Sirach 35:12–18; Psalm 34; 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18; Luke 18:9–14

close to
the brokenhearted,
those crushed
in Spirit—
He saves.

the Lord
hears
the cry
of the poor,
not turning
a deaf ear
to the wail
of orphans,
to the plea
of widows.

our prayers
pierce the clouds,
not resting
until they reach
the heart of God.

humbled,
we know ourselves
as sinners,
and wait
for mercy.

not having done enough,
we turn
our lives
over to Love—
waiting in patience
for a justice
that knows
no favorites.

Do you hear the cries of the poor?
Do you know mercy?
Is God close to you when your Spirit is crushed?
When your heart is broken?

Romans 8:1-11; Psalm 24: 1-6; Luke 13:1-9

waking today
in His Presence
Holy Spirit
of Life and Love
we live
in the Grace
of Mercy
who nourishes
and cares
for our soul-
in a world of vengeance
we seek only
the face of Love
guiding our steps
to your Light
creating of world
in God’s peace

Who is your guide?

Romans 7:18=25; Psalm 119: 66,68,76,77,93,94; Luke 12:25-59

wanting
to do good
we do not
as something
wars within us
yet we are called
to see
in this moment
a wisdom
and knowledge
kindness
and compassion
a goodness
we come to know as
the will of God
written upon
our hearts
it is our delight
as it frees us
and saves us
to do the good
we long to do
in God’s love

Are you willing to do good but do not?
“Why do you not know how to interpret the present time?”
What sets you free?

Romans 6:19-23; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 12:49-53

in a darkened
cynical
world
His words
set fire
igniting
our imaginations
with a passion
for Life
and Love
and goodness
beyond
what we have
ever known
loving enemies
returning good
for evil
forgiving all
healing all
we are set free
divided by choice
we choose
Life

Where do you find such a love?

Romans 6:12-18; Psalm 124: 1-8; Luke 12:39-48

freed
from the law
living
under grace
sin has no power
as our bodies
are given over
to the goodness
of God
entrusted
with this love
ever watchful
we care
for ourselves
and one another
in our common home
feeding
sheltering
sustaining
inspiring
with all
we have been given
so generously

What has power over your life?
What is it to live by grace?

Romans 5:12-20; Psalm 40:7-17; Luke 12:35-38

God’s law
of Love
written in our hearts
brings joy
to our life
even as we face
our sorrows
we see His light
shining
and we serve
the Beauty we see
trusting
whole-heartedly
that God’s will for love
is for the Goodness
of All

How do you serve God’s love everyday?

Romans 4:20-25; Luke 1:69-75;Luke 12:13-21

empowered
by the gift of faith
we are set free
by the living word
that saves us
from our greed
enmity
and misperceptions
showing us
what matters
to God–
His love
goodness
kindness
mercy
compassion
forgiveness
gentleness
patience
sharing
our harvest
with all
in need
and His justice
for all
creation

Do you live in what matters to God?
How is God present in your thoughts and deeds?

Exodus 17:8-13; Psalm 121:1-8; 2Timothy 3:14-4:2; Luke 18:1-3

we call out
to God
in prayer
day and night
persisting
in faith
persisting
in prayer
persisting
in receiving
wisdom
from God’s word
supporting
one another
in Truth
and Love
welcoming
reproving
correcting
appealing
whether convenient
or inconvenient
so that God
might find
our faith
alive
on earth

Do you persist in prayer day and night?
Do you help another?
Do you let another help you?

Feast of St Luke

2Timothy 4:10-17; Psalm 145:10-18; Luke 10:1-9

sent out
to labor
as lambs
among wolves
the harvester
carries
no money
no sack
no sandals
depending
on the kindness
of strangers
curing the sick
revealing
a kingdom
of God
within
and among us
to all who
have eyes
to see

On what do you depend?

Romans 4:1-8; Psalm 32:1-11; Luke 12:1-7

in times
of trouble
we turn to God
and reveal
the darkness
of our hearts
praying for
the light of Truth
that informs
and saves us
from our fear
and the guilt of sin
that separates us–
receiving God’s mercy
and grace
we open
to the joy
of God’s never ending love
and give thanks

Do you turn to God in times of trouble?