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Handle with prayer!
Global Day of Prayer, May 31 2009
May 31 has been designated the Global Day of Prayer. The growing annual phenomenon is a call to come together, repent and turn to God. Won’t you join with Christians around the world in praying for our nation and our world? Many resources are available on the informative Global Day of Prayer website – including prayer guides for adults, youth and children. In May next year (2010), an exciting global conference is planned for Cape Town, South Africa.
News – ANiC and AEN
Happy Anniversary Bishop Don!
45 years ago Sunday (Pentecost Sunday), Bishop Don was ordained to the ministry
Vancouver court case underway
The first week of the court case was devoted to the opening statement and witnesses for the four ANiC parishes. In his opening statement, parish counsel, Mr Geoff Cowper, Q.C., indicated he intends to establish that:
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This is a case of division in the church – locally, nationally and internationally – rather than just a number of congregations “departing” from the church. |
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The Solemn Declaration is foundational to Anglicanism in Canada – part of the DNA – both as a declaration of faith and as a binding commitment to interdependence with the Communion. |
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That the original founders of the Anglican Church of Canada did not anticipate such division and the Canons and Constitution are not capable of addressing it appropriately. |
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That the current division and its causes are unprecedented in the history of the Communion. |
Witnesses for the ANiC parishes included: Dr John G Stackhouse, Jr (professor of theology and culture, Regent College), Bishop Don Harvey, Bishop Ron Ferris, Linda Seale (churchwarden, St Matthew’s, Abbotsford), Error! Reference source not found. (long-time parishioner, St John’s Shaughnessy), Peter Pang (Church of the Good Shepherd), and the Rev David Short.
Professor Stackhouse appeared as an expert witness and said:
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The current dispute is unprecedented and very complex. |
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The Solemn Declaration was intended to be the constitutive document of the ACoC and has been treated as such. It, together with the historic creeds and 39 Articles, form the touchstones of Anglicanism. The 39 Articles presupposed the creeds and denoted what marks Anglicanism out from other Christian denominations. |
Counsel for the Diocese and Bishop Ingham, Mr George Macintosh, QC, in his cross-examinations of the witnesses seemed to be focusing on these assertions:
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Anglicanism is territorial; dioceses and provinces generally have a set geographic footprint which does not overlap. The creation of ANiC to operate within the same footprint as the ACoC is irregular. |
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Congregations are distinct from parishes. Congregations may have left the diocese and the ACoC, but not parishes; people can leave, but the property cannot. |
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A parish is a creation of a diocese and cannot exist apart from the diocese |
More information and resources on the legal case, including daily summaries of the court proceedings, are available on the ANiC website – which includes links to diocese of New Westminster statements and introductory court documents from the diocese and the ANiC parishes. Finally, the Anglican Journal provides a good summary.
Support for ANiC parishes in legal dispute comes from Communion
Letters of support for the Vancouver-area parishes currently in court have come from global Communion leaders, including:
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali (Rochester) and Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans leaders from the Churches of England and Ireland. You can read their entire letter here. In part they say: “We have grave concerns regarding your diocese’s departure from orthodox Christian teaching which is held by the majority of the Anglican Communion, and pray that this will not distort the nature of our proclamation of the gospel of transformation which we are all called to declare. We hold you in our affection and affirm in the strongest terms your membership of the world -wide Anglican church, our sisters and brothers in the faith.”
Bishop Wallace Benn (Bishop of Lewes) and leaders of Anglican Mainstream in the Church of England. You can read their letter here. In part, they say: “Our Anglican Mainstream steering committee, which includes church leaders from all parts of the British Isles as well as a number of members of the Church of England's general synod, met together on 21st May and resolved unanimously to assure you that we stand together in fellowship with you as brothers and sisters in the Christian faith and we recognize in you the marks of authentic Anglican identity, faith and practice.”
The Venerable Michael Lawson, Chairman of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), also wrote Bishop Don assuring him that many were praying and saying, “I write personally and on behalf of the Church of England Evangelical Council to assure you of our prayers, love and support in the atrocious ordeal you are facing in having to justify your ministry for Jesus Christ in a Court of Law… I know the CEEC would want me to say that we are deeply conscious that you are a genuine and authentic part of the Anglican Communion, and equally that the orthodox ministry you offer in these times is of critical value.”
