Let Us Pray + Angels' Ladder

July 21

If I climb up to heaven, your are there;*
if I make the grave my bed, you are there also.
If I take the wings of the morning*
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there your hand will lead me*
and your right hand hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-11, BCP version
Dear Hearts,
      Contrary to the popular spiritual, and the psalm (above) appointed to go with Sunday's reading from Genesis(89:10-19a), we are not climbing Jacob's Ladder.  Angels were climbing up and down ladders between heaven and earth in Jacob's dream/vision; they are carrying our messages/prayers to God,and returning God's responses to earth. This was depicted vividly on the facade of Bath Abbey in the early 1500's:  to the left of the central window angels were carved climbing a ladder toward God at the top; andto the right very carefully returning to earth.
The individuality of the angels perhaps reflects our individuality in prayer before God.  The monks who built the Abbey, thought that was a good thing.
 
Our prayers are asked for ----
All who are ill including, Ann B, Margaret S, and Michael M;
for Dale; Sarah, Toby & Lucy K and all others contending
with Covid-19 disease,
 and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.
 
For the repose of John Lewis, Hildy Jones, 
and Jean Landon Smith;
and the over 140,000 of our fellow citizens,
 who have died of the coronavirus;
Remember your servants, O Lord,
according to the favor you bear unto all your children.

Let us join the Rae family's thanksgivings for 
Annie & Jim's  wedding anniversary.
Grant that they continue to love, honor and cherish,
each other, that they may know your blessing and peace.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Richard L, Richard, D, Dave K, Brian A, Emily L, Tim H, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H,  Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl,  Michael S, Joanne N-R,  Madeline H, Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, Bob vM, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, Lois T, and Jo B.
Please also remember:  St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti).

To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share.  Names will then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. 

Wednesday Evening Prayers this week, will take as its theme the witness of St. Mary Magdalene to our Lord's resurrection; she was the first apostle -- the first person sent to tell the Good News.that Christ had been raised from the dead.  July 22nd is her feast day.  You can join the service on www.facebook.com/cecguilford 

Thursday Bible Study ... continues with the saga of Jacob, who has met and married his wives Leah and Rachel.. This week's chapter may lead us to ask if he's clever or deceitful or just blessed.  Feel free to participate as your schedule allows.  No homework and no prerequisites!  We meet for an hour via Zoom on Thursday mornings at 9:30a.m.  Here's the link..

The Psalms are a helpful pattern for candid prayer to God.  In tomorrow's psalm for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, there seems to be a prayerful internal dialogue happening.  Surely Mary Magdalene knew these verses by heart, and if you'll forgive a reference from musical theater, they seem to describe her character's inner turmoil.  We could do worse than follow her example:
I pour out my soul when I think on these things:*
how I went with the multitude
and led them into the house of God,
With the voice of praise and thanksgiving,*
among those who keep holy-day.
Why are you so full of heaviness, O my soul?*
and why are you so disquieted within me?
Put your trust in God;*
for I will yet give thanks to him,
who is the help of my countenance, and my God..
Psalm 42:4-7, BCP verson
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR
 
p.s. If you received a message over my name and address asking for an urgent favor, I trust you immediately deleted it.  The email address did not include my middle name.  My professional and personal email addresses all include my middle name.