SPIRIT ABLAZE: A podcast of the Northeast GMC

Day 18 of "27-Day of Prayer & Fasting" with Rev. Eugene Liddick

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Eugene Liddick and I am the Presiding Elder of the Pennsylvania Central (Harrisburg) district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 18 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 11 churches of the Pennsylvania Central district are located in the central part of the state of Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers run through this part of the state. What I love about our district is traveling along these rivers to be with pastors and to go to the churches where they serve. Our churches are:
▪ Baughman Church▪ Browns Church▪ East Salem Community Church▪ Locust Run Church▪ Mt. Gilead Church▪ Otterbein Global Methodist Church of East Salem▪ Snyder's Church▪ Thompsontown Methodist Church▪ Trinity GMC of New Kingstown▪ Turkey Valley Church▪ Young's Church of Mechanicsburg
Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. We in the Pennsylvania Central district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Psalm 63:1-4:
1  You, God, are my God,    earnestly I seek you;I thirst for you,    my whole being longs for you,in a dry and parched land    where there is no water.2  I have seen you in the sanctuary    and beheld your power and your glory.3  Because your love is better than life,    my lips will glorify you.4  I will praise you as long as I live,    and in your name I will lift up my hands.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Worship, passionate worship, comes from a place of earnest need for God. Once that need for God’s presence is met, once that deep thirst has been quenched, praise flows from lips that once were parched. Center your prayers this day on the worship experience at your church. Pray for those who lead worship, that God’s Spirit will use them to touch the hearts of others. Pray for our worship leaders at Annual Conference, too. For they seek to bring us into God’s presence through their gifts. 
Today’s Suggested Prayer
As the deer pants for the water, O God,our souls thirst after you.As we come to worship you this Lord’s Day,lead us and guide us to your holy hill,bring us together with joyful conversationto the place of prayer.Grant that we would hear your Word,with the understanding of your Spirit.that we would sing your praiseswith the voices of your heavenly host.Prepare us through this day’s worship on earth,to participate in the unending praise around your throne.We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of these 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 17 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Rick LaDue

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 
My name is Rick LaDue and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Rochester district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 17 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 7 churches of the New York Rochester district are located in the western part of the state of New York surrounding the city of Rochester.  I grew up here and I love the unique geography that includes the port on Lake Ontario, the locks along the Erie Canal and the waterfalls and rapids that make up the Genesee River.  I respect the rich history here where two civil rights leaders, Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony, lived and transformed America.  And, if you’ve never had a garbage plate, well, you need to stop in and find out what you’ve been missing.  (Also, to be honest, I could do without the winters.)  What I love about our district churches is that we are all like-minded in orthodox theology.  There is unity in having survived the disaffiliation process together and come out healthier on the other side.
Our churches are Clyde, Farmington, Hamlin, Kendall, North Ontario, Rose and Webster (where I serve).  Please pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Rochester district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Matthew 6: verses 5-8:
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Prayer is for God’s ears, not so that other people will hear and admire our fine words. Polished language and long, babbling prayers are not what God desires. Powerful prayer is often prayer done in secret. Center your prayers this day on those who will be praying behind the scenes at Annual Conference. Pray for spiritual strength for those volunteers on the Northeast Conference Prayer and Intercession Team. You may not always see them, for they will often be in the rooms at Conference dedicated to prayer, but they will be praying for you.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
O God, who hears before we ask,lift up those called to the ministry of prayer at Annual Conference.Grant boldness and courageto those who will stand in the gap,to those who will intercede for others,Grant that they will pray with authority,yet humbly recognize the source of all spiritual power.Give them the faith to know that you hear,and the trust to know that your will shall be done.Clothe them with the full armor of God,so that the flaming darts of the evil one do not harm them.This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 16 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey with Rev. Jack Ford

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Jack Ford and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Rome district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 16 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 11 churches of the New York Rome district are located in the central and northern parts of the state of New York.  What I love about our district is, first of all the beauty of central and northern NY can’t be beat, the Mohawk Valley and the Adirondack Foothills are some of the most beautiful places in NY State. I also love the fact that some of the churches in our district are churches I have known all throughout my 21 years in ministry and I like that I already have a good working relationship with them and their pastoral leadership. I am also grateful for the opportunity to meet and work with new congregations and leaders like those I have met in the Northern part of NY - Our churches are Kendrew Methodist Church, DeKalb Methodist Church, Ava Hilltop Church, Boonville Methodist Church, CenterPoint Church, Church of Cold Brook, Floyd Methodist Church, Hannibal Methodist Church, Mount Pleasant Church, Salisbury Community Church, and Stittville Methodist Church. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Rome district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Philippians 4:4-6: 
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Paul’s repeated encouragement is to rejoice always, at all times, in every situation. The Lord is indeed near, and the nearness of that presence should calm all anxiousness. Center your prayers this day on becoming a person of rejoicing, one who is not anxious, one who has the peace of God, and one who shares it.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (Prayer of St. Francis, from Our Great Redeemer’s Praise, Copyright © 2022 by Seedbed. #706.)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love.Where there is injury, pardon.Where there is doubt, faith.Where there is despair, hope.Where there is darkness, light.Where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master, grant that I may not so muchseek to be consoled as to console,not so much to be understood as to understand,not so much to be loved as to love;for it is in giving that we receive,it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,it is in dying that we awake to eternal life. Amen.
~St. Francis of Assisi
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 15 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. PJ Pasieka

Greetings in the name of Christ. 
My name is P.J. Pasieka and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Jamestown district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 15 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The Eleven churches of the New York Jamestown district are located in the Western part of New York.  What I love about our district is the love, partnership, support  and friendship we have among our pastors and leaders. It is a great feeling to know that, while we are serving in different locations and contexts, we are all on the same team, striving to make and equip disciples of our Lord, Jesus. 
The churches of the Jamestown district are: Bemus Point, Charlotte Center, East Randolph, Gerry, Grace Gathering, Kidder Memorial, Little Valley/Bridge of Hope, Napoli, Park Church, Trinity Church, and Wheeler Hill. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Jamestown district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May.  We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in all of us. 
Today’s Scripture passage is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22, where the Apostle Paul writes this…
12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Paul encourages the church to get along when it gathers. He asks that those who work hard for the church be acknowledged by the church. He encourages patience, a diligence in doing good for each other, and ceaseless prayer and thanks. Center your prayers this day on those who will lead during Annual Conference in May. Pray for Bishop Leah Gregory and Conference Superintendent Steve Taylor, and all those who will preach and teach before the gathered church. Pray that their hard work will be rewarded with a rich harvest.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
O Lord, as your Spirit anointed your servants through the ages, setting them apart for the divine tasks to which you called them, so send your Spirit now upon those who will step out into the public places of Annual Conference. Anoint Bishop Leah Gregory, and Conference Superintendent Steve Taylor, and all those called to share your message of hope with the people of the Northeast Annual Conference.
Open the hearts and minds of those they will serve, so that your Spirit not be quenched, and so that the words of their mouthsand the meditations of their hearts,are acceptable in your sight,and edifying to your people.
This we ask in the name of Christ. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Devotional for April 24, 2025 with Rev. Steven Taylor

Nothing you've done for Jesus is ever wasted. Listen as Rev. Steven Taylor offers thanks and encouragement, with the reminder that your labor in the Lord is never in vain.
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."  —1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Day 14 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. Matt Rowe

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Matt Rowe, and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Elmira District in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 14 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The eight churches of the New York Elmira District are located in the southern, central part of the state of New York. What I love about our district is that all of our churches, no matter their size, come to the Global Methodist Church with a deep, bold commitment to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with their communities. They are led by pastors who are deeply committed to God’s Word, and to loving their people well. 
Our churches are Avoca Methodist Church, Caton Methodist Church, Cuba Methodist Church, Germany Hill Church, Hammondsport Methodist Church, Jenksville Methodist Church, McKendree Church, and Mitchellsville Methodist Church. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe. 
We in the New York Elmira District are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Acts 16:25-34:
25  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  26  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.  27  The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped.  28  But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”
29  The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.  30  He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31  They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”  32  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house.  33  At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.  34  The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
Paul is in prison, yet is praying and singing. Other prisoners were listening. When an earthquake opens the doors and loosens the chains, it seems a God-given opportunity to be free. Yet, Paul does not escape. The open door he seeks is one through which the message of Christ may freely pass. Paul, instead, sets the jailer free, baptizing him and all his household. Center your prayers this day on those who dare to boldly witness to Christ, regardless of their personal circumstances. Pray for God to use the unique circumstances of every person in the Northeast Annual Conference as a platform from which to stand and clearly proclaim the Gospel.
Today’s Suggested Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God,we thank you for the testimony of the Apostles,and for all the unnamed saints and martyrswho now surround us as a great cloud of witnesses.You called them to preach the Gospel,and gave them power to be your witnesses to the ends of the earth.They have handed down to us this precious legacy of faith.Renew in us that ancient call,and give us the hope of Paul,that even in prison, doors for your Truth may be opened.Grant us again the power of the Holy Spirit,that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ,boldly, clearly, and gladly.We ask this through Christ, our risen Lordwho by his resurrection broke the chains of death,and set the prisoners free. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.
 

Day 13 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey" with Rev. David Cooke

Greetings in the name of Christ.  
My name is David Cooke and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Chautauqua district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church. Welcome to Day 13 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The eight churches of the New York Chautauqua district are located in the western part of the state of New York.  What I love about our district is we have lakes and natural beauty in every direction. To our east we have Chautauqua Lake, to the west we have Lake Erie, and right in my own town we have Findley Lake. I am thankful to serve alongside our pastors and churches in western New York who are passionate about the gospel and living for Jesus in our part of the conference.
Our churches are my own church, Findley Lake Church, Panama Methodist Church, the Clymer and North Clymer Community Churches, Community Church of Dewittville, Laona Methodist Church, North Harmony Methodist Church, and Wheeler Hill Community Church. Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Chautauqua district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Isaiah 6:1-8: 
1 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;    the whole earth is full of his glory.”
4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
When Isaiah sees the LORD Almighty in all his glory, he trembles as much as the temple is shaken. In the presence of the holy, Isaiah is suddenly aware of his uncleanness. Yet, touched by the fire of sacrifice, his sin is atoned for. His guilt removed, Isaiah is now eager to be sent. Center your prayers this day on the delegates who will be elected to represent the Northeast Annual Conference at the 2026 General Conference in Africa. These delegates will be entrusted with charting the great future of the Global Methodist Church. Pray that they, like Isaiah, would be humble enough to recognize their own flaws, and willing enough to be sent. 
Today’s Suggested Prayer
God, Lord of lords, King of kings,those who are with you are called and chosen and faithful.Call forth now those who will stand with youand represent us as delegates to General Conference in Africa.Let those chosen to serve in this capacityseek first your honor and glory,setting aside every prideful impulse,sitting humbly before your throne,and seeking always your guidance and blessing.Assuage the disappointment of those who will not be chosen in this seasonby calling each to places of service that align with your willfor their lives and for the good of your Church.We ask this through Christ, the head of the Body, the Church. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.

Day 12 of "27-Day Prayer & Fasting Journey with Rev. Katie Zettle

Greetings in the name of Christ.
My name is Katie Zettle and I am the Presiding Elder of the New York Buffalo district in the Northeast Conference of the Global Methodist Church.  Welcome to Day 12 of 27 Days of Prayer as we prepare for our Annual Conference gathering on May 8-10 in Cortland, NY.
The 9 churches of the New York Buffalo district are located in the Western part of the state of New York. What I love about our district is the water that surrounds us from Lake Ontario to the Buffalo River and Lake Erie all the way to the Mighty Niagara Falls. The water is reminder of the beauty of God’s creation and the connection to living, moving water. Our churches and their pastors are seeking to live into the Global Methodist Church through providing spiritual hope and renewed passion in proclaiming Christ’s Living water through worship, prayer, small groups and ministries in each community, in the country and the world. We are people who are intentionally seeking to become more Christ-like, by the power of the Holy Spirit transforming us in our daily living for the Glory of God and the gain of one more person reached with Good News of Jesus as we build the Kingdom of God. 
Our churches are: 
Alabama-Basom GMC, 
Clarence GMC, 
Darien Disciple GMC, 
Exley Community Church. 
Following Jesus at Harris Hill, 
Hartland Corners Methodist Church, 
Indian Falls GMC, 
Olcott Beach Church, 
Tonawanda GMC. 
Pray for us today, that we would faithfully live into our shared mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread scriptural holiness across the globe.
We in the New York Buffalo district are eager to see many of you at Annual Conference in May. We encourage you to use these days of preparation to hear God’s Word and pray with us as we prepare to fan the flame that the Holy Spirit has kindled in us all.  
Here is today’s focus Scripture passage from Luke 24:28-35: 
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.
Today’s Prayer Focus
The two disciples on the road to Emmaus encounter the risen Lord, but do not recognize him. Only when Jesus is at the table with them, and the bread is broken, are their eyes opened. The power of a shared meal is often underappreciated. At Annual Conference there will be many opportunities for friends, and strangers, to share a meal together. Center your prayers today on those fellowship opportunities, that eyes will be opened for all to recognize in each other the face of Christ.
Today’s Suggested Prayer (The Worship Sourcebook, © 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources, N.1.4.14, p. 635, alt.)
Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, for the day is far spent,and we have not recognized your facein each of our brothers and sisters.Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, for the day is far spent,and we have not yet shared your bread in gracewith our brothers and sisters.Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, for the day is far spent,and we have not listened to your Wordin the words of our brothers and sisters.Stay with us, Blessed Stranger, because our very nightbecomes day when you are there. Amen.
You can find this prayer, and all the other prayers of the 27 Days, on the Conference website, northeastgmc.org.
May the Lord richly bless your faithful prayers. Amen.