Archbishop Yong Ping Chung (retired Primate of Southeast Asia) writes: “Please be assured of our prayers as you face the questionings at the court in connection to the trial of ANiC vs the Diocese of [New] Westminster. May the Lord grant you wisdom to answer all questions to the glory of the Lord. Please let our other brothers and sisters know that we are praying for you all.”
Bishop Bill Murdoch (Anglican Diocese in New England) writes: “I have read the accounts of the trial, from Cheryl and I know that you David are scheduled to go to the stand today. You are all doing a great job and the testimony of the faithful to the gospel ministry of the churches and pastors involved is fantastic and honors our Lord and the Holy Scriptures. We are holding you in our hearts and in our prayers today, David.”
Bishop Don has responded, expressing his – and our – deep gratitude.
Several blogs and internet media have been following the Vancouver court case, including, of course, the AEC blog, StandFirm, VirtueOnline and Anglican-Mainstream.
The AEC blog recently reminded readers why we now find ourselves in court – suggesting we review the litany of denials of the authority of scripture compiled prior to the Primates meeting earlier this year.
Upholding the court case(s) in prayer
“Thank You!” to the many ANiC members and friends who have been praying across Canada and around the world for what is taking place in a Vancouver court room. As Bishop Don says, “One of the wonderful things that has come out of this trial is the manner in which it has galvanized our people from across the land (and indeed the world) to pray so fervently. That in itself, regardless of the final decisions by the law courts of this world, is a great blessing.”
A prayer service specifically designed for upholding this court case has been adapted from one used recently at St John’s Shaughnessy and posted to the ANiC website for your use.
Legal fund needs your support
As you can imagine, with the expedited trial process, the legal fund is in urgent need of financial support. ANiC will not divert any ministry or general donations to support the legal fund, so only donations specifically earmarked for the legal fund are used for the defense of ANiC parishes trying to preserve their properties for their ongoing ministries. If you can help, please send a cheque – noting “Legal Fund” in the memo portion of the cheque or on an attached note. Or you can donate online – again ensuring you specify the Legal Fund designation – on the ANiC website using the CanadaHelps link.
Remember, the precedent that will be set in these trials will have an impact on any Anglican Church in Canada that might consider affiliating with ANiC and the Anglican Church in North America down the road. These congregations are fighting a battle and taking the risks for the sake of many across the country. Please prayerfully consider how you can contribute to fund raising for this cause.
Three ANiC parishes’ Wardens and Clergy in Southern Ontario faced with $75K bill
Madam Justice Milanetti issued her judgement, awarding the Diocese of Niagara over $75,000 in court costs following the March 20 hearing; the diocese had requested $236,893.03. The legal decision can be seen on St Hilda’s website. This award has been made against the clergy and churchwardens who have been sued by the diocese, even though it is clear they are representing their congregations. If the ANiC Legal Fund does not raise the money to pay these costs, the wardens and clergy face personal consequences. Please pray that the funds will be raised quickly.
Calling youth and youth leaders
Plan now to attend the Vancouver Youth Leadership Conference at St John’s (Shaughnessy), August 31 – September 3, 2009. This four-day conference for youth leaders and potential youth leaders (whether volunteers or employed) is a life-changing time of Bible teaching (under Canon David Short) and ministry preparation (with Ken and Julie Moser). Participants must be entering grade 11 or older. If you are interested or know someone who is, email Julie Moser. And watch for more information. Past participants rave about the training. Chris Ley, a volunteer youth leader calls it, “…a phenomenal resource for anyone who is passionate about bringing the good news of the gospel to youth in an effective and engaging way."
Winds of the Spirit blow across the Prairies – a report from Bishop Malcolm
Last Sunday, May 24, Marylou and I were in St. Bede's, Kinosota for a service of Confirmation. Three young people and one adult were presented for confirmation. It was truly a joyful, Spirit-filled event. Following the actual service we were invited to a wonderful lunch in the parish hall. At that event Marylou and I were both presented with gifts by the people of St. Bede's and also honoured with the gift of " ceintures flechees." which are colourful sashes worn as part of the national costume of the Métis people of Canada. [Photos are posted to the ANiC website.]
