Let Us Pray + Prayers for the Nation

January 19, 2021

Dear Hearts,
Our Bishops of Connecticut,  +Ian Douglas, and +Laura Ahrens, have invited all of us to join them, and the clergy of our Cathedral and Hartford parishes, in a time of collective prayer for our nation and our state capitols.  Here's part of the invitation:
As Christians following the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ, we are compelled to pray and work for peace, with justice, for all. On Tuesday, January 19, at 5 p.m., the eve of the Inauguration, we call on the people and parishes of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut to join us via Zoom in
“A Time of Prayer for the Nation.” 
We can join this time of prayer on Zoom by clicking here.  In case you are asked, the Meeting ID: 983 6209 3080, and Passcode: Prayer2021.  You can find the service bulletin here. 
  
Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
 Baby Jack, Patrick and family, Felipe,  Diane L,
Jim R, Jason, and Philip; and for
Buster, Jimmy C, Dale,  and all who are contending
 with Covid-19 disease;
for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts;
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 all who have died;
including the over 399,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.
 
Look with favor, O Lord, on
Raysa Cabrejo and RT Trotter
as they celebrate their birthdays;
may they continue to grow in grace and wisdom.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Richard D, Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S,  Michael M,  Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, 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, and Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, 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 harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share.  Names will move to the longer term list upon request. 
 
Wednesday's Order of Evening will include readings and prayers for our nation and the newly inaugurated  President and Vice President.  The livestream of the service begins before 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford.

Thursday Bible Study continues January 21 at 9:30a.m. with the Exodus story of Moses and the "king who did not know Joseph".  Join the conversation via Zoom.  There are no prerequisites or homework!

Our experiment continues -- keeping the side door, closest to the Guild Room, unlocked between 10a.m. and dusk.  This  provides an opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, as well as to pick up from the chancel table your 2021 Offering Envelopes, and a candle stub to light during prayers at home.

And another thing: On Sunday January 17, I preached Part B of the day's sermon during the Garden Service:  (It was so grand to gather together in the winter sun!)  While Nathanael may have had his epiphany of Jesus as "Son of God" and "King of Israel," Jesus provides another vivid epiphany for us.  Drawing on Jacob's vision of angels ascending and descending, Jesus describes himself as the ladder, the means for our connection with God, saying, "...you will see ... angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man."(John 1.51)  With these words, Jesus vividly describes his Incarnate role as mediator between God and humanity.  That's how seriously God takes us; that's how much God loves us.
O God, who wonderfully created,
and yet more wonderfully restored,
the dignity of human nature. 
Grant that we may share the divine life of him
who humbled himself to share our humanity,
your Son Jesus Christ ... Amen.
BCP, p. 214
 
May the Light of this season of Epiphanies
be with you and yours,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector