260510 AOC Sunday Report
Worldwide Communion
Fifth Sunday after EASTER
Rogation
Sunday
May 10, 2026
Sunday Report
Fifth Sunday after Easter
The propers are special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540’s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.
The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red-Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off. Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red-Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saint’s instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent. The Propers for today are found in the Book of Common Prayer page 175-176.
The Collect for the Fifth Sunday after Easter.
O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Epistle for the Fifth Sunday after Easter. St. James i. 22.
BE ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
The Gospel for the Fifth Sunday after Easter. St. John xvi. 23.
VERILY, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: for the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
On Point – He Maketh My Way Perfect
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters." Psalms 23:2.
Let us picture to ourselves an Eastern shepherd with his long staff in hand, leading his flock out to pasture. He does not drive his sheep forward with harsh words or cruel blows, but goes before them, calling to them in his well-known voice, and the trustful sheep gladly follow him. The fierce summer sun has parched and withered all vegetation on the surrounding hills; but the good shepherd knows a smiling, distant valley where the cool shadows play and the grass is ever fresh and green from the reviving moisture that constantly arises from the quiet pools of living water with which the valley abounds.
The road to the valley is hot and dusty and often leads over stony paths and past dangerous cliffs and thorny thickets; but at last the valley is reached, and now the panting sheep can slake their thirst at the sparkling fountains, or browse contentedly on the luxuriant grass, or stretch their weary limbs in peaceful rest under the watchful eye of their faithful and protecting shepherd. What a delightful scene! But in it we have a charming picture of the loving care and protection with which our Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ, ever provides for the wants of His sheep, His believing and devout followers. They often grow faint and weary under the burdensome tasks of life. The way to the better land often seems so long and beset with so many difficulties and dangers. Their souls grow sad and depressed, and they long for higher, better things, for eternal joy, and peace, and happiness. All the pleasure resorts of the world cannot satisfy their longing, all the boasted wisdom of the world is but a polluted fountain at which they cannot still the burning thirst of their soul crying out for God, for the living God. Then they hear the loving Shepherd-voice of their Savior calling to them : "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"; and in His blessed Word, at the open fountain of His pardoning and comforting grace, they find the soul-reviving food and drink for which they longed.
The Lord my pasture shall prepare,
And feed me with a shepherd's care;
His presence shall my wants supply,
And guard me with a watchful eye,
My noonday walks he shall attend,
And all my midnight hours defend.
We are fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s you tube links, devotions on the Prayer of the Collect and sermon notes.
Bishop Jerry creates videos on various subjects, they last just under ten minutes and this week’s videos are listed below:
Bishop Ogles
Blog:
https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com
Bishop Ogles
You Tube Channel
that is free to subscribe: all of his videos at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW3bgXBJFomPB5mZ4Oigxg
Article 19: Of the
Church
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/05/article-xix-of-thirty-nine-articles-of.html
You Tube: https://youtu.be/a83m5iZH05s
Article 20” Of the Authority of the Church
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/05/xx-of-thirty-nine-articles-of-religion.html
You Tube: https://youtu.be/xcwTvDoovaM
Articles of Religion 21: Of the Authority of General Councils.
Bishop Ogles Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/05/blog-post_5.html
Friday Devotion: The Rose of Sharon Devotional Video
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/05/youtube-video-player_8.html
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIIpYGT9NBQ&t=39s
Video Sermon Summary for Rogation Sunday
Bishop’s Blog: https://anglicanorthodoxchurch.blogspot.com/2026/05/youtube-video-player_10.html
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkvCw6dX29U
Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor
Saint Paul's Anglican
Church - Diocese of the Midwest
Anglican Orthodox Church
Suffragan Bishop of the AOC
Morning Prayer Fifth Sunday after Easter - Rogation Sunday
The Epistle. St James 1:17-21 ; The Gospel. St. John 16:5-15
Psalm 67; First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:25-31; Second Lesson: Luke 11:1-13
O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hymns # 366, 335, 362
God be merciful unto us.
Happy Mother’s Day.
Although the origin of Mother’s Day is maybe from a more sentimental time, it still is not a bad idea to remember our mothers. The traditional scripture for Mother’s Day is usually the last chapter of Proverbs. There is great merit in those words recorded so many centuries ago. Today I would like to look another direction when it comes to praising mothers and the great responsibilities they have been tasked with as one half of a whole that is the ideal that God created in the Garden. Fathers, you will get a similar charge next month on your special day.
There many times we read of the mother in the Bible. Whether it is Mary the mother of Jesus, Sarah the mother of Isaac, Hannah the mother of Samuel, Elizabeth the mother of John the baptizer, or Lois and Eunice the grandmother and mother of Timothy; all these mothers are honored in the Bible and for good reason. They were important to growth of the Kingdom of God.
I like biographies. These women, these mothers mentioned here all have a biography. Each one has a story which should inspire future generations, not only mothers, mothers to be, but also ladies who can be spiritual mothers even if they have no children of their own. In each biography something positive and edifying can be found that should inspire future generations of believers.
The bios of Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth all included a longing for fulfillment. With each woman there was no human hope that they would ever be mothers. Each one of them was barren and in the case of Sarah and Elizabeth, they were way past the child-bearing age. In Hannah’s case we read she would go on to have five more children, that in itself a great blessing to she and her husband.
From Sarah’s son Isaac would come Jacob, he would father the founders of the twelve tribes of Israel. If you follow the story and genealogy on through time this will include the coming Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Go back and read about Hannah’s son Samuel. He will eventually anoint David king of Israel. If you read the writings of David you will discover that he also writes prophecies of the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. Our psalm for today, 67, is a direct reference to the blessing that will come from and through the children of Israel.
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. 2That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. 3Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. 4O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. 5Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. 6Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. 7God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.
Now let us look at the life and times of Elizabeth, the mother of John the baptizer. She and her husband were very faithful, he was a member of the temple court. He served at the temple on a annual schedule that was selected by casting of lots. Zechariah and Elizabeth had no children, they were both past their prime, they were disappointed at having no children, and yet they faithfully served the Lord. Then while Zechariah was on duty at the temple, he is visited by the angel Gabriel who informs him of the coming birth of his son. Gabriel even told him what the boy’s name was going to be; John.
So many miraculous things were happening surrounding the great announcements of motherhood in this story. Elizabeth is blessed with a miracle pregnancy, her cousin is blessed as the one chosen to bear the Christ child, another miracle pregnancy. Notice all these interesting happenings. ‘...for with God nothing shall be impossible..’ (Referencing the pregnancy of Elizabeth many years passed child bearing age). ‘...and it came to past, that, when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost..’ “...blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb...” So many miraculous things happening at the time and all having to do with motherhood. The very blessings that we should always remember and honor our own mothers with, the best years of their lives they gave for us.
Now our final two ‘mother’ biographies. Lois and Eunice. Grandmother and mother of one of the early bishops of the new church. St. Paul reminds Timothy of the great legacy his mother and grandmother gave him. A stable, sure, godly, and peaceful upbringing, something many of our children today do not have. These two women were recognized for the wonderful ministry they provided by their lives and examples. The godly behavior, the spiritual guidance, the sure and steady way they provided for their son and grandson, all excellent examples for mothers today to follow.
Biblical biographies can provide such a wealth of encouragement, example, and much more. We can be encouraged to stay the course, to continue even in the face of what seems to be the victories of the world of evil, and yet through it all we can know that victory is ours and ‘God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. For those of us who can, let us bless our mothers this day, let us thank them for all they did and are still doing to help us lead a spiritual life of victory. For those of us who’s mothers are no longer with us, let us bless their memories. We must remember the nurture, admonition, and encouragement they gave us as we grew into adulthood.
Let us pray:
Almighty
God, our heavenly Father, who settest the solitary in families: Bless our
homes, and put far from us, we beseech thee, all bitterness, the desire of
vain-glory, and the pride of life. Fill us with faith, virtue, knowledge,
temperance, patience, godliness. Knit together in constant affection
those who, in holy wedlock, have been made one flesh; turn the heart of the
fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to the fathers; and so
enkindle fervent charity among us all, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. men
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Christ alone during Eastertide:
Roy
Yves M. Méra, Bishop of France
AOC France Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide
We are fortunate to have a sermon from the Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Orthodox Church of France and the Administrative Coordinator of Europe and Africa. As you will read, he is an excellent writer. The sermon is easy to read and provides much insight.
James 1:22-27; John 16:23b-33. Fifth Sunday after Easter – Rogation Sunday
THE COURAGE TO PREACH
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
The distressing news for Christ's followers is piling up: not only does Christ announce His departure, but He warns the group of His Apostles that they will soon be separated, left alone and isolated in a world hostile to them: They know what the world is capable of. They saw how Jesus was betrayed, abused, beaten, humiliated, crucified, killed. And since He is resurrected, they finally recognize His divinity (John 16:30): “Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.” It is a beautiful statement of faith, but they are not yet convinced of their eternal fate: they are not from God even though they are of God, and they doubt their own resurrection, as well as the assistance of the Holy Spirit in their future ministry, for they have never seriously experienced this assistance. Their real ministry hasn't even begun, so far!
