Jeremiah 20: 10-13; Psalm 18: 2-7; John 10: 31-42

we bring
our distress
to you
you hear us
and answer us
with your
love and
strength
upholding us
as evil
surrounds us
we dare
to sing
and praise
your goodness

Does God hear you?
How does God answer?

Genesis 17: 3-9; Psalm 105: 4-9; John 8: 51-59

You say
“I Am”
and we
see you
Son of God
Son of All
and know
who we are
in you
and with you
fulfilling
God’s purpose
of love
all barriers
discarded
we find
our home
in you

What do you hear when you hear Jesus say, “I Am”?

Dn 3:14-20, 91-92,95; Dn 3:52-56; John 8:31-52

each morning
awakening
from the chaos
of dreams
we choose
again
how we will
live the day
following
a path
with Him
where Truth
and Love
will set us free
where no fire
or death
can harm us
or another path
where we never
awaken
at all

How do you wake from the chaos of dreams?

Nm 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-21; John 8:21-30

living
as from above
we live
in God’s presence
always
loving
healing
forgiving
being a light
for one another
turning from lies
and cruelty
to truth
and compassion

Do you live by the light from above?

Solemnity of St. Joseph
2Sm 7:4-16; Psalm 89: 2-5,28,29; Romans 4:13-22; Matthew 1:16-24

not through law
but by faith
we are saved
giving up our fear
and choosing
to live in God’s love
listening
to the Holy Spirit
who guides us
and brings life
each day
as we give thanks
and walk with
one another
in forgiveness
and compassion

What is God asking of you?
How do you respond?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15, Hebres 5:7-9; John 12:20-33

God who suffers
with us
the grain of wheat
that dies
we follow
this love
in our hearts
to serve
leaving behind
all we hate
of this life
injustice
lies
selfishness
greed
infidelity
and turn
with clean hearts
of mercy
goodness
compassion
willing spirits
we offer our
prayers
and supplications
cries and tears
while the law of God
is forged within
our beating hearts
made for love
made for His glory
each beat tells
us who we are
as we are drawn
into Him
new covenant
with God

What part of you must die to follow Christ?
What is the covenant with God in your heart?
How is God calling you?

Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always with you,
May the sunshine warm you always
til we meet again.

May the rain fall softly on you,
May the hand of God uphold you.

Christ before you, Christ behind you,
Christ beneath you, Christ above you.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always with you,
May the sunshine warm you always
til we meet again.

Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Psalm 7:2-12; John 7: 40-53

protectors
of faith
blinded
by their own
expectations
could not see
His coming
even as
His words
touched
open minds
and hearts—
preparing to
destroy
and cut Him off
from the land
of the living
they closed
themselves off
from wisdom
each going
to his own house

Have you been blinded by expectations?
Have you closed your mind and heart for protection?

Wisdom 2: 1-22; Psalm 34: 17-23; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

your presence
stands
in the truth
of who you are
born
from goodness
you challenge
and censure
our thoughts
as harm
is planned
against you
testing
by our own standards
we are blind
yet crushed
in spirit
broken hearted
we see you
in a new way
of mercy
and kindness
and grace
that lives
beyond our means
and lifts us up

How do His words challenge you?

Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106: 19-23; John 5:31-47

without
a ready heart
we are blind
to the Truth
when it comes
ears closed
to the voice
who will guide us
we are lost
creating images
of no lasting
value
that we worship
then a voice
crying in the wilderness
a burning
and shining lamp
preparing the way
for the one
who will lead us home
to God’s love
in our heart

Do you hear the voice in the wilderness?