This coming Sunday, four young people and one adult will be presented for confirmation at the Church of the Resurrection here in Brandon. Church services are also held every Sunday in the Church of the Redeemer, Dauphin and the House Group in Swan River also continues to meet on a regular weekly basis. All in all we are feeling the winds of the Holy Spirit blowing in our midst in a mighty way and indeed the glory goes to God for all that is happening.
St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON) offers object lesson in free grace
Close to 300 of St Hilda’s neighbours were drawn to their annual Free Garage “Sale” on Saturday May 23. You can see photos of the event. Pastor Paul and parishioners were able to engage in a number of good chats responding to questions regarding why everything was being given away without charge. The answer: “Because God’s love and offer of salvation through Jesus is free”. Also a number of others mentioned they were praying for St Hilda’s.
St Chad’s (Toronto) hosts monthly Network prayer meeting – June 4
Time: 1st Thursday of every month, 7 pm ; Next meeting June 4
Location: St Chad’s, 24 Innes Avenue (at Innes and Caledonia), Toronto
St Luke’s (Pembroke, ON) begins journey of acquiring a building
Having found a potentially suitable building, the people of St Luke’s voted 85 per cent in favour of moving forward with the purchase. However, acquiring the building will be conditional on clearing legal and financial hurdles, as well as the results of a building inspection. Please continue to pray for the parish and leaders as they work through these matters and discern the Lord’s will for them.
Bishop Don’s visit to St John’s Sudanese Anglican Church (in pictures)
Bishop Don officially launched St John’s Sudanese Anglican Church on May 23 in Surrey, BC. You can see photos here
Calendar of events – for your interest and prayer support
May 27-31 – Christ’s Church (Nanoose Bay, BC) – Mission with Steve James
May 30 – St George’s (Lowville, ON) – Women’s retreat
May 30 – St John’s Richmond – Bible in a Day course
May 31 – St Luke’s (Pembroke, ON) – Bishop Don administers sacrament of confirmation
June 4 – St Chad’s (Toronto) – Network prayer meeting (7pm)
June 6 – Niagara Essentials – Youth and the Church conference
June 7 – ANiC Atwater Project (Montreal, PQ) – first regular service
June 10 – Toronto Centre ANiC project meeting
June 21 – St Chad’s (Toronto, ON) – 100th Anniversary celebration service
Aug 31 - Sept 3 – St John’s Shaughnessy (Vancouver) – Youth Leadership Conference
News shorts – Anglican Church in North America (ACNA)
Provincial Assembly registration deadline looms
Space is limited and filling up fast for the inaugural Assembly of the Anglican church in North America, June 22-25, at St. Vincent’s Cathedral, Bedford, TX. Until May 31, the reduced registration fee is $200 US for four days. From June 1 through June 10, the full fee applies – $225. Registration closes on June 10; and there will be no walk-up registrations. You can register here.
ACNA parish insurance NOT available in Canada
There has been some confusion about parish insurance available through the Anglican Church in North America. The ACNA insurance coverage is not currently available in Canada. ANiC provides a competitive insurance plan and we are looking for ways to make this coverage even better.
News shorts – Canada
Diocese of Huron moves toward offering same-sex blessings
The Anglican Journal reports, “Bishop Bennett asked the diocesan doctrine and worship committee to “synthesize and make available the most recent and relevant material to aid in this discernment” and then to “develop appropriate protocols, guidelines and evaluative tools to enable us to move forward with appropriate liturgies to celebrate the love, mutual fidelity and support that gay and lesbian Anglicans model every day for the church and wider community.” He said he envisions that the service would be “eucharistic in nature with approved intercessory prayers but with no nuptial blessing.””
New Westminster exercises “generous restraint” by not adding “blessings” parishes
The Diocese of New Westminster synod defeated a motion to increase the number of parishes offering same-sex blessings by a narrow margin. The Anglican Journal says, “Bishop Michael Ingham thanked synod delegates for their “civility, respect and mutual listening” during the discussion. "We shall continue to hold out our witness for the full inclusion of gay and lesbian people and we shall continue to exercise generous restraint as requested by the Anglican Communion in order to facilitate this same process of consideration in other parts of our church."”
ACoC prepares guide for supporting military personnel and families
An Anglican Church of Canada resource, authored by LCol The Rev Canon Dr Gary Thorne ,provides guidance to parishes wishing to support military personnel and their families.
In the Canadian media
The Record – May 26 2009 – Anglicans ponder same-sex protocols
Church of England Newspaper – May 22 2009 – No gay marriage debate in Canada
News shorts – United States
Legal battles in US
Diocese of New York – In what is becoming an all too common tactic, another Episcopal Church (TEC) diocese is attempting to besmirch the reputation of a parish and priest that have realigned out of TEC by charging the priest – The Rev Matt Kennedy – with financial misconduct.
Diocese of San Joaquin – TEC proxy bishop Jerry Lamb has purported to depose the Diocese of San Joaquin clergy members who joined Bishop John-David Schofield in realigning with the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in 2007. The Anglican Curmudgeon has an interesting legal perspective on the matter. Bishop Schofield responded saying, “It is heartbreaking that The Episcopal Church chooses to take such a punitive action and condemn 52 active clergy with “Abandonment of the Communion” when all of these men and women are recognized around the world as priests and deacons in good standing within the Anglican Communion. Clearly, the traditional understanding of what it means to be a member of this historic Communion has been tragically altered by this action; and thereby The Episcopal Church needlessly isolates itself from their brothers and sisters around the world.”
In US news
Evangelicals Now – June 2009 – Confusion reigns at ACC in Jamaica
LA Times – May 25 2009 – Gay issues may splinter churches
Church of England Newspaper – May 22 2009 – Breakaway parish will not have to repay fees to diocese
California Catholic Daily – May 26 2009 – “It was time to go”
Religious Intelligence – May 27 2009 – Allegations fly in e-mail row
Living Church – 3 Bishops, ACI call for email investigation
News shorts – International
Church of Scotland votes to affirm partnered homosexual clergyman
The general assembly of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) has voted to uphold the appointment of a homosexually active, partnered clergyman to an Aberdeen church. However, it then voted to postpone for two years a final decision on the issue of sexuality, appoint a special commission to examine the issues, and gag all discussion of the matter with the media.
St George’s-Tron (Glasgow), led by the Rev Dr William Phillip, posted a statement on its website saying, “We deeply regret the decision of the General Assembly, which has brought great shame on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Church by publicly proclaiming as holy what God, the Bible, and orthodox Christianity all down the ages, and all over the world, unambiguously call sin. This is about far more than just sexuality. The very nature of the Christian gospel is at stake. The true gospel is not about self-fulfilment and self-expression, but a command to take up our cross in a life of self-denial, regardless of our own personal inclinations, desires or past history. Jesus’ call is one of compassion, but of compassionate truth: ‘I forgive you; go and leave your life of sin’.” You can listen to Dr Phillips’ inspirational sermon following the decisions of the general assembly.
Dr Andrew Goddard, at Fulcrum, draws the parallels between what is happening in the (Presbyterian) Church of Scotland with the more advanced crisis in the Anglican Communion. More significantly, however, he also draws the link between the responses from the Biblically-faithful in both Churches, drawing parallels between the forming (Presbyterian) Fellowship of Confessing Churches and our Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans – even noting the similarity of between the (Presbyterian) Confessing Churches Covenant and our Jerusalem Declaration.
He says, ““The significance of this new parallel development within the established Church of Scotland must not be ignored or downplayed… The creation of these two new fellowships – the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans and the Fellowship of Confessing Churches in the Church of Scotland - opens up the prospect of a much wider ecumenical confessional network developing in the UK with an orthodox, evangelical and missional heart. It creates the potential for a significant realignment within some of the major United Kingdom denominations that all evangelicals in the Church of England – open and charismatic as well as conservative – will need to take seriously, especially if the Anglican covenant fails to provide the way forward for global Anglicanism and Anglicans here have to start choosing between two different Anglican structures in North America.”
Church bombed in Nepal
Responding to the bombing of a Catholic church by Hindu radicals, the Dean of the Anglican Church of Nepal, The Revd Norman Beale, offered his condolences, saying, in part, “We are shocked and saddened by the violence used against Christians while worshipping in Nepal this morning. We deplore the use of terror and the targeting of innocent civilians in this atrocity… We are also aware that this leaves many other Christian Churches in Nepal in an unsettled and anxious state. We extend to all our prayers for peace and for safety.”
