23- ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
		
		
		Through Jesus Christ we have received a new relationship 
		to the living God. In the fullness of revelation we 
		approach God as His children. Still we remain part of the 
		fullness of all God's creation. We have a relationship to 
		the angelic powers and look to them as God's messengers 
		and servants. The Angels are known to us through the 
		ministry which they exercise, appearing to us as 
		"ministering spirits, sent to serve those who are to 
		inherit salvation" (Heb. 1: 14) Foremost among the 
		heavenly powers is the Archangel Michael. The name 
		"Michael" means "who is like God." 
		
		
		This Icon contains the major elements of icons of all 
		Angels. As a minister he wears a deacon's sticharion while,
		as a warrior Angel, he dons a cloak. The rod in his right 
		hand is both his weapon and sign of his leadership. The 
		Archangel is represented as standing with his two powerful
		wings majestically positioned. 
		
		
		In our celebration of the Feast of St. Michael we sing 
		the following during Vespers: O Michael, Leader of Hosts, 
		who beholds things indescribable, since you are ranked 
		with great privilege above the heavenly ones, and stand 
		in glory before the unapproachable throne, we beseech you 
		to save by your prayers, us who endure the hardships of 
		tribulations and temptations. 
		
		
		TROPARION -O Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we 
		are always unworthy, we beseech you that with your prayers
		you may encircle us with the protection of the wings of 
		your angelic glory. Watch over us as we bow low and 
		earnestly cry out to you: "Deliver us from trouble, O 
		Princes of the heavenly armies."
		

		Today I plan to choose and ask with on open mind
		
		
		We all get to a point where we feel confused and indecisive. 
		We can't seem to figure out what we want or what to do. We 
		want everything, but nothing brings satisfaction. Our spirit 
		is restless because the mind is racing. It may not be that we 
		don't know, it is probably that we are afraid to ask. We may 
		feel as if we are running to something, but actually we are 
		running away. In those times we need to sit down, get still 
		and evaluate just what it is we want. We must do this quietly,
		honestly and often if necessary. We are human beings, blessed 
		with the power of reason. We have, at all times, the right and 
		the power to figure out what we want. Once that's done, we 
		must have the courage to ask for it. If we let the color of 
		our skin, the gender we express or the ways of the world limit 
		us, we will forever be denied. We owe it to ourselves to 
		choose a way and ask for it. Once we ask, we can rest.
		
		
		Ask, and it shall be given you…