In Mark 3:13-15, this assistance of the Holy Spirit was acquired even before the choice of the Twelve: “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils” Soon after, Jesus sent them on a course of discovery, but not alone in the wild (Mark 6:7): “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits” And they set about the task that Christ had given them (Mark 6:12-13): “And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.” Note in passing that they did not limit themselves to praying for the healing of the sick: they observed the rite of anointing with oil, and they were not ashamed of it. This anointing with oil was intended to show that healing did not come from the disciples, but from God Himself (1 Samuel 10:1): “Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance?” It is God who gives the anointing, through His ministers. As in every sacrament, especially in baptism, it is God in three persons who acts. And since everything God does is perfect, you can't go back on it. It is the same with Holy Communion: when Christ is present in our midst, He remains there; it can no longer be driven out (Revelation 3:20b): “... if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
But anointing with oil without prayer is worthless. It would be a lubrication, as a mechanic greases the cogs of the transmission of a car; But it's the engine that provides the power – not the oil. And the engine crankcase is filled with oil, which is not incompatible with the power that emanates from it, quite the contrary. The oil is only the material sign of the spiritual anointing given by the Holy Spirit, simultaneously. Seriously, we should not make fun of what God does, nor how He does it, as He has commanded it (1 Samuel 9:16): “To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel”
Did not Our Lord Jesus Christ allow Himself to be anointed by Mary Magdalene for His burial? (Luke 7:37-38): “And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.” The real or supposed holiness of the minister is less important than the perfect holiness of God acting in the sacrament. This is not a view frequently found in the world, even among observant Jews (Luke 7:39): “Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.” To which Jesus replies, "Sweep your own door!" (Luke 7:44-48): “And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.” And there you go! Pick that up!
Without prayer, an anointing is just an oiling, as if to prepare and facilitate a massage. Jesus tells us that the power is in God the Father, for He is Almighty (John 16:23b): “… Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” But why do we have to use the name of Jesus Christ? Because the word ‘Christ’ means and designates the One who has received the anointing. Christ is our bishop, and it is He who consecrates His elect.
And Jesus continues in verse 24: “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Stop! Wait a minute Mr. Preacher, please! What is the joy in this passage of the Gospel, at a time when the sadness of the Twelve dominates and when they are crushed by anguish and apprehension about their future, which they see all dull and black? To put it simply, if Christ will no longer be physically with them, He will be spiritually present with each of them, even left alone. Christ will make himself invisible in order to multiply Himself better. Our Lord Jesus Christ is God, and God is everywhere. Seeing Him is less important than feeling His presence and witnessing the miracles that He performs according to His will, when they are asked of Him in His name, according to the liturgical form He imposes on His disciples (John 16:26-28): “At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” What can we answer Jesus but what the Twelve said to Him in verse 30: “Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God.”
Seeing that His apostles feel somewhat comforted, Jesus goes on to tell a rather acidic truth (verses 31-33): “Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. " ye shall be scattered, each on his own” but if Christians believe in Jesus Christ, they will overcome the world as Christ overcame the same. For the peace that Jesus gives is not a temporary armistice, but on the contrary a definitive resurrection in another world of peace and love, very different from today’s world. This encourages us in our daily struggle against evil, temptation and persecution!
Having thus comforted the Twelve, Our Lord Jesus Christ begins His priestly prayer of John 17 by beginning with the promise of eternal life given to the Father's elect (John 17:1-3): “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” Curiously, Christ seems to be doubling Himself by speaking of Himself in the third person: "... and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." In this way He dictates to the Twelve a useful liturgical formula for asking and praying "in His Name". Notice in passing the delicacy of Jesus when He teaches us: far from leaving us in doubt, He suggests the required formulations, as if not seeming to give us a lesson, but in passing, without seeming to touch it. His Word is so effective by itself that He needs not to insist. And the Holy Spirit convinces the disciples directly and simply, without the need for parables, even if we love parables, just as little children love to be told stories of knights and fairy tales (John 16:25): “These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father.” The Twelve are now ready. Finally, Christ speaks to them as to adults. My friends, are you adults before Christ our only Lord and Savior? Are you old enough to be talked to like adults, and to take your own responsibilities before God, without needing to be hounded every time? Yes? Good boys and girls!
The Epistle of James exhorts us to do that, precisely: Let us assume our responsibilities by practicing not only the rites of the Church, instituted by Christ our Lord, but also by putting into practice the love that the Holy Spirit has put in us (James 1:21b-22): “… receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” Words only and void words! These are the sermons that are not confirmed by deeds. We preach by word and by our behavior, by the example of Christian life we set to others.
Let us not admire ourselves in the mirror as if to disguise what we really are, or to imitate what we ought to be: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was” (James 1:23-24). But let us give a good testimony of obedience to the Law of God, the Ten Commandments, and the Law of Love taught and applied by Christ, who submitted to them even to give His life on an ugly cross. Do you now understand what it means to "carry one's cross"? It is a matter of obeying the divine Law, far from human respect, calmly enduring jeers and mockery, with our eyes fixed on the eternity promised BY Jesus Christ, WITH Him and IN Him.
