our time of need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"In Time of Calamity," The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.

from "The Litany," The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
"First, that Christ hath set up a Church, needeth no declaration. Secondly, what force of princes, kings, monarchs, governors, and rulers of this world, with their subjects, publicly and privately, with all their strength and cunning, have bent themselves against this Church! And, thirdly, how the said Church, all this notwithstanding, hath yet endured and holden its own! What storms and tempests it hath overpast, wondrous it is to behold...."

John Foxe (1517-1587)
The Book of Martyrs

Update

Friends,

The current Cycle of Prayer has run its course. Please check back periodically for updates.

Blessings,

William Shontz

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Let Us Pray For…

Province of the Anglican Church in North America
The Most Reverend Robert Duncan, Archbishop and Primate

From the Scriptures
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I Peter 5:5-11 (ESV)

The Collect
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us; and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an hearty desire to pray, may, by thy mighty aid, be defended and comforted in all dangers and adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Third Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

From the Scriptures
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:1-10 (ESV)

Guiding Prayers
O GRACIOUS Father, we humbly beseech thee for thy holy Catholic Church; that thou wouldst be pleased to fill it with all truth, in all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in anything it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, establish it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of him who died and rose again, and ever liveth to make intercession for us, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

“For the Church,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

O GOD, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the whole earth, and didst send thy blessed Son to preach peace to them that are far off and to them that are nigh; Grant that all men everywhere may seek after thee and find thee. Bring the nations into thy fold, pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten thy kingdom; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“For Mission,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“We are desirous of seeing forth in our churches the true doctrine of God, and have no wish to adapt it to all tastes, or to deal in ambiguities; but, laying aside all carnal considerations, to transmit to posterity a true and explicit form of doctrine agreeable to the rule of the sacred writings; so that there may not only be set forth among all nations an illustrious testimony respecting our doctrine, delivered by the grave authority of learned and godly men, but that all posterity may have a pattern to imitate.”

Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)
a letter to John a Lasco, 4 July 1548

(provided by Professor Phil Harrold, Trinity School for Ministry)

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

Let Us Pray For…

House of Bishops (ACNA)
Provincial Assembly (ACNA)

From the Scriptures
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.

I John 3:13-24 (ESV)

The Collect
O LORD, who never failest to help and govern those whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Second Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“O immortal God! hath Christ Himself, then, the Apostles, and so many fathers all at once gone astray? Were then Origen, Ambrose, Augustine, Chrysostom, Gelasius, Theodoret, forsakers of the Catholic faith? was so notable a consent of so many ancient bishops and learned men nothing else but a conspiracy of heretics? or is that now condemned in us, which was then commended in them? or is the thing now, by alteration only of men’s affections, suddenly become schismatic, which in them was counted Catholic? or shall that which in times past was true, now by-and-by, because it liketh not these men, be judged false? let them then bring forth another Gospel, and let them show the causes why these things, which so long have openly been observed and well-allowed in the Church of God, ought now in the end to be called in again. We know well enough that the same word which was opened by Christ, and spread abroad by the Apostles, is sufficient both, our salvation and all truth, to uphold and maintain; and also to confound all manner of heresy.”

Bishop John Jewel (1522-1572)
The Apology of the Church of England

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

Let Us Pray For…

Common Cause Observers
Anglican Province of America (APA)
Anglican Essentials Canada (AEC)


From the Scriptures
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

I John 4:7-21 (ESV)

The Collect
O GOD, the strength of all those who put their trust in thee; Mercifully accept our prayers; and because, through the weakness of our mortal nature, we can do no good thing without thee, grant us the help of thy grace, that in keeping thy commandments we may please thee, both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The First Sunday after Trinity,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“How does the doctrine of the Trinity satisfy all our wants?—In God the Father we have a Person who cares for us, and whom we can reverence and love; in God the Son we have One who is our Brother as well as our Saviour, man as well as God, who died for us, and lives to intercede; and in God the Holy Ghost one who enters our very soul and makes us pure and strong.”

Reverend William J. Deane
A Catechism of the Holydays As Observed by the Church of England (1886)

Trinity Sunday

Let Us Pray For…

Reformed Episcopal Church (REC)
The Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches (Presiding Bishop)

From the Scriptures
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”

John 3:1-15 (ESV)

The Collect
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hast given unto us thy servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Unity; We beseech thee that thou wouldest keep us steadfast in this faith, and evermore defend us from all adversities, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen.

“Trinity Sunday,” The Book of Common Prayer of the Reformed Episcopal Church (USA, 2003)

A Heritage Reflection
“Upon this ground, therefore, it is, that the mysteries of the Gospel, which I am less able to conceive, I think myself the more obliged to believe; especially this mystery of mysteries, the Trinity in Unity, and Unity in Trinity, which I am so far from being able to comprehend, or indeed to apprehend, that I cannot set myself seriously to think of it, or to screw up my thoughts a little concerning it, but I immediately lose myself, as in a trance, or ecstasy…. O heart-amazing, thought-devouring, inconceivable mystery! Who cannot believe it to be true of the glorious Deity! Certainly, none but such as are able to apprehend it, which, I am sure, I cannot, and believe no other creature can. And, because no creature can possibly conceive how it should be so, I therefore believe it really to be so….”

Bishop William Beveridge (1637-1708)
Private Thoughts upon Religion, and a Christian Life

The Day of Pentecost

Let Us Pray For…

Forward In Faith, North America (FIFNA)
The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, SSC, DO (Director)
Fr. William H. Ilgenfritz (Convocational Dean)


From the Scriptures
"And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Luke 11:9-13 (ESV)

The Collect
O GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

“Pentecost, commonly called Whitsunday,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
Father of all, in whom alone
We live, and move, and breathe,
One bright celestial ray dart down,
And cheer thy sons beneath.

While in thy word we search for thee,
(We search with trembling awe!)
Open our eyes, and let us see
The wonders of thy law.

Now let our darkness comprehend
The light that shines so clear;
Now the revealing Spirit send,
And give us ears to hear.

Before us make thy goodness pass,
Which here by faith we know;
Let us in Jesus see thy face,
And die to all below.

Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns & Sacred Poems

The Seventh Sunday of Easter: The Sunday after Ascension Day

Let Us Pray For…

Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas (FACA)
The Rt. Rev. Paul Hewett (Moderator)


From the Scriptures
“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.”

John 15:26-16:4a (ESV)

The Collect
O GOD, the King of glory, who hast exalted thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy kingdom in heaven; We beseech thee, leave us not comfortless; but send to us thine Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

“The Sunday after Ascension Day” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
[paraphrasing Jesus in John 16:1-4]
“’For ye will not be able to say, that I flatteringly told you only those things which would please you, nor that the words were words of deceit; for one who intended to deceive, would not have told you beforehand of matters likely to turn you away. I have therefore told you before, that these things might not fall upon you unexpectedly, and trouble you; and for another reason besides, that ye might not say, that I did not foreknow that these things would be. Remember then that I have told you.’”

St. John Chrysostom (347-404)
Homilies on the Gospel of St. John

The Ascension Day

Let Us Pray For…

The Brothers and Sisters who visit and pray with the “Prayer for Common Cause” prayer blog

This one’s for all of you—WHS


From the Scriptures
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Act 1:1-11 (ESV)

The Collect
GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

“The Ascension Day” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
Soar we now where Christ hath led,
Following our exalted Head:
Made like Him, like Him we rise;
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

Rev. Charles Wesley
(1707-1788)

The Sixth Sunday of Easter: Rogation Sunday

Let Us Pray For…

Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA)
The Rt. Rev. Martyn Minns (Missionary Bishop)
Anglican Church of Nigeria


From the Scriptures
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 16:23b-33 (ESV)

The Collect
O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

“The Fifth Sunday after Easter, commonly called Rogation Sunday” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“Truly, our heavenly lover desires that our soul cleave to him with all its might, and that we continuously cleave to his goodness. For of all the things the heart may think, that most pleases God, and soonest succeeds.”