Presiding Bishop comments on the recent Anglican Consultative Council meeting
In her comments on the recently concluded Anglican Consultative Council meetings in Jamaica, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Jefferts-Schori confirms concerns voiced by conservatives regarding the questionable management of the meeting. She says, “The chair exercises a great deal of discretion in referring or declining to entertain resolutions; elections are not straightforward ballots for a single individual; discussion of any proposed amendment requires the support of 10 members; the president (the Archbishop of Canterbury) steps in fairly frequently to "steer"; and the rules are quite evidently not Robert's!”
The Covenant gets reworked - again
The Archbishop of Canterbury has announced that the fourth section of the Covenant – the one dealing with mutual accountability and discipline – will be reworked by a small group consisting of:
• The Most Revd Dr John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin (Chair);
• The Most Revd Dr John Chew, Primate of South East Asia;
• Dr Eileen Scully, Anglican Church of Canada;
• The Rt Revd Dr Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph (Wales) and former Deputy Secretary
General of the Anglican Communion.
Concurrently, this section of the Covenant has been sent to the Provinces for comments, due back to this new working group by November 13 for consideration at the groups November 20-21 meeting. The revised section four will then go to the Anglican Consultative Council’s Standing Committee meeting, December 15-18.
In the international media
Church of England Newspaper – May 22 2009 – Sudan Church expels US missionary
Church of England Newspaper – May 22 2009 – Sri Lanka bishop pleads for Tamils to be treated with dignity
Church Times – May 1 2009 – New Archbishop-elect of Kenya is a “spiritual reconciler’
Church of England Newspaper – May 22 2009 – Moratorium on property disputes fails…
Guardian – May 24 2009 – Bishops fight for right to criticize gay lifestyle
Telegraph – May 28 2009 – Philip Pullman helps understanding of theology, say Archbishop of Canterbury
Soul food
Worth watching and listening to
A recent interactive speech by Archbishop Henry Orombi (Uganda) to an US audience covers a wide swath of interesting subjects and is worth watching. For example, he talks about politics in the Communion, saying the only instrument of unity that is working is the Archbishop of Canterbury. About the Anglican Church in North America, he says he is very excited; however, he is not able to come of the ACNA provincial assembly in June due to previous commitments but will send his senior bishop. Archbishop Orombi has agreed to continue indefinitely as an honourary bishop in the ACNA house of bishops. He also mentions the hunger for the gospel he finds in Uganda and the challenge of Islam. See it all on AnglicanTV .
Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali speaks about the need for morality and the responsibility to call society and public institutions back to morality. You can watch the brief BBC interview or read a transcript.
Hugh Palmer, rector of All Souls Langham Place (London) addresses a Fulcrum You can also see a summary of his four points:
• Unity with friends (Phil 1:3-8)
• Unity with rivals and partners (Phil 1:15-18)
• Unity to be abandoned (Phil 3:18-19)
• Unity to be restored (Phil 4:2-3)
On the third point, Unity to be abandoned, he draws on the text “many live as enemies of the cross”. He says, the cross of Christ is the one dividing fault line. We should not make enemies of those who are on the right side of this line, and we must not accommodate those who refuse to come to the cross. We should not make the Gospel any narrower than it truly is, nor should we make it any broader.
Interesting reading on the sexuality debate
In “The sexualisation of heresy”, British columnist Melanie Philips, commenting on the Equality Bill currently going through the English Parliament, saying, “Since the attitudes being imposed constitute an ideological agenda to destroy Britain’s foundational ethical principles and replace them by a nihilistic values and lifestyle free-for-all, they represent a direct onslaught on the Judeo-Christian morality underpinning British society… The agenda is therefore not liberal tolerance but illiberal coercion against mainstream moral values, on the basis that the very idea of having normative moral principles at all is an expression of bigotry.”
Writing in The Weekly Standard and from a thoroughly secular point of view, Sam Schulman develops an unusual line of argument. In his article, “The worst thing about gay marriage”, he first outlines what he sees as the purposes and obligations of traditional marriage that are not met by same-sex marriage. He then argues that, while same-sex marriage will quickly become unpopular among same-sex couples because it does not fulfill any of the kinship functions of society and, in fact, imposes unnecessary and burdensome obligations upon them, the lasting damage the acceptance of same-sex marriage will do to social structures and mores of kinship will be devastating for women and children.
