 |
|
|
| |
 |
|
|
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God
Philippians 4: 6 ESV
Welcome to our July 2011 First Friday Call to Prayer. Our aim is to provide you with teaching that we trust will enhance your prayer experience and will be an encouragement to you. We will also provide you with praise items and prayer requests coming from within ANiC and the Anglican Communion worldwide.
We encourage you to set aside the first Friday, July 1st, as a day of prayer and fasting for the Church in these critical days, ideally gathering with other believers in your parish or region for corporate prayer at some point in the day
Prayer Quotes
"We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results."
R. A. Torrey 1856-1928
The Snare of Taking Offense
Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken, and we have escaped!
Psalm 124:6-7 ESV
There is a tragic story of broken trust and relationship failure recorded in 2 Samuel 3 that I’d like us to examine this month. It takes place during the turbulent days of transition between the reign of Saul and that of David. Saul is dead, but Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, has established Saul’s son as king over Israel. David reigns as king over Judah at Hebron. There are some skirmishes, and one of the casualties of war is a man named Asahel, the brother of Joab, the commander of David’s military forces. So there is deep enmity between these two mighty Jewish warriors, Abner and Joab.
Abner, despite his loyalty to the house of Saul, recognizes that the hand of God is upon David and that it is obviously God’s intent to make David the king over the reunited nation. With the endorsement of the elders, Abner sets off to meet with David in peace and tell him the good news. After a gracious banquet held for him and his men at which he delivered his message to David, Abner sets out for home, fully intent on seeking to unify the nation once again under David’s monarchy. Joab, David’s commander-in-chief, is notably absent from the festivities.
When he returns and hears the news of Abner’s visit to David, Joab is furious and, blinded by his hatred and distrust of Abner, proceeds to berate his king in the most impertinent manner:-
Joab went straight to the king: "What's this you've done? Abner shows up, and you let him walk away scot-free? You know Abner son of Ner better than that. This was no friendly visit. He was here to spy on you, figure out your comings and goings, find out what you're up to."
2 Samuel 3: 24-25 MSG
Note the power of the offense that Joab has taken up on behalf of first his slain brother, and now on behalf of his seemingly gullible and naïve monarch. “How could you be so stupid?? Can’t you see what he’s up to? You can’t trust anything he says!” His vision is completely clouded to the reality of the situation by his own suspicion and distrust. A loyal and dedicated warrior, who previously was willing to lay down his very life for his king, has become belligerent, disrespectful, and totally blind to God’s plan for peace and reconciliation. Taking matters into his own hands and stepping way out of his sphere of responsibility, Joab murders Abner, much to David’s utter dismay, and brings great dishonour to himself and his family. Ultimately, the whole sordid series of events ends in his demise.
So, as Anglicans who pray and desire to see God’s will accomplished in our churches, what does this story have to teach us? What are the snares that we must avoid?
From time to time, we may be asked to pray for others who are going through some very heinous situations. Perhaps there is a form of abuse involved; verbal, physical or sexual. There may also be cases of obvious manipulation and control where the person for whom we are praying is trapped in an ungodly relational web that is suffocating the very spiritual and emotional life out of them. Similarly, we are urged to pray for our rector and other parish and diocesan leaders and we may encounter alarming reports of what we consider to be grossly unjust or mean-spirited criticism of them. Over the past decade, many of us have watched our bishops and priests caricatured and publically dishonoured by those who once called them brothers and friends.
In circumstances like these, there is such a snare awaiting us - the great temptation to take up an offense on behalf of the injured parties. I well remember fervently praying for a woman and her four children who frequently had to flee their home and take refuge with us because of an abusive and alcoholic husband/father. Everything in me wanted to take a good sized two-by-four to the back of his head! Despite his claims of repentance and willingness to receive treatment, I was certain that he could not be trusted and would soon prove my suspicions to be accurate. Had God performed a massive miracle of supernatural transformation in this man, I’m not sure that I would have believed it. Like Joab, I was blinded by the offense that I had allowed to consume me. Praying a blessing for the man was virtually impossible.