Let us honestly do all that our duty requires us to do, and we shall have the happiness of pleasing God (James 1:25): “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” Even if we don't succeed every time, we are happy to know that we have done our best to please God, like Jesus Himself did (John 8:28-29): “Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
It is not a matter of pretending, like the hypocritical Pharisees who so easily criticize the weak and the simple with their viper's tongues, without lifting a finger for them, while imagining they are perfect themselves (James 1:26): “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” Did you hear that right? Outward religiosity, or the appearance of piety, is vain. Worse still, it is a sin of pride. It does not give eternal life. Is that clear enough?
This is why James sends us to comfort these same weak and simple Christians: that is, the lonely, especially orphans and good widows (James 1:27): “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Let us rejoice with those who rejoice; Let us weep with those who mourn, but let us watch over ourselves so that we do not sin.
My friends, let us not imitate the world, but imitate Christ, our only Lord and Saviour, that we may save others by participating in the heavenly sorting of those whom the Eternal Father has chosen for His glory alone, even before the foundation of the world. Amen.
Rt. Rev. +Yves Méra, AOC Bishop for France.
The Rev. Don
Fultz
Rector of St. Peter’s AOC located in the AOC National Office
We are grateful to have this sermon today from Rev. Don Fultz fromSt. Peter’s AOC, Statesville NC
Fifth Sunday after Easter
“Christ our Great High Priest”
SERMON: ST. JOHN 16: 23 – 33
Today is Rogation Sunday four days before the ascension of Christ. These four days are set apart to bless the fields, and ask God’s mercy on all of creation. The word Rogation comes from the Latin word rogare, which means “to Ask”. Jesus uses the word ask three times in this morning’s gospel reading. He was trying to comfort His disciples and give them assurance that even though he would no longer be with them one day, they could still ask for anything by prayer to God the Father in his name.
Jesus says to them in verse 23: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” We may well believe that up to this time the disciples had never realized their Master’s full deity. They had certainly never understood that He was the one Mediator between God and man, in whose name and for whose sake they were to put up their prayers. Here they are distinctly told that henceforward they are to “ask in His name.”
So what did Jesus mean by these words to his disciples? That anything they asked for they would receive? How should they approach God in prayer? What does it mean to ask in the name of Jesus? The epistle of James helps us understand the question of what Christian prayer is not. James 4:3 tells us: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” Prayer in Jesus name is not a blank check to fulfill our worldly dreams and desires. This is what James is basically telling us.
Prayer is about asking God for guidance and direction in our daily Christian lives. It is about asking God for forgiveness of our sins and opening our hearts to receive the Holy Spirit so we can worship God in spirit and in truth.
Prayer is about asking God’s help in time of need, duress, or sickness not only in our lives but in the lives of others. Prayer is about asking God’s help to be a better disciple and witness for Christ. It is about praying for the spiritual well-being of others, especially non-believers. Finally, prayer is about giving thanks to God for all of the bountiful gifts he has bestowed on us….gift of life, family and friends, health, freedom, and the special gift of His Son who died on the cross for our sins.
How should we approach God in prayer?
1. Pray according to God’s will
We must confess that too often we utilize prayer, to try to get God to follow our will rather than asking Him to conform us to His will. We try to get Him to make our plans come to fulfillment rather than seeking our place in the fulfillment of His plan of salvation. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He gave them the Lord’s Prayer as a model (Luke 11: 1-4). The Lord’s Prayer says “Thy will be done” not your will or my will but the will of God. If your prayers are not being answered maybe it is because you are not asking according to God’s will. St. John tells us in 1 John 5:14-15 “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us; And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.”
2. Pray with Godly Passion and Purpose
Jesus always prayed with passion because He knew Who He was talking to and knew that prayer to the Father is a powerful thing and not something to take lightly. Even when He was being nailed to the cross, He prayed “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34). In the midst of his excruciating suffering, the heart of Jesus was focused on others rather than himself. A life that is lived in passionate prayer will enable us to maintain that spirit, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Passionate prayer is prayer from the heart not just the head. That is how He taught the disciples and us to pray, not only through His example, but specifically through his teachings.
In his sermon on the mount, Jesus warned his listeners not to pray like the Pharisee hypocrites. He tells us in Matthew 6, verse 5: “They love to pray standing in the Synagogues and in the corners of the streets.” He said their prayers were those of the lips and not the heart. Their purpose for praying was to be seen by men so they would be thought of as righteous and power-full. They often prayed at a set time and place each day. They could not expect any further reward because their purpose for prayer had been accomplished—they had been seen of men. It is important to note here that Jesus is not prohibiting public prayer just the Pharisee’s method and reason for praying which was to fulfill their own self-esteem.The Gentiles in Jesus day’s thought they could weary their false gods by repeating their petitions over and over. This would insult the living God who knows, without our speaking, all of our needs. Therefore, in Matthew 6, verse 7 Jesus tells us: “But when we pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.”
