Grace Anglican Parish PG BC
2640 Goheen Street V2N 4V9 Prince George, BC, Canada

Monday, November 23rd, 2020 Daily Prayers Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100 Readings: Psalm 106:1-18; Zechariah 10:1-12; Luke 18:15-30; Galatians 6:1-10... Collect 394 ‘Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King, grant that the peoples of the earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.’ Reflection on Luke 18:15 30 from Peter Zimmer Perhaps you remember the old Jack Benny routine: MUGGER: Your money or your life! (Impatiently.) Hey Buddy, your money or your life! (Waving his gun.) I said, your money or your life! JACKBENNY: I'm thinking! I'm thinking! I wonder what Jack Benny would have said to the words we find in Luke, beginning with today’s reading: When Jesus heard this, he said to him, ‘There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. (Luke 18.22) Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, ‘Look, half of my possessions, Lord, I will give to the poor; and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.’ (Luke 19.8) It’s tempting to treat scripture as a book of rules, to be taken literally. The problem is that the rules seem to change. Zacchaeus, whose story comes just after the rich young ruler only gives half his possessions away. Perhaps what we wish is not that someone would explain the rules, but that they would explain them away. But Jesus won’t let us off easily. The challenge isn’t about what he requires but whose we are. As Christians we are not our own, we are God’s. These passages only make sense from the perspective of stewardship, about caring for what we have. In the end, to follow Jesus is to acknowledge that everything we have and are belongs to God and is at God’s disposal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWJjdOO1aeQ&t=19s

Monday, November 16th, 2020 Daily Prayers Margaret, Queen of Scotland, Helper of the Poor, 1093 Readings: Psalm 89:1-18; Habbakuk 2:1-4, 9-20; Luke 16:19-31; James 2:14-26... Coll 392 Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of the world. Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us, and bring us to eternal light and joy; through the power of him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Reflection: Take some time in silence to consider the readings. Silence and listening takes practice. Habakkuk 1. 1-2.1 from Alexis Saunders O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Habbakkuk 1.2 Habakkuk was a minor prophet after the Babylonians, (Chaldeans) overthrew Israel and continued to conquer neighbouring countries. Habakkuk cried out against God; how could God let this happen? He climbs to his watchpost, a place high up with a view, to see far across the countryside to get another perspective; to have a conversation with God. Jerusalem had been destroyed and the people were caught in moral and religious bewilderment. In the end Habakkuk writes a little book of 3 chapters filled with truths that can be our guide through our cry for help with the challenges we face today. 1. History has meaning when we step back and take a long view and see events through the eyes of faith. 2. To have a moral core is as necessary for nations as it is for individuals. 3. Wealth is treacherous as a basis of human dependence for security. 4. God can bring goodness out of evil. 5. Trust in God is the only sure basis of strength. It takes multiple reflective readings to discover the truths in Habakkuk. I encourage you to take time with this little book that is filled with so many truths about life and for living. Alexis

Saturday, November 14th, 2020 Daily Prayers Readings Psalm 87, 90; Joel 3:9-17; James 2:1-13; Matthew 9:35-38; or Luke 18:1-8... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGPM0nDEDfQ Coll 391 Eternal God, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning, grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Matthew 9:35-38: The Harvest Is Great, the Labourers Few 35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’ Reflection from Ken Ponsford When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. It’s easy to ponder whether Matthew is describing conditions in ancient Palestine, or in present day developed western nations. Perhaps the description is of some sort of universal human condition. Whichever of the possibilities it describes, one can’t help but wonder also just who or what are the labourers to be asked for, and what is the harvest they are to gather. Are we the labourers? Is the harvest something like what James describes in his warning against partiality: Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6But you have dishonoured the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? 7Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you? 8.You do well if you really fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ So, it keeps coming back to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. American Standard Version

Saturday, November 21st, 2020 Daily Prayers Readings: Malachi 3.13-4.6; James 5.13-20; Psalm 107.33-43; Luke 18.9-14... Collect ‘Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of the world. Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us, and bring us to eternal light and joy; through the power of him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.’ Reflection on James 5. 13-20 by Denise Boulanger Prayer is a powerful tool. Today’s reading from James is a great reminder for us that we all need to do a lot more of it on a more regular basis. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (English Standard Version) Do you believe in the power of prayer? There have been many studies done in hospitals where certain wards or patients were prayed for by strangers while others were not. The patients who were prayed for healed quicker than those who were not. When our son Lorn was 4 and a half he became very sick. We had no idea of what was wrong with him. He was sent to Children’s Hospital in Vancouver with a suspected case of Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome which is a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. Although we had never heard of this before, it was something that we were able to learn all about very quickly. The Doctors at Children’s Hospital said that Lorn would be in Vancouver for 6 to 12 months learning to walk and talk again, but with the power of prayer and the determination and belief of that young boy, he was able to walk out of the hospital one week later returning home. This past Sunday, at Grace, we restarted having the Order of Saint Luke pray for those who requested prayer during our communion time. This was something that had dropped by the wayside a while ago but I am very happy that it has been started again. I hope that more people accept the offer to have others pray for them during communion. Although we can not lay hands on each other, prayer can still be very powerful. In this day and age, prayer is needed now more than ever.

As per Dr. Bonnie Henry, all in person worship and services have been suspended until at least December 7th. We will be posting our worship services on YouTube and Facebook as we were when the pandemic started. If we follow Dr. Henry's suggestions to the letter we will be able to flatten the curve and return to Church soon! Stay safe and if you need to connect please do so! We are all still available for a phone or video chat to help everyone stay connected.