Juliana of Norwich (1342-c. 1416)

Revelations of Divine Love

The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Let Us Pray For…

Anglican Network In Canada (ANiC)
The Rt. Rev. Donald Harvey (Moderator and Chair)
Anglican Province of the Southern Cone


From the Scriptures
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:17-21 (ESV)

The Collect
O ALMIGHTY God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men: Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Fourth Sunday after Easter,” The Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962; USA, 1928)



A Heritage Reflection
“What do you mean by the resurrection of the body?—That at the appointed time our souls shall be joined to our bodies, and that we shall be raised to be the same persons as we were before we died.

“Do we know how this can be?—No; it will be done by the same power with which Christ raised Himself from the dead. (Rom. Viii.11.)

“What may we learn from this festival?—To believe more firmly all the articles of the Christian faith, to rise from the death of sin unto the life of righteousness, and to set our affections on things above.”

Rev. William J. Deane
A Catechism of the Holydays as Observed by the Church of England (1886)

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

Let Us Pray For…

Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA)
The Rt. Rev. Charles Murphy (Senior Bishop)
Anglican Church of the Province of Rwanda

From the Scriptures
“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.”

John 14:1-14 (ESV)*

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*The New Testament Lesson appointed for this day, Morning Prayer, 1945 Lectionary.


The Collect
ALMIGHTY God, who showest to them that are in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's Religion, that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

“The Third Sunday after Easter,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“Why did Christ rise from the dead?—To show that His atonement was complete, that He Himself was the Son of God, and His doctrine divine.”

Rev. William J. Deane
A Catechism of the Holydays as Observed by the Church of England (1886)

The Third Sunday of Easter

Let Us Pray For…

Anglican Communion Network (ACN)

The Rt. Rev. Robert Wm. Duncan (Moderator)

From the Scriptures
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer* of your souls.

I Peter 2:19-25 (ESV)

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*The Greek word translated as “Overseer” here is episcopos—which eventually became, in English, “Bishop.”


The Collect
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Second Sunday after Easter,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“The apostolic Church exists by mission as fire exists by burning.”

“The Dublin Agreed Statement 1984”

Anglican-Orthodox Diologue

The Second Sunday of Easter

Let Us Pray For…

Anglican Coalition in Canada (ACiC)
The Rt. Rev. Alexander Green (Bishop)
The Rev. Barclay Mayo (Network Leader)


From the Scriptures
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is he who came by water and blood--Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

I John 5:4-12 (ESV)

The Collect
ALMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The First Sunday after Easter,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
Lift up, lift up your voices now!
The whole wide world rejoices now;
The Lord has triumphed gloriously,
The Lord shall reign victoriously.

In vain with stone the cave they barred;
In vain the watch kept ward and guard;
Majestic from the spoilèd tomb,
In pomp of triumph Christ is come.

He binds in chains the ancient foe;
A countless host He frees from woe,
And heaven’s high portal open flies,
For Christ has risen, and man shall rise

And all He did, and all He bare,
He gives us as our own to share;
And hope, and joy and peace begin,
For Christ has won, and man shall win.

O Victor, aid us in the fight,
And lead through death to realms of light;
We safely pass where Thou hast trod;
In Thee we die to rise to God.

Thy flock, from sin and death set free,
Glad alleluias raise to Thee;
And ever with the heavenly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Rev. John Mason Neale (1818-1866)

Easter Sunday

Let Us Pray For…

American Anglican Council (AAC)
The Rt. Rev. David C. Anderson (President and CEO)


From the Scriptures
Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

I Corinthians 6:5b-8 (ESV)

The Collect
ALMIGHTY God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee that, as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

“Easter Day,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“Happy then this day to us; happy we that this day came, which opens to us a door of hope—have reason, therefore, to remember it, and with joy to keep it, as the first dawning of a better hope, the day-spring of all our happiness. This day our head is risen, and with him our hope has enlarged its borders, and made a prospect into the other world, sees some comfort there for our sorrows here. This day's bright -shining beams have lightened our eyes, that now we shall not sleep in death; a Sunday indeed, the first true Sunday that ever shone, wherein the Sun of righteousness arose out of the chambers of the grave, to guide our feet out of misty darkness into marvellous light--out of the paths of the dead into the land of the living--out of this miserable into a blessed life by Christ's resurrection.”

Rev. Mark Frank (1613-1664)
Sermons (Vol. II)

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST: PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN NORTH AMERICA (JUNE 22-25, 2009)

TO ALL COMMON CAUSE PARTNERS:
Beloved in the Lord,
The purpose of this letter is to give formal notice of the Provincial Assembly to be gathered from noon, Monday, June 22nd, to noon, Thursday, June 25th, 2009. This meeting is being convened under the Provisional Constitution of the Anglican Church in North America. The place of gathering is St. Vincent’s Cathedral, Bedford, Texas.

The agenda of the Provincial Assembly will include:
1) Worship;
2) Presentations in support of the mission of the Province;
3) Scripture teaching;
4) Addresses by international leaders;
5) Consideration for ratification of the (Provisional) Constitution;
6) Consideration for ratification of a Code of Canons;
7) Reports from committees and task forces.

(more from here)

From the Scriptures
Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

John 12:20-32 (ESV)

From the Lectionary of The Book of Common Prayer (1928), under “At Services in the Interest of Church Missions”

A Meditation
Lord, remind us that there are still those who “wish to see Jesus.”

Remind us that before there can be resurrection, there must first be death.

Remind us that to love our life is to lose it, and to serve you requires following you.

And finally, Lord, by your grace, may we distinguish your voice from so much thunder.



Collect
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who by thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the Council of the blessed Apostles, and hast promised, through thy Son Jesus Christ, to be with thy Church to the end of the world; We beseech thee to be with the Council of thy Church here assembled in thy Name and Presence. Save us from all error, ignorance, pride, and prejudice; and of thy great mercy vouchsafe, we beseech thee, so to direct, sanctify, and govern us in our work, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost, that the comfortable Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed, in all places, to the breaking down the kingdom of sin, Satan, and death; till at length the whole of thy dispersed sheep, being gathered into one fold, shall become partakers of everlasting life; through the merits and death of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

“A Prayer to be used at the Meetings of Convention”

The Book of Common Prayer (1928, USA)

A Heritage Reflection
“And if we should consider things but prudently, it is a great argument that the sons of our Church are very conscientious and just in their persuasions, when it is evident that we have no temporal end to serve, nothing but the great end of our souls, all our hopes of preferment are gone, all secular regards, only we still have truth on our sides, and we are not willing with the loss of truth to change from a persecuted to a prosperous Church, from a Reformed to a Church that will not be reformed; lest we give scandal to good people that suffer for a holy conscience, and weaken the hands of the afflicted; of which if you had been more careful, you would have remained much more innocent….

“We have the Word of God, the Faith of the Apostles, the Creeds of the Primitive Church, the Articles of the four first general Councils, a holy Liturgy, excellent Prayers, perfect Sacraments, Faith and Repentance, the Ten Commandments, and the Sermons of Christ, and all the precepts and counsels of the Gospel; We teach the necessity of good works, and require and strictly exact the severity of a holy life; We live in obedience to God, and are ready to die for him, and do so when he requires us so to do; We speak honourably of his most holy Name, we worship him at the mention of his Name, we confess his Attributes, we love his Servants, we pray for all Men, we love all Christians, even our most erring Brethren, we confess our sins to God and to our Brethren whom we have offended, and to God's Ministers in cases of Scandal, or of a troubled Conscience.”

Bishop Jeremy Taylor

(1613-1667)

What CCP members came out to do

Let us consider Our Lord's word in today's Gospel:

"Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." Mark 1:38

A CCP Member's Reflection on recent events

Now is the time for faithful Anglicans in North America, both within TEC and within ACNA, to follow the encouragement from Hebrews 12:“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV)

We are all sinners, and we are all in need of a season of repentance, humility, and restoration. May we all fix our eyes on Jesus, and follow him on the course he has marked out before us, renewing our commitment to evangelism, discipleship and mission—and building a united, Biblical missionary Anglicanism in North America and world-wide that will give glory to God by reaching multitudes who do not yet know Jesus Christ.

The Rev. Phil Ashey, Chief Operating Officer of the American Anglican Council

Cornelius the Centurion

Please pray for...

Missionary responsiveness to the Holy Spirit

Reflection
Peter responds to a vision that fulfills the ancient prophecies. Through Peter's response, Christ is received as the "light to the nations" foretold by Isaiah. May CCP clergy and congregations respond to the Spirit's guidance and reach lost people with "the repentance that leads to life." TLF+

Scripture
Now the apostles and the believers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying, "Why did you go to uncircumcised men and eat with them?" Then Peter began to explain it to them, step by step, saying, "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. There was something like a large sheet coming down from heaven, being lowered by its four corners; and it came close to me. As I looked at it closely I saw four-footed animals, beasts of prey, reptiles, and birds of the air. I also heard a voice saying to me, `Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' But I replied, `By no means, Lord; for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' But a second time the voice answered from heaven, `What God has made clean, you must not call profane.' This happened three times; then everything was pulled up again to heaven. At that very moment three men, sent to me from Caesarea, arrived at the house where we were. The Spirit told me to go with them and not to make a distinction between them and us. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, `Send to Joppa and bring Simon, who is called Peter; he will give you a message by which you and your entire household will be saved.' And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it had upon us at the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said, `John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?" When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, "Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."
Acts 11:1-18

Collect
O God, by your Spirit you called Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles; Grant to your Church such a ready will to go where you send and to do what you command, that under your guidance it may welcome all who turn to you in love and faith, and proclaim the Gospel to all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

IV Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Common Cause Observers
Anglican Province of America (APA)
Anglican Essentials Canada (AEC)


Prayer Petitions
May we never forget that the very word ‘Anglican’ testifies to our Gentile heritage, that we were once “separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” May God look graciously upon the Anglican Church in North America, and to reconcile us with those in the ‘Anglican Diaspora’ for a united mission in the world.

WHS

From the Scriptures
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:11-22 (ESV)
from Morning Prayer for the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany (Book of Common Prayer, USA, 1928)

A Guiding Prayer
O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; Grant to us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“For the whole Scriptures, saith St. Paul (2 Tim. 3:16), and shall we Christian men think to learn the knowledge of God and of ourselves in any earthly man’s work or writing sooner or better than in the holy Scriptures written by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost? (2 Pet.1:21) were given by the inspiration of God:The Scriptures were not brought unto us by the will of man; but holy men of God, as witnesseth St. Peter, spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit of God. The Holy Ghost is the Schoolmaster of truth, which leadeth his scholars, as our Saviour Christ saith of him (John 16:13), into all truth. And whoso is not led and taught by this Schoolmaster cannot but fall into deep error, how goodly soever his pretence is, what knowledge and learning soever he hath of all other works and writings, or how fair soever a shew or face of truth he hath in the estimation and judgment of the world.”

“An Information for Them which Take Offence at Certain Places of the Holy Scriptures”

The Book of Homilies (1571)

John Chrysostom; Thomas Aquinas; Lydia, Dorcas & Phoebe

Let us pray for...

Excellent preachers in all CCP pulpits...

O God, who gave to your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all bishops and pastors such excellency in preaching, and fidelity in ministering your Word, that your people shall be partakers with them of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (John Chrysostom, January 27th)

excellent scholars and teachers to engage the world with the orthodox Gospel...