3. Pray with a penitent heart and a humble spirit
We should always go in prayer with a penitent heart and a humble spirit. Remember the parable that Jesus told about the Pharisee and the Publican who went to pray one day in the Temple. You can find this in Luke 18: 9-14. The Pharisee stood and prayed “God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this Publican, I fast twice in a week, I give tithes of all possess.” The Publican stood afar off, his eyes not looking into Heaven, but smote on his chest, saying, “God be merciful to me as a sinner.” Jesus said that the Publican went home exalted as he had humbled himself.
4. Pray with a spirit of thankfulness
Ephesian 5:20 tells us “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:6 says: “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Expressing gratitude for the gifts of God does several things. It shows our dependence on Him. It demonstrates our relationship with Him and shows our gratitude toward Him. It also helps us generate humility in our lives and in our petitions to God.
So what does it mean to pray in Jesus’ Name? First of all, to pray in Jesus’ name means that you pray as those who are baptized. For it is in the water that he put His name upon you and gave His name to you that you may come to the Father in prayer. In Baptism, Christ joined you to Himself and made you members of God’s family. Through Jesus, the Son of God, you now have access to the Father. God hears you just like He hears Jesus. The name of Jesus opens heaven for us. It unlocks the door to the Father’s heart. This was all possible when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, the veil was torn, and we now have direct access to God the Father in the name of Jesus.
Second, to pray in Jesus’ name means to pray with faith in what He has done to save us, to know that it is only because of what He has done that we can come before the heavenly throne with our petitions and prayers. It is to pray knowing that Christ is our sole passageway to the Father. Like Moses was for the people of Israel in the wilderness, so Jesus is our intermediary, our go between, our peacemaker with God, the Father. Just as the bronze serpent was lifted up, so our Lord Jesus was lifted up on the cross for us that everyone who looks to Him in faith may be saved from the venom of sin and be restored to fellowship with the Father.
What does the bible say about the role of faith in prayer: Heb. 11:6 says “But without faith it is impossible to please him:for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” St. Matthew tells us in Matt. 21:22: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. “Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24: “What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Thirdly, prayer begins and ends with God. He speaks His words of life into you; and then by those very words He gives you the words to pray and speak back to Him in faith, like a child who learns to speak by listening to His parents.
Prayer is as much God’s action is it is ours. When we talk about the power of prayer, we’re really talking about the power of God who teaches and moves us to pray, who hears our prayers through Christ, and who answers them as a loving Father. When we say prayer changes things, what we really mean is that the Lord changes things and changes us as He leads us to trust in Him. The one to whom you are praying counts more than what you say or who you are. For the true God, the Holy Trinity hears your prayers not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus alone has done.
Finally, prayer is answered by our heavenly Father. In case you’re unsure about God’s promise of prayer, if you’re tempted to think that your prayer won’t do any good, be reminded of Jesus’ words this morning. He says, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” God urgently invites you to come to Him as dear children to a loving Father. If earthly fathers, who are sinners, know how to give good things to their children, how much more will our Father in heaven give good things to His children who ask Him! God will never turn away a heart that trusts in Him. Even if your prayers in Jesus’ name aren’t answered immediately or in exactly the way you’d like, they will ultimately be answered “yes” in the resurrection of our bodies and the fullness of joy and peace.
So, as St. Paul exhorts us in 1 Thess. 5:17: “pray without ceasing.” We have plenty to pray for, don’t we? There are and always will be troubles and challenges in our life, as well as many temptations to lure us away from Christ. We will always need to be constantly turned to God, directed by the Holy Spirt, for guidance and grace. No one can doubt that our Lord would have all His people, at every age, understand that the secret of comfort during His absence is to be instant in prayer. He would have us know that if we cannot see Him with our bodily eyes any longer, we can talk with Him, and through Him have special access to God. “Ask and ye shall receive,” He proclaims to all His people at every age: “and your joy shall be full.”
Jesus tells his disciples and us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” The church will struggle. We will be faced with sickness, trouble, and other hardship. “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” He calls us to pray this Rogation Sunday—and we shall pray for all of our needs: for his Church, for the fruitfulness and abundances of the earth, and especially a prayer of thanksgiving for faith in Him, through whom we have access to the Father. Therefore, we pray with boldness and confidence in the name of Jesus, who has opened the door of heaven for you and I and has unlocked the Father’s heart for us.
In the name of the Father, Son, And Holy Ghost. Amen
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Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s AOC Vicksburg, Mississippi
We are always grateful to get these wonderful sermons from Rev. Bryan, they keep us on our toes!
