2Kings 17:5-8,13-18; Psalm 60:3-5, 12=13; Matthew 7:1-5

the shadow
cast over
my own eyes
blinds me
to God
and others
i judge
unmercifully
until
mercy
finds me
in the eyes
of one
who is love

Have the eyes of mercy found you?

Zechariah 12:10-11; Psalm 63:2-9; Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9:18-24

there is no
male or female
slave or free
Jew or Greek-
in our thirst
soul
pressed
against
the earth
we long
for living water
in this suffering life
this life of
mourning
parched
and lifeless
we are
ready
to give up all
for the truth
of His kindness
and goodness
we lose
our life
and find it
again
with joy
in the
God
who
upholds us

Is your soul thirsting for God?
Do you feel the joy of living in the shelter of God’s wing?
Does God uphold you?

2Kgs11:1-4,9-18,20; Psalm 132:11-18; Matthew 6:19-23

treasure
found
in the Light
of Christ
we live
always
in God’s Presence
knowing
which way to go
towards
His goodness
freed
from darkness
and fear
we give thanks
and rejoice

Where does your treasure lie?

Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:1-7; Matthew 6:7-15

words
of fire
come
that illuminate
the mind
and hearts
of those who hear
we pray
to him
for His kingdom
of heaven
to come to us
we receive
our daily bread
as we forgive all
and are forgiven
delivered from evil
and peace
settles
upon the earth

What is your daily bread?

2Kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 31:20,21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

we go
to the inner room
of our heart
and shut the door
and pray
to the one
who knows us
and sees
all of our needs
no longer
trying to impress
or perform
we give
and receive
through His love
and mercy
and grace
true source
of our being
our hearts
take comfort
in God’s constant presence

What do you hear in your inner room?

1Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51:4-6;11,16; Matthew 5:42-48

you say
to love our enemies
we say
how
in this time
of terror
you say
all things
are possible
in God’s mercy

imagine it

create it

How will you love your enemy?

1Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:2-6; Matthew 5:38-42

what law
of the Spirit
is this
no eye
for an eye
the other cheek
turned
giving our cloak
walking two miles
when asked for one
to not turn
your back
when asked to give
to give no resistance
to what is evil?

How do you respond to this?

2Samuel 12:7-10,13; Psalm 32:1-2,5,7,11; Galatians 2:16,19-21; Luke 7:36-8:2

spurning
the Lord
evil is done
in God’s sight
confronted
the mind
sees it
for what it is
sin
ingratitude
betrayal
of God’s word
and the heart
is stricken
by the knowledge
of what has been done
and confesses
its need
for mercy

forgiven
love is
poured out
at His feet
shelter is taken
in His life
and lived
in the freedom
of faith
no longer
captive
of the law
the Spirit
rejoices
and gives thanks

Do you know your need for mercy?

Acts 11:12-26;13:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6; Matthew 5:33:37

we live
by grace
not by promise
by our yes
and no
to the Spirit
who guides
each momemt

alive
with the question
to our response
to life
or death
to song
or silence
to joy
or sorrow
we live
by grace

To what to you say yes?
TO what do you say no?

1Kings 18:41-46; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26

letting go
of all anger
and judgment
we are
reconciled
and set
each other free
for a greater love
of God
source
of all life
who sets to seed
softens with showers
nurtures
and harvests
a goodness
to be shared
by all

How can we set each other free?