Almighty God, you have enriched your Church with the singular learning and holiness of your servant Thomas Aquinas: Enlighten us more and more, we pray, by the disciplined thinking and teaching of Christian scholars, and deepen our devotion by the example of saintly lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Thomas Aquinas, January 28th)

and excellent stewards and servants to build up the CCP witness across North America.

Almighty God, who inspired your servants Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe to uphold and sustain your Church by their loving and generous deeds: Give us the will to love you, open our hearts to hear you, and strengthen our hands to serve you in others for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe, January 29th)

III Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Reformed Episcopal Church (REC)
The Rt. Rev. Leonard W. Riches (Presiding Bishop)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray that the reunion of the Reformed Episcopal Church with other North American Anglicans will set an example for other splintered bodies in Christ’s church. Let us pray that the principles of the REC will help the new North American Province in its witness to the gospel: “In these uncertain times - amidst changing values, moral decline, spiritual questioning and the advance of secular humanism - it's good to know that there is a Christian Church that still offers a timely message to the uncertainty of our time. This alternative is consistent with God's Holy Word. It focuses worship on Almighty God and not on man. It is an alternative which is rich in biblical preaching and consistent with the English Protestant Reformation as expressed by our American Forefathers.”

WHS

From the Scriptures
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:16-21 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Third Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)*

A Heritage Reflection
“When we pray, we come unto him in the confidence of Christ’s merits, and thus offering up our prayers, they shall be heard for Christ’s sake. Yea, Christ will offer them up for us, that offered up once his sacrifice to God, which was acceptable; and he that cometh with any other mean than this, God knoweth him not…. And so, to make an end: this must be done with a constant faith and a sure confidence in Christ. Faith, faith, faith; we are undone for lack of faith. Christ nameth faith here, faith is all together: ‘When the Son of man shall come, shall he find faith on the earth?’ Why speaketh he so much of faith? Because it is hard to find a true faith. He speaketh not of a political faith, a faith set up for a time; but a constant, a permanent, a durable faith, as durable as God’s word.”

Bishop Hugh Latimer (1485-1555)
Sermons

______________________
* The Collect and Scripture Lesson are identical to those in The Book of Common Prayer used by the Reformed Episcopal Church

Week of II Epiphany (Includes The Confession of St. Peter, and Feasts of Martyrs Fabian, Agnes and Vincent)

Let us continue in prayer for...

Forward in Faith, North America (FiFNA)

Reflection
Anglo Catholics reflect a proud stream within Anglicanism. Too often today, we dismiss them as antiquarians. But they represent a call to the transcendent values of the Kingdom of Heaven. Their witness includes dignified endurance of rejection, pastoral care on the neglected margins of society, and faithful sacramental ministry in the face of assertive trends and changes. They have much in common with the Saints commemorated this week. TLF+

From Our Heritage
One of the most alarming, as a symptom, is the growing indifference, in which men indulge themselves, to other men's religious sentiments. Under the guise of charity and toleration we are come almost to this pass; that no difference, in matters of faith, is to disqualify for our approbation and confidence, whether in public or domestic life. Can we conceal it from ourselves, that every year the practice is becoming more common, of trusting men unreservedly in the most delicate and important matters, without one serious inquiry, whether they do not hold principles which make it impossible for them to be loyal to their Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier? Are not offices conferred, partnerships formed, intimacies courted,—nay, (what is almost too painful to think of,) do not parents commit their children to be educated, do they not encourage them to intermarry, in houses, on which Apostolical Authority would rather teach them to set a mark, as unfit to be entered by a faithful servant of Christ?
John Keble, National Apostasy (1833)

II Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Forward in Faith, North America (FiFNA)
The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, SSC, DD (President)
Fr. William H. Ilgenfritz (Convocational Dean)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray for FiFNA’s new Executive Director, Dr. Michael W. Howell. Let us also pray for God’s guidance as FiFNA executes its self-described role in the Anglican Church in North America:

“a. As the primary voice for Anglo-Catholic Mission and Renewal, we will need to put into action the means by which we will be a missionary Church. As an ACNA Sub-Province (formerly a Common Cause Partner), we need to implement that missionary strategy and form it to the new governance of the ACNA reflecting our historic expression of the Catholic Faith.