Friday, November 13th, 2020 Daily Prayers Readings: Psalm 88; Joel 2:28-3:8; Luke 16:1-9; James 1:16-27... Collect 391: Eternal God, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning, grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Reflection from Trev Whiting And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly (or prudent). And Luke says, on behalf of Jesus, it’s okay to stick it to the man, ‘cuz’ at the end of the day he’ll thank you, but you’re still canned. Huh? A strange and difficult parable with many wild thoughts that needs some taming. Assuming that squandering suggests inept management, why hasn’t the manager been told to clear out his desk and security called, to escort him out of the building? Yikes, it just can’t be the whole story. Perhaps? it’s a metaphorical tale of doing what’s right you know the drill, faith in God, love of neighbour, righting wrongs, trust and Jesus teaching that, the Kingdom of God is within you. God is the absentee landlord and a disciple is the dishonest manager. The disciple knows very well that he is not to charge interest, considered usury, on any debt involving fellow Jews. The disciple, in his humanity has not been a good steward of God’s many gifts, not sharing with neighbour, not being honest with others, lending money only when and where a profit is seen, living fat and sassy on his gains. Suddenly he has an epiphany, an awakening if you will, realizing he truly is, the Jerk of the week, then sets out to seek redemption from his yielding unto temptation. So off he treks, seeking out those to whom he has wronged, those he has cheated, lied to and those to whom he did good only when expecting much in return. verse 13. no slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. To those whom he loaned money, he deducted all the interest, to those whom he hurt, cheated and lied to, he asks forgiveness, and to his God, his master, he promised to be a man of integrity and grace, serving community and Temple. The Dishonest Manager has returned to the fold, a much wiser and spirit filled disciple, and God the master in the great somewhere, can’t help but to smile. (OK, your turn to discern). I Believe I believe for every drop of rain that falls a flower grows I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows I believe for everyone that goes astray Someone will come, to show the way I believe I believe I Believe, as sung by Frankie Laine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDMYMbj8_4A

Friday, November 20th, 2020 Daily Prayers Edmund, King of East Anglia, Martyr, 870 Psalm 102; Malachi 3:1-12; Luke 18:1-8; James 5:7-12... Collect 392 ‘Almighty God, you sent your Son Jesus Christ to be the light of the world. Free us from all that darkens and ensnares us, and bring us to eternal light and joy; through the power of him who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.’ Reflection from Ken Ponsford After hearing and processing Dr. Bonnie Henry’s new directives yesterday afternoon, I really appreciated today’s readings. The opening verse of Psalm 102 seemed to be my own words said in the cadences of a different time: 1 Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you. Please, not isolation again, Lord! Please, not the closing of the church again, Lord! was my immediate reaction. I knew, though, in both my heart and my mind that what Dr. Henry is telling us to endure yet again is true and is necessary and will pass like all trouble. The reading from James reinforced what my sad heart and mind knew. 7 Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! 10As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. Be patient; be strong of heart; do not grumble against one another; take courage from the endurance of those who have gone before, such as Jobthey have seen the purpose of the Lord. The purpose of the Lord! The closing verses of the psalm remind us so well: 25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 26 They will perish, but you endure; they will all wear out like a garment. You change them like clothing, and they pass away; 27 but you are the same, and your years have no end. 28 The children of your servants shall live secure; their offspring shall be established in your presence. The children of your servants shall live secure; their offspring shall be established in your presence. We can do this, Folks! Thanks be to God!

Thursday, November 12, 2020 Daily Prayers Charles Simeon, Priest, 1836 Readings:... Psalm [83] or 23, 27; Joel 2:21-27; Luke 15:1-2, 11-32; James 1:1-15 Collect 391: Eternal God, who caused all holy scriptures to be written for our learning, grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Reflection on Luke 15:11 32 from Karen Dougan The Prodigal Son We might well call this parable the Lost Son , for as with two other similar parables, the lost sheep and the lost coin, the premise put simply is something precious is lost then found, and the glory in that. In this story, the father represents God. We see a gentle loving father working hard to provide for his children now and into their future. One of his sons is not satisfied with the traditional arrangement and tells his father he wants his inheritance at once. He has plans of his own. Sound familiar? This father (Our God) doesn’t say, No! He doesn’t sit the son down for a sensible discussion. He just complies. This might give us pause until we remember that God has given us free will. He has already written the rules for being a true child of God. There are 10 of them. The lesson must play out. This son takes himself as far away from his tradition as possible. He turns his face away from God and becomes the prodigal - wastefully extravagant, totally self indulgent - man. It doesn’t go well. After he had squandered everything and is forced to become a hired hand, he begins thinking clearly. Wisely he decided to go home, ask his father for forgiveness, offer to become his servant, he knows he is unworthy. He just needs to be with his father where things are right. The father rejoices at his return. The older brother is wondering ‘Hey, what about me? I’ve always been here and faithful.’ The father quickly corrects this wrong thinking when he says, Everything I have is yours, but we must rejoice because that which was lost has been found. This profound lesson goes with us everyday. When we turn our faces away from God. We are all sinners by what we have done and what we have left undone, and our selfish ways. Things do not sit right for us. We pray for forgiveness and run for cover under God’s protective shelter. There, and only there can we find the peace that ‘passes all understanding’. This parable has so many lessons for us. God’s love for us, his wayward children; His constant willingness to forgive us our sins when we repent; and His unbelievable mercy continue to show us the right way. Thanks be to God.