Dr Mark Thompson, in an opinion piece entitled “This is not authentic Christianity”, addresses the increasing activism of those promoting non-Biblical sexuality, arguments put forward in an attempt to discredit Scriptural injunctions, and the push to see “homosexual inclusion” as the next progression in breaking the bonds of past ignorance and prejudice. He says, “…the Christian opposition to homosexual behaviour over the past two thousand years has not arisen out of fear or ignorance. It arises from God’s clear expression of his mind and purposes for human beings. It is carefully reasoned and grounded firmly in God’s revelation…. The sad but unavoidable truth is that any Christianity which endorses homosexual activity is not authentic Christianity. It cannot appeal to the universal teaching of the Christian churches over the past two thousand years. It can lay no claim to the mandate of Scripture. It cannot legitimately suggest that Jesus overturned the teaching of the Old Testament on this issue. Indeed, when speaking to the Pharisees about divorce he explicitly reiterated God’s creational intention: ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let not man separate.’ (Matt. 19:4–6)”
Other interesting reading
Writing from the perspective of the Church of England, Roland Morant outlines what he sees as the options available to those “who wish to keep the Faith” in the face of growing evidence “that the Church is now in the process of abandoning beliefs and traditions”.
Bishop David Anderson asks “Is there a fraud upon the Communion”, then goes on to discuss the disinformation strategy which seems to be deployed in the Episcopal Church. “The concept is to tell the opposite of the truth as often as you can, so that people begin to believe that your assertion must be true.” You can read his thoughts on the matter here.
Just for laughs
If you have ever been bewildered by the plethora of acronyms for Anglican organizations, you’ll enjoy this spoof about dwindling supplies of certain letters of the alphabet due to the proliferation of Anglican acronyms.
Please pray...
For the legal cases
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For the Vancouver court case – especially the legal team. May God grant grace, insight and discernment beyond their own. |
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For the Windsor case (involving St Aidan’s) which is being dealt with in London |
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For the congregations involved in court proceedings and disputes. Pray for peace particularly for the wardens and trustees who are on the front lines and bear the burden of responsibility. Pray for a continued focus on, and blessing upon, their ministry in the midst of this turmoil. |
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For the judges hearing these cases throughout Canada, but particularly in Hamilton, London and Vancouver – as well as ANiC’s lawyers representing our parishes. |
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For generous contributions to the Legal Defence Fund so that legal costs can be covered and the churchwardens and trustees are not at personal financial risk. |
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For the leaders and parishioners of the dioceses pursuing eviction of and damages against ANiC congregations and wardens in court. |
For the Anglican Church in North America provincial assembly, June 22-25 – and particularly for ANiC delegates and leaders as they prepare.
For ANiC congregations holding ministry events in the next few days:
Christ’s Church (Nanoose Bay, BC) – Mission with Steve James (May 27-31)
St George’s (Lowville, ON) – Women’s retreat (May 30)
St John’s Richmond (BC) – Bible in a Day course (May 30)
St Luke’s (Pembroke, ON) – Confirmation (May 31)
ANiC Atwater Project (Montreal, PQ) – first regular Sunday service (June 7)
Toronto Centre ANiC project meeting (June 10)
For new ANiC congregations, church plants and projects. May they know the Lord's leading and experience His blessing on their congregations.
For wisdom as ANiC seeks to find more effective ways of ministering to and encouraging “Orphaned Anglicans” who have no orthodox Anglican church in their community.
That we would share the Good News with those around us who need to meet our Lord & Saviour.
For the Church of the Sudan and other Global South churches being wooed by those promoting a false gospel.
For Anglicans and other Christians in Sri Lanka. May God use them to bring peace to the land and introduce many to the Prince of Peace.
For the unity of orthodox Anglicans in the Communion.
For our national, provincial and civic leaders as well as for our nation. May God be pleased to grant repentance and cause a revival to sweep our land.
And now a word from our sponsor
O Lord, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!
…But my eyes are toward you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers!
Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.
Psalm 141: 1-4, 8-10
The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.
Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.
Psalm 93
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