Can you see that there must not be any room in our prayer life, either individually or corporately, for this kind of deception? No matter how justified it may seem, we will miss the purposes of God if we are not ruthless in staying free from the snare of being offended. Our prayers will be hindered and our vision badly obscured.
The writer of Hebrews saw the potential danger clearly:-
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:14-15 ESV
The image of a “root” is so vivid, working its way inexorably down, down into the deepest soil of our souls, and, if it’s a “root of bitterness”, it will cause untold trouble and many others will be “defiled” by it, sucked into the deception of false justice. Joab was certain that he was doing that which was in David’s best interests (even if the king couldn’t see it!) and that he was helping out God’s purposes, whereas neither could have been further from the truth!
Dear friends in Christ, as we pray for our leaders and difficult situations in our families or parishes, may I encourage us all to examine ourselves frequently by asking God the Holy Spirit to turn on His brilliant light; “Father, have I allowed any root of bitterness to set in? Have I taken up an offense on behalf of myself or others? Am I carrying any desires for revenge or ungodly vindication that are blinding me to the true purposes of God? Show me, even if it hurts!” I am utterly convinced that the Lord will hear such prayers, and illuminate by the Holy Spirit any areas that require our repentance and His healing. Be relentless in your pursuit of holiness in this! Surely then we can extol with the psalmist; “We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped!”
Father, in Jesus’ Name, I renounce the bitterness surrounding the offenses that I have taken up on behalf of others. I recognize that, if I hold on to these any longer, others in my church family will be defiled by them. Wash me clean, dear Lord, and grant that I may have greater discernment in the future when such “roots” seek to entangle me once again. Thank You for Your amazing forgiveness!
Garth V. Hunt
Praise God …
That He is sovereign over the events and circumstances in our lives.
That He is a good and loving God who is working things together for our good.
That the Creator and Ruler of the universe is also our Friend, Redeemer and Lord.
For the work God is doing in our lives – cleansing, transforming, healing, restoring and equipping.
For the reformation God is working out in global Anglicanism – and the entire Christian Church. In the midst of chaos, He is building His Kingdom and refining His bride, the Church.
For our churches, for ANiC, and for the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). For His blessing on us, for how He has led, and for the future He has planned for us.
For the many ANiC “projects” and church plants – the small, but growing congregations of faithful Anglicans – that He is adding to our number.
For faithful Anglican Primates, bishops, clergy and laity – throughout the Communion – who are standing for truth even when their stand for Christ and His Word makes them targets of attack.
Confess if needed…
A readiness to nurse our wounds and allow bitterness to fester.
Being quick to take offense and slow to forgive.
Not having grateful hearts overflowing with thanksgiving to our God.
Not being a people of prayer.
Not encouraging and regularly praying for our church, pastors, government leaders and all for those in positions of authority and influence.
Please pray…
That God would show us any bitterness that lingers in our hearts.
That we would demonstrate our faith in God’s goodness and sovereignty by cultivating thankfulness and expressing praise in the midst of loss, adversity or injustice.
That we would truly make God our dwelling place
That we would have a passion for those around us who need our Lord.
For the ministries of our churches; that we would become intentional in reaching our communities.
For Bishops Donald Harvey, Stephen Leung, Charlie Masters, Trevor Walters, Malcolm Harding and Ronald Ferris – and their families. Pray for spiritual and physical protection and renewal, for wisdom, and for a daily closer walk with God.
For our Archdeacons: the Venerables Ron Corcoran (Vancouver Island), Dan Gifford (BC), Paul Charbonneau (Ontario), Desiree Stedman (Ottawa region), Paul Crossland (Prairies), Michael McKinnon (New England, USA), and Darrell Critch (Atlantic Region & Quebec).
For ANiC clergy and their families, especially those experiencing spiritual and physical attack. May the joy of the Lord be their strength.
For those suffering under the attack of the enemy in our congregations and families. Pray for victory in Christ and healing where needed.
For new and forming ANiC congregations as they attend to the many details of organizing and launching a parish – and for other congregations considering joining ANiC.
For the ANiC congregations that have lost and are losing their places of worship. May they be filled with the joy of the Lord, and demonstrate God’s love to those who have opposed them.
For parishes involved in legal disputes.
| • |
For St Aidan’s (Windsor, ON) in its case with the Diocese of Huron. |
| • |
For St George’s (Burlington, ON), Good Shepherd (St Catharines, ON) and St Hilda’s (Oakville, ON) in dealings with the Diocese of Niagara. |
| • |
For a change of heart on the part of the leaders of dioceses pursuing ANiC parishes. May they genuinely seek to work with parishes to reach amicable, mutually beneficial settlements. |
For Anglican orphans – Biblically-faithful Anglicans in Canada who feel isolated in liberal churches and dioceses – as well as for those who feel they can no longer remain in the Anglican Church of Canada. May they find Christian fellowship and spiritual nourishment.
For the recovery of a lively orthodoxy in the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) and for those who believe they are called to remain in the ACoC to pray and work for reformation and for a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ and His inspired Word.
For the leaders of the Anglican Communion Alliance (formerly Anglican Essentials Federation), Anglican Essentials Network, and Anglican Essentials Canada as they provide support for orthodox Anglicans still within the Anglican Church of Canada.
For those in the Zacchaeus Fellowship who are giving testimony to the liberation God offers those held captive in sexual sin; for the Anglican Church of Canada to listen to their witness.
For strength and wisdom for the new Presiding Bishop of the Southern Cone, the Most Reverend Tito Zavala and for God’s blessing on the Province of the Southern Cone.
That God would continue His work in and through the Anglican Church in North America
| • |
For Archbishop Bob Duncan (and wife, Nara) |
| • |
For the other ACNA dioceses. |
For Anglican1000 and those engaged in church planting in Canada and throughout ACNA.
For orthodox Primates and bishops – especially those in the Global South – who are courageously standing for Truth. Pray for spiritual and physical protection and for discernment, grace and strength as they lead in a torn Communion. Praise God for the recent, encouraging statement from these Primates which gives hope for a strong, Biblically faithful, global fellowship within the Communion.
For growing support of the Anglican Relief and Development Fund Canada (ARDFC). For the ARDFC’s new project in the Diocese of Kindu, Congo, focused on peace-building and restoring lives and livelihoods devastated by years of war.
For the Covenant process and the realignment underway in the Anglican Communion. May the Lord clearly lead and may His will be done.
For the orthodox Primates in the Anglican Communion – especially the GAFCon primates – as they prepare for upcoming gatherings – in 2012 and 2013 of orthodox global Anglicans.
For the Archbishop of Canterbury. May he pursue God wholeheartedly and seek the wisdom and discernment he needs to fulfill his responsibilities to the glory of God.
For suffering Christians around the world in conditions of persecution, war, famine, flooding and poverty – especially those in Muslim countries who face discrimination, violence and war.
For those in areas recovering from natural disasters – both in North America and globally.
For the people of North African & Middle Eastern countries where fighting and political unrest are causing suffering and fear – especially for the persecuted minority Christian populations.
For the Sudan and a peaceful separation of the South from the North.
That God would revive us, our church and, ultimately, our nation.
For those in authority over us and who serve our country. Pray for wise decisions that honour the Lord and promote the welfare of our nation. Pray specifically:
| • |
For those in government – both for our elected leaders creating laws and for civil servants in positions of responsibility – that they would uphold righteousness. Pray in particular for the newly elected members of Canada’s parliament. |
| • |
For judges in our court system who are charged with interpreting and applying laws; |
| • |
For officers of the law & emergency response personnel who risk their lives for us |
| • |
For those who selflessly serve our country in the military as well as their families at home. |
... back to "Prayer ministry" main page
|
|
|
 |