Fifth Sunday after Easter
Do you have God’s peace? If you are a regenerate Christian it is something that you should strive to have every day. God makes the things of this life a lot better via the presence of his Spirit. In our gospel lesson we read the following passage: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (St. John 16:33). Our Lord sought to comfort the disciples so that they would not falter or lose heart. He wanted them to trust in his word and to remain strong. He knew all too well their weaknesses and their lack of faith. He, nevertheless, was aware of the victory that lay before them which they could not yet see. And so it was his words to them, and by extension to us, that have been a source of great comfort to faithful Christians since the time of our Lord’s earthly ministry.
As people of faith we believe that Jesus Christ was no ordinary man. His whole life, as the scriptures tell us, was of one miracle after another. He was born of a virgin in agreement with Isaiah 7:14 wherein the prophet wrote: ...Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. The name Immanuel means “God with us” and this was affirmed by the Council of Ephesus (431 A.D.) which referred to Mary the mother of Jesus as the theotokos or “bearer of God in the flesh.” As the Nicene Creed so states, “I believe... in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; begotten of his Father before all worlds...was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man...” His death was also miraculous in that he of his own volition, gave up the Ghost (St. John 19:30) and this was agreeable to his prophecy regarding his own death when he said, Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (St. John 10:17-18).
The resurrection and ascension of our Lord were likewise miracles that firmly established the foundation of the Christian faith. We worship not a dead prophet, or equally dead teacher or guru. We worship him who has overcome the power of death and opened the way of life everlasting to all who would believe on him. Our risen Lord speaks to us through the words of Holy Scripture. But such is predicated on our willingness to read and heed what the Holy Ghost has communicated within its pages. The comfort which our Lord gave to his disciples on the night before his crucifixion and death is also available to us.
But it is a peace that can rightly be extended only to those who believe on Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Nevertheless, there are some churches today where their congregants are— as part of their worship service— invited to communicate “the peace of God” indiscriminately to those around them. They will pause in their worship of the Godhead to engage in an exercise which for many is only “window dressing”, that is, an outward display with no real substance behind it. While some do indeed possess a sincere desire to extend God’s peace to others of their fellowship, they are often outnumbered by those who are devoid of a lively faith in Christ and have not God’s peace within themselves. You cannot communicate the peace of God if you do not have it to begin with. And you cannot receive the peace of God without a lively faith in the Godhead. All else is vanity—a show of righteousness which is done to be seen of men (St. Matthew 6:5).
And consider also the words of the apostle John who wrote in his second epistle: Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds (vv. 9-11). Ergo, only the faithful Christian has godly permission to extend the peace of God to those who are of the true faith. The Rev. Matthew Henry once warned regarding the aforementioned passages that, “Deniers of the faith are destroyers of souls... neither bid [them] godspeed, [nor attend] their service with your prayers and good wishes. Bad work should not be consecrated or recommended to the divine benediction. God will be no patron of falsehood, seduction, and sin. How judicious and how cautious should the Christian be! There are many ways of sharing the guilt of other people’s transgressions: it may be done by culpable silence, indolence, unconcernedness, private contribution, public countenance and assistance, inward approbation, open apology and defense.”
But a positive extension of God’s peace to others reveals that God is indeed working within us. He wants all who are sealed of the Holy Ghost to receive his peace into their hearts for comfort and edification. When we see a brother or sister in Christ who is suffering under a burden which the world, the flesh and the devil has inflicted upon them, then it is our duty to offer them God’s peace. As God has lifted us up so also are we to assist our fellows in the faith. Intercessory prayer is another way to assist those who are in need of a spiritual uplift. God desires that we pray for our fellows in Christ. It has been said in Scripture that, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (St. James 5:16).
Following the “last supper”, our Lord led his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. Upon arriving, he then went a short distance into the garden to pray. The words of our Lord in the garden are found in St. John 17. His prayer included the disciples as well as all who would believe on him by virtue of their witness (v.20). He prayed for their work in the world but not for the world itself which was and remains predominated by evil (vv. 6-9). He prayed for their sanctification— to receive the gift of perfect holiness— that they might be successful in the work to which they were called. In St. John 14:27 our Lord said, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. When this verse is combined with the words of our Lord in St. John 16:33, the scope and intent of our Lord becomes clearer. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.
The peace of Christ is given solely to his saints because, In the world ye shall have tribulation. The world, the flesh and the devil will work against us in our efforts to proclaim the truth of the gospel. In spite of this we are to, be of good cheer for Christ our Lord has overcome the world. He has defeated the evil one and has put down death so that all who believe on him will be partakers with him in that great victory. Therein is the real peace of God revealed but only to those who believe in him as their Saviour and Lord. And if you are of the faith, our Lord calls on you to come to him and be saved. Put your trust in him and in his word written. Take his word for comfort to your souls and then encourage others to do likewise. And may God’s peace be with you all who are in Christ Jesus and walk not according to the flesh.
Let us pray,
Father, we come before thy throne seeking your peace so that we might better serve thee in this life; and this we ask in the name of your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Have a blessed week!
