Let Us Pray + Morning After the Storm

August 5, 2020
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make us the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring us courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
 
- Adapted from A New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
 
Dear Hearts,
     I hope this finds you safe and with power this morning!  According to the morning report from our First Selectman, most of Guilford is without power, and there are tree limbs down all over.  Our buildings do have power.  Please feel free to come and charge your telephones and use the Parish Hall WiFi.   The Parish Hall doors will remain unlocked until 8p.m.
     Aside from some significant wind pruning of our trees, and an arborvitae at a rakish angle over the driveway, the Parish's properties apparently came through yesterday's storm unscathed.  
 
Our prayers are asked for ----
All who are ill including,
Charlie K, Elena P, and Ann B:
for Dale 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 Joan Ahrens,
Bishop Laura's mother:
and for the over 156,000 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 send up prayers of thanksgiving for the 99th birthday of
Charlie K
Watch over your servant, O Lord, as his days increase;
bless and guide them; and may your peace abide with him all the days of his life.

In gratitude, for our InReach Team led by Susan Leonard
and all who organized and delivered bread,
to celebrate Jesus' Feeding the 5,000,
We thank you for calling us to tasks that require our best efforts,
and leading to accomplishments that delight us.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Margaret S, Michael M, Richard L, Richard, D, Dave K, Brian A, Emily L, 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, fall on the Eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration.  So our hymns, reading and prayers will celebrate this mountaintop revelation of Jesus as God's Beloved Son.  You can join the service onwww.facebook.com/cecguilford .  A service bulletin will be available later today here.
This evening's service will conclude our summer offerings of this service; it will resume mid-September.

Thursday Bible Study ... has begun its summer vacation, and will resume in mid-September.

This "Let Us Pray" letter will next appear  on Tuesday, August 18.  As previously announced, I will be taking a "Reading Fortnight" beginning tomorrow, August 6.  This will take the place of my usual Continuing Education leave at Yale and Sewanee.  At the same time, I'm aware that some are already, or soon to begin, a new academic adventure.  So, let us pray for all who are involved in any educational endeavor: 
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom:
Enlighten by your Holy Spirit
those who teach and those who learn,
that, rejoicing in the the knowledge of your truth,
they may worship you and serve you
from generation to generation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.. Amen.
For Education, BCP, p. 261
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR