Genesis 1:1-19; Psalm 104: 1-12, 24 and 35; Mark 6:53-56

you come
with Light
to heal
as in first creation
from formless mass
and dark abyss
came Light

water and wind
sky and land
seed and plant
sun and stars
all blessed as Good

we begin again
in your light
in your touch
a new creation
in Love

How do you begin again?

Job 7.1-4,6,7; Psalm 147: 1-6; 1 Cor 9.16-19,22,23; Mark 1.29-39

Job
you speak of
our drudgery
our slavery
our misery
troubled nights
restless until dawn
we wake in hopelessness
and despair
our life
like the wind
come and gone
our happiness
with it

for this
our poverty
we wonder
who will
answer our cries?

into this void
this dark night
we call

we pause

for soul speaks
from the dark
a song of praise
arises
in the void before
creation
our God
answers

we praise
as goodness comes
we praise
His graciousness
we praise
His gathering
His rebuilding
we praise
Him healer of broken hearts
wound binder
we praise
caller of stars by name
He fills our
empty space
we praise

we come before Jesus
our broken hearts
demons and illness
in hand
the truth of God’s love
heals us
alive within us
we move with Him
to the lonely places
in deep silence
our Jesus heart
restored

word upon our lips
compelled
we must speak
of such great love
a charge given
in spirit
imageless love
flows
to the present need
all things to all
we rise from the dead
to serve
what has loved us
to life

Of what are you compelled to speak?

Heb 13:15-21; Psalm 23:1-6; Mark 6:30-34

our hearts
moved
by the Spirit
not neglecting
to do good
and share
what we have
we listen
for the voice
that will lead
us through
the valley
of our fears
into the Light
of Love
healing divisions
inspired
by His words
refreshing
our soul
we are no longer lost
to ourselves
or each other

What voice do you hear?
What story guides your life?

Heb 13:108; Psalm 27: 1-9; Mark 6:14-29

where do we turn
for light
and love
and salvation
if not God
who welcomes all
with mercy
even as we betray ourselves
over and over
with promises
we cannot keep
the Spirit
enlightens
and shows us
the way-
we make the path
by walking

Where do you find light and love and salvation?
Have. you been shown mercy?

Hebrews 12:18:24; Psalm 48: 2-11; Mark 6:7-13

sent out
two by two
no money
no food
only their Faith
and a walking stick
they lived
on the kindness
of strangers
who opened
their hearts
and homes
to Good News
seeing
a new way
to live
not in fear
but in the love
written
in their hearts

What do you carry on your journey?
What is written in your heart?

Hebrew 12: 4-15; Psalm 103: 1-18; Mark 6: 1-6

in the morning
we come to you
anxious
and afraid
from all
we see-
demands
beyond
what we can bear
a bitterness
taking root
wherever we turn…
then we hear
your words
and know
you are near
not far away
in some
heavenly source
but here
among us
within us
bringing
the peace
we long for

Do you experience God with you?
Do you let God’s grace root out bitterness?
Do you experience God’s peace?

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Mal 3:1-4 ; Psalm 24: 7-10; Hebrew 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

Holy Spirit
preparing
the way
guiding our lives
opening
our praying eyes
to Glory
we see the one
we have longed for
who saves us
from our fear
of death
and sin
and suffering
that enslave us
our hearts opened
and revealed
we endure
the purifying flame
of love
and mercy
through His tested faith
and give thanks

Do you see God’s glory?
Do you experience His saving power?
How are you guided by the Holy Spirit?

Hebrew 11:32-40; Psalm 31:20-24; Mark 5:1-20

taking refuge
in the shelter
of God’s Presence
the demons
flee
at the sight
and sound
of His word
our hearts
take comfort
and hope
in a God
of Goodness
who will show us
the way
to a unity
and righteousness
we have yet
to see
or understand

Where do you take refuge?

Dt. 18: 15-20; Psalm 95:1-9; 1Cor 7:32-35; Mark 1:21-28

a prophet raised up
with God’s words
on his lips
speaks of love
and mercy
to hearts
that long to hear
driving out the demons
that keep us from knowing
who we are
our hearts and minds
are softened
opening to the Light
that surrounds us
with Love
and fills us
with song

What are you demons?
What happens to your heart when you hear God’s words of love and mercy?

Hebrews 11:1-19; Luke 1:69-75; Mark 4:35-41

called by faith
we sojourn
we find
our bearings
and guidance
in God
seeking
to build
a new foundation
whose architect
and maker is God
so that
when the winds come
and the seas roar
we will
not be terrified
or shaken
but found living securely
in our realized
faith

Jesus asked, “Why are you terrified?
Do you not yet have faith?”