Bryan+
AOC Minister at Large
Alabama
We are Fortunate today to have a sermon from Rev. David McMillian.
The Fifth Sunday after Easter
Making of Sermons Rogation Sunday, 5th S. after Easter and Making of our Lives through Sowing and Reaping
I had the privilege of talking with a gentleman in California when I was there who used to discuss things with me in the retirement home where my Dad was living. (He and his wife were both residents of the beautiful Retirement Home in Pacific Grove.) I found out later I could never win an argument /discussion as he always seemed to have an answer.
Later I found out he was the retired head of the Rhetoric dept and debate at Stanford Univ! No wonder. After several visits out there to see Dad we became friends and still discussed, but I was more prepared knowing who he was. He wrote a book recently on "The Rhetoric of the Pulpit," by Dr. Jon Ericson, and on the back he took my endorsement as a Retired Army Chaplain along with several others who had read his message and assisted in that way. One of the things he says in his book which I rather like is, "There are numerous wrong ideas about preaching...point 1-the pastor needs to come up with a great sermon every Sunday." Instead he says, "rather present YOUR sermon.
You are a particular person addressing a particular group of listeners on a particular text....So make your sermon."
Is not the making of sermons really what this Sunday of Rogation or the 5th Sunday after Easter about? Rogation comes from the Latin word, rogare which means to ask. Churches had outdoor blessings asking God to bless the crops this Sunday. Some churches still do this. But in a larger sense this Sunday is about asking, "What does God want from us?" "What should we be doing?" The making of sermons is the act of asking that very question. So, as we look at today's text from John we are asking what God says to us.
Also, as I said in one Friday Morning Prayer service another book on preaching by a famous Anglican Bishop in the US who wrote " O Little Town of Bethlehem" ---Phillips Brooks, who defines preaching as the "communication of truth thru personality" (By the way when I lived in Philadelphia. I used to walk by his old church there in the inner city, Trinity Church.) Yes, the preacher's personality of course is there, but also the personality of those whom the priest is preaching to. If you were to hear sermons that were so difficult to understand, then they would be a waste mostly of time. I was once in a church where the speaker was speaking six levels above every one there.
Needless to say no-one got much out of it actually and sadly. Perhaps the pastor got more out of it than the people at that point . He was very learned and knew a lot , but he used words that did not reach the people who were there listening. Also the pastor was doctrinally excellent, but somehow that did not help the people understand any better.
1. Today the Gospel again talks about peace. "These things I have spoken to you that in me ye might have peace." John 16:33 "quietness, rest..."Probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity -- one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again." in Strong's. To set at one again gets to the root doesn't it? The idea of concord, perhaps inner concord is another way of saying it.
It is true that people today spend a lot of money trying to find peace. Nations do it. They prepare for peace through strength is said. People go to counselors and sometimes take medicine to find inner peace. These things are well and good. Finding quiet is a good way to know peace. I employ the mute button very often in seeing TV. Knowing boundaries with others that may be troublesome people is sometimes also necessary.
Acceptance of God's will if we would submit to it is also an item of personal peace in this world. The practice of loving forgiveness toward others especially in a community is also important. I have seen that. Some have not practiced but I see growth which is a positive direction.
2. Peace is possible. Jesus said in this text, "IN ME, ye might have peace." Well there is the rub. In ME, not in our money, our job, our success or lack thereof, or our family relationships. IN ME, Jesus says ye might have peace. This needed emphasis does it not?
We know Romans 5:1 we have peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, but what does Jesus mean here? I do not think he is talking about just salvation which is guaranteed by God and sealed by our faith and the Holy Spirit of God.
3. Lastly the subjunctive tense of the verb is used in the "might have peace," not talking about our salvation as in Romans but this is conditional. Based on what? Just as our faith can vary in situations and our trust, so can our peace be varied as well. Peace is conditioned on faith and trust in God. It is not automatic.
We have all been thru times when our faith was tested in some way. We could not see the final outcome. But we were hoping and trusting that by our faith, that is given in God to us by the Holy Spirit we would have peace, even though our boats were being rocked and tossed in the difficult times of our lives. It is true we do not often feel peaceful, yet we are called to this feeling because as Jesus said, " In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
What is God calling us to have peace about even though we are going through deep waters and trials? Jesus said he gives His peace, not as the world gives. Let not your hearts be troubled or afraid. We should on this " Asking Sunday" (Rogation) be asking Him for this in our situations and lives.
What a better way to close this message for the 5th Sunday after Easter than the beautiful and inspiring prayer from Evening Prayer in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer:
A Collect for Peace.
O God , from whom all holy desires, all good counsels and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee , we being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. "
David D. Mc Millan+,
Pastor, & Chaplain (Major)
US Army, ret.