“b. Another important role for FiFNA will be the continued pastoral care of those parishes and members of FiFNA who find themselves still under TEC jurisdictions and unable to be under the new ACNA. We are committed to maintaining our relationship with those members remaining in hostile territory.”

Let us pray for the following members of FiFNA who serve on the following ACNA committees, task forces, or working groups:

Bishop Keith Ackerman, FiFNA President, is on Executive, Admissions, Episcopal , & Prayer Book and Common Worship

Father Larry Bausch, FiFNA Vice-President, is on Governance
Dr. Michael Howell, FiFNA Executive Director, is on Ecumenical
Father Michael Brooks, FiFNA Secretary, is on Finance/Stewardship
Bishop Paul Hewett, FiFNA Episcopal Adjunct, is on Executive, and Ecumenical
Father Warren Tanghe, FiFNA Ex-Officio Adjunct, is on Ecumenical
Father Chuck Hough, FiFNA member, is on Education

WHS

From the Scriptures
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Romans 12:6-16 (ESV)

A Guiding Prayer
ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who dost govern all things in heaven and earth; Mercifully hear the supplications of thy people, and grant us thy peace all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The Second Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

A Heritage Reflection
“Rejoicing in hope,
And patient in grief,
To thee I look up
For certain relief;
I fear no denial,
No danger I fear,
Nor start from the trial
While Jesus is near.”

Rev. Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Hymns and Sacred Poems

I Epiphany

Let Us Pray For…

Federation of Anglican Churches in the Americas (FACA)
The Rt. Rev. Paul Hewett (Moderator)


Prayer Petitions
Let us pray that God will empower FACA to remain faithful to its tenets:

1. FACA is a Federation of Anglican Provinces or Jurisdictions in North and South America which hold to the primacy of Holy Scripture, the Ecumenical Creeds and Councils, adhere to the 39 Articles of Religion, and the principles of the Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral. Each member jurisdiction has adopted one of the historical Books of Common Prayer (as the primary standard for worship).

2. The autonomy of the individual Provinces, or Jurisdictions and their local parishes is in no way restricted or superceded by membership in FACA.

3. The Federation will seek to maintain the Patronage of orthodox Primates in the Anglican Communion. Such patronage is for advisory purposes in expanding fellowship with those in the Anglican Communion and working in concert with the godly projects and programs of the Archbishops primarily in the Global South.

4. Some of the member jurisdictions of the Federation are also members of the Common Cause Partners in North America. All deliberations and actions of the Federation will be executed with sensitivity to the godly goals and purposes of the Common Cause Partners to proclaim the Gospel and effect unity among faithful Anglicans in North America.

WHS

From the Scriptures
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Romans 12:1-5 (ESV)

Guiding Prayers
O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

“The First Sunday after Epiphany,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1928)

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

“First Sunday after the Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord,” The Book of Common Prayer (USA, 1979)

A Heritage Reflection
“Moreover, we have an evident and perfect image and spectacle of all patience in our Lord Jesus Christ, as he himself pointed us unto himself, saying, ‘Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake himself, and take his cross upon his back, and follow me.’ (Matt. xvi. 24) When his unspeakable martyrdom and passion began, he prayed: ‘O Father, if it be possible, take this cup from me; but thy will, and not mine, be done.’ Where did he ever once murmur or grudge, or cast out so much as one untoward and unpatient word, when he was mocked and scorned, scourged and beaten, and most cruelly misordered and dealt withal?”

Bishop Miles Coverdale (1488-1568)
Writings and Translations
as compiled in Love's Redeeming Work: The Anglican Quest for Holiness (Rowell, Stevenson, Williams [eds.])

The Epiphany

Please continue in prayer for...

The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA)

Bishop David Bena has issued a prayer calendar for the current CANA congregations:

• January 11 - St. Luke’s, Akron, OH & Church of the Word, Gainesville, VA
• January 18 - Bishop Seabury, Groton, CT & Shepherd’s Heart, Fairfax, VA
• January 25 - St George’s, Helmetta, NJ & Anglican Fellowship of Southern Maryland, Leonardstown, MD
• February 1 - Pentecost, New York City & Church of the Valley, Staunton, VA
• February 8 - Westside Anglican Fellowship, Syracuse, NY & Truro, Fairfax, VA
• February 15- All Saints, Hapeville, GA & Apostles, Fairfax, VA
• February 22 – Christ’s Ambassadors, Oklahoma City, OK & All Saints, San Antonio, TX
• March 1 - Good Shepherd, Harrisburg, PA & Messiah, Chesapeake, VA
• March 8 - Holy Trinity, Bristol, CT & St Margaret’s, Woodbridge, VA
• March 15 - St. Peter the Confessor, Cheyenne, WY & St Stephen’s, Heathsville, VA
• March 22 - New Evangelical, Columbia, MO & The Falls Church, Falls Church, VA
• March 29 - Redeemer, Regina, Saskatchewan & Anglican Fellowship of Orange, VA
• April 5 - Christ the King, Columbiana, OH & Christ the King, Winchester, TN
• April 12 - Easter Sunday
• April 19 - Christ the King, Lexington Heights, MI & Christ the King, Alexandria, VA
• April 26 - Vineyard International, Bronx, NY & Potomac Falls Church, Sterling, VA
• May 3 - Holy Trinity, Los Angeles, CA & St Brendan’s in the City, Washington, D.C.
• May 10 - Christ the Redeemer, Rowlett, TX & Christ the Redeemer, Centreville, VA
• May 17 - St. Paul, Greenfield, IN & St. Paul, Haymarket, VA
• May 24 - Resurrection, Indianapolis, IN & Celebration, Fredericksburg, VA
• May 31 - Christ Anglican, East Haven, CT & Epiphany, Herndon, VA
• June 7 - St Patrick’s, Smyrna, TN & St Patrick’s in the Mountain, Ft. Valley, VA
• June 14 - Holy Spirit, Akron, OH & Holy Trinity, Houston, TX
• June 21 - Christ the King, St Augustine, FL & Christ the Saviour, Mount Vernon, VA
• June 28 - All Saints, Peachtree City, GA & Our Savior, Oatlands, VA
• July 5 - Christ, Baltimore, MD & Christ, Houston, TX
• July 12 - Trinity on the Marketplace, Albuquerque, NM & Trinity, Acton, GA
• July 19 - All Saints, Lanham, MD & All Saints, Tinley Park, IL
• July 26 - St Matthew’s, Nashville, IN & Christ the King, Omaha, IL
• August 2 - St. Anne’s, Madison, OH & St. Anne’s, Anderson, IN
• August 9 - St Andrew’s, Vestal, NY & St. Andrew’s, Evansville, IN
• August 16 - St Andrew’s, Round Rock, TX & St Andrew’s, Lewis Center, OH
• August 23 - St Barnabas, Bay Village, OH & Mt. Zion, Chicago, IL
• August 30 - St Patrick’s, Noblesville, IN & Reconciliation, Houston, TX
• September 6 – St Paul’s, Greenfield, IN & Community of St Alcuin, Blaine, MN
• September 13- All Saints, Oakley, CA & All Saints, Milwaukee, WI
• September 20-Grace and St Stephen’s, Colorado Springs, CO & Holy Trinity, Milan, OH
• September 27-Good Samaritan, Cleveland, OH & Pentecost, Holland, OH
• October 4 - St. Michael the Archangel, Westfield, IN Archangel, Westfield, IN