Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3,16-21; John 8:21-30

patience
worn out
by the journey
all expectation
unmet
we cry out
into the One
who has led us
to this desert
where serpents
bite and sting

answered
we look upon
the one
raised up
for our sake
as healer
and guide
to a sustaining love
that remains
ever faithful
even when
we are not

What will sustain you for the journey?

Daniel 13:1-9; 15-30,33-62; Psalm 23:1-6; John 8:1-11

we stand
accused
by another
or our own minds
for things
done
or not done
ashamed
and alone
we offer
ourselves
to prayer
from where
our help comes
allowing
our God
who is our guide
to lead us
from this dark valley
giving us courage
and refreshing
our soul

Do you bring your need to prayer?

Isaiah 43: 16-21; Ps 126: 1-6; Phil 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-11

Jesus
knower of our hearts
you part the way
of sin
in our lives
opened
we see our own sins
and are saved
from each other’s crushing
stones
our need exposed
we are no longer left
to our past
and
old merciless ways
we see
no justice in the law
but only power
flowing
from your resurrection
something new
springing forth
from dry deserts-
renewed love
rises within us
what is sown in tears
we reap with laughter
grasped by your love
we release all
and run
to the God
who calls

Have you dropped the stones from your hand?
Have you forfeited all for the love of God?

Wisdom 2:1,12-22;Psalm 34:17-23; John 7:1-2,10,25-30

your hour
has come
the Lord
is close
to the brokenhearted
those who are crushed
in spirit
he saves

let salvation come

What holds you back?

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

what is it
in us
that is so
damaged
that we turn away
from truest love
and shield
our eyes
from truth
and build
a golden calf
to worship

What is your golden calf?

we pause
to see
and realize
then turn away
with no regret
to God’s glory
this Light
that is Him
this Light
that is us
a living flame
of Love

1 Isaiah 49:8-15; Psalm 145: 8-9, 13-14, 17-18; John 5:17-30

music
breaks forth
from the voice
we have heard
gracious
and merciful
kind
and compassionate
calling us out
of darkness
and death
into the Light
of Love
seeing
our oneness
in God
and each other
all thirst
is quenched
and hunger
satisfied
doing God’s will
of care

Do you experience the power of God’s calling?

Ez 47: 1-9,12; Psalm 46:2-3,5-6,3-9; John 5:1-16

we sit
by the waters
for healing
until He comes
and asks
if we want to be well
reading our hearts
he tells us
who we already are

we stand
and pick up our mat
and walk in His way
grateful
to know
who we are
living
in God’s healing waters
under His care
always

Do you know who you are?

Isaiah 65:17-21; Psalm 30:2-6,11-13; John 4:43-54

looking forward
to the days
of long life
and joy that comes
with the dawn
when we are saved
from our mourning
and it is turned
to dance
when we see
the Love
that lives
and works among us
clearly
and healing
comes to us
and our children

Do you see Love living and working among us?
Has it changed your mourning to dance?

Josh 5: 9-12; Psalm 34: 2-7; 2Cor 5: 17-21; Luke: 15: 1-3, 11-32

days of manna gone
our promised land
arrived
the lost
have come home
our feet are fast
with dancing
and music fills
the air
feasting
and rejoicing
surround us
for we who were dead
have come to life
our souls
glory
in this goodness
a new creation
we are radiant
with joy
reconciled
with truest love
we taste
and see
for we
sought the Lord
and He answered
delivering us
from our fears

Do you rejoice in the return of the lost?
What is your part in the new creation?

Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51:3-4,18-10,20-21; Luke 18:9-14

we stand
in opinion
above another
proclaiming
a righteousness
we deem
our own
unaware
it is our humility
that brings us
home
knowing
our frailty
and our need
we open
to God’s presence
and love
Holy Spirit
and guide
we find
our way

Do you see your need?