I have received updates from a few and those will be the first added to the list. Please send all prayer requests and updates to aocworldwide@gmail.com for future reports. If you would like to be removed from list just respond with remove in the subject line.
Prayer Needed:
Kristen – complicated foot surgery and recovery
Yves Mera: Temporal Vascular Accident – pray for services and treatment guidance
Betty Davis: stroke, hospitalization and praying for complete recovery
Deborah Johns – out of ICU, still in hospital – heart issues – pray for heart strength & strong blood oxygen levels
Ben Hancock – treatment for colon cancer
Rev. Geordie: needs prayer for medical issues
Debbie Grimes: colon cancer - surgery
Man, who is a friend of many – Brain Cancer
Bobby Effinger – recovery from heart surgery and ongoing heart issues
Steven – recovering from surgery on scar tissue compressing his Spinal Accessory Nerve
Brannon – hospitalized due to chronic unknow source of muscle spasms – 3 year old
Rency – 2 year old suffering from RETTS Syndrome
Joseph Broddie – recurring throat cancer
David Williams – serious cardiac issues – pray for David and wife Sherie for coping with changes
Jack Williams – had to enter long term care due to vascular dementia – pray for wife Karen
Audrey Beebe – For the Family who are mourning her passing.
Colby Landry - cancer. Please pray for his wife, Leah and their family at this time of trial.
Persecuted Christians - subject to persecution and imprisonment for their faith.
Bobby Bryan - suffering with cancer and cardiac issues.
For an increase in the true faith in Jesus Christ here and across the globe.
USA – Leaders, citizens, military, first responders – President Trump & all Cabinet Members Safety
David – needing Hip transplant
Bobby Bryan – cancer and cardiac issues
Ophelia – crippling arthritis pain
Dennis Potrikus - fall with bad knees – recovering his rehab
Donna – ongoing radiation and Chemotherapy. Pray for successful remission
Roy – Bulging disc – upcoming surgery
Michelle – metastasized lung cancer – treatment stopped due to low hemoglobin- pray increase in
Sue – Praise the Lord – she rented her house and traveling mercies to return to NC
Dave – COPD – breathing issues – getting used to using oxygen – shortness of breath
Extended Issues need continued prayer;
Laurie with long Covid Symptoms - Extreme exhaustion, heart palpitations, breathing problems and unstable blood pressures are constant worries causing depression to settle in.
Malcom Allred – Cancer Treatment
Keep Praying for the following:
Shamu-health issues, Jan Jessup-neuro dementia, AOC USA, AOC Missions - Myanmar,
Harper-IBS, Jim Sevier- God’s
Peace, Linda –
multiple myeloma, Donna-chemotherapy,
Alicia-caregiver, Sophie, Colin and Lori Beall –
cancer, Toni – remission
praise God,
Donna - cancer, Malou –
cancer, Archie- CHF, Eloise, Janice, Dakota, Katie, The Holifield's,
Bobby, Effie, Marilee, Myra Cox, Faye Miller,
Quotes to Ponder:
Many prayers have missed the mark
and been in vain because they were not combined with careful vigilance. There
are many sad failures in the Christian life because watchfulness failed. The
Devil’s easiest target is a sleepy Christian. Many Christians have lost their
souls because they failed to stay alert to Satan’s attacks. Eternal vigilance
is the price of political liberty. No less a price must be paid for our
spiritual safety.
The Rev. E. M. (The Guide to
Spiritual Warfare, p. 146).
The supreme authority of the
Bible... is one of the cornerstones of our system. Show us anything plainly
written in that book, and however trying to flesh and blood, we will receive
it, believe it , and submit to it. Show us anything, as religion, which is
contrary to that book, and however specious, plausible, beautiful, and
apparently desirable, we will not have it at any price... Give us rather a few
plain texts. If the thing is not in the Bible, deducible from the Bible, or in
manifest harmony with the Bible, we will have none of it... Here is rock: all else
is sand.
The Most Rev. J. C. Ryle– 19th century Anglican bishop and author (Knots
Untied, p. 4).
The wickedness of men before
conversion is no bar to their regeneration and reconciliation to God. The blood
of Christ and the washing of regeneration can purge away all guilt and
defilement.
The Rev. Matthew Henry - 17th and 18th century English pastor and author.
Salvation is an act of the grace of
God working by faith in the hearts of His people. Though it would be a most
glorious event to have all nations become one in Christ, that cannot happen
under the present world and political economy. God's elect are separate from
the world, and must remain so. Only when Christ returns and the Kingdoms of
this world are One in Him can such a sentiment be realized.
The Most Rev. Jerry L. Ogles– 20th and 21st century Anglican Orthodox Presiding Bishop (excerpt taken from his commentary on a hymn
entitled, THY KINGDOM COME, O LORD, WIDE-CIRCLING AS THE SUN 2-28-23)
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