Dt 26:4-10; Psalm 91: 1-2; 1-2,10-15; Romans 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13

we cry
in our deserts
oh Lord
afflicted
oppressed
you hear
our cry
and lift us up
with strong hand
and outstretched arm
we feel
the power
that is you
bringing us
into your land
your spirit
your Son
where no temptation
has power
no bread
above you
no kingdom
but yours
no need
to test
our trust
complete
we bring
the first fruits
to your altar
and make merry
in our joy
for all the goodness
of You

Do you take the outstretched hand?
What are your temptations?
Do you bring your first fruits to God?

A Lenten Prayer

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your Presence, so we can be gift to others in carrying out your work. Amen.

Author unknown

Dt 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 9:22-25

coming
to the morning
with dread
i hear…
today I set before you
life and death
choose life
that you
and your children
may live
and choose
hope in the Lord
His way
His law
choose Christ
His cross
saying His death
of Life
and for some reason
beyond reason
I believe

What is the power of His cross?

Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6;12-17; 2Cor 5:20-21; Mt 6:1-18

with our
whole heart
we return
to God
made from
love
for love
we have
no other reason
to live
but to give
what has been
given us
not for gain
or show
or profit
but to be
who we are
in God

Have you returned to God with your whole heart?

1Kings 8:22-23,27-30; Psalm 84:3-5,10,11; Mark 7:1-13

how lovely
this dwelling place
of Glory
where
we celebrate
the love
of our living God
who lives
in our hearts
and our lives
as we honor
our parents
for the life
they gave
in all of its struggle
and grace

How do we honor our parents?
How do we honor God?

1Kings 8:1-7,9=13; Psalm 132:6-10; Mark 6:53-56

God’s Glory
fills our room
a Presence
of love
and healing
that only wants
to give Life
calling us
we answer
as all
we have ever longed for
appears
in God’s dwelling place
we rest

Do you hear God’s calling?

Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 138: 1-8; 1Cor 15: 1-11; Luke 5: 1-11

we are struck
with awe
by who
you are
who we are
created
in you
we feel
the smallness
of our being
our undeserving
nature
yet
you call
and lift us
to you
hot ember
on unclean lip
angel of God
you free
my mouth
for words
of love
you ask
who shall I send
no longer afraid
i say
here I am
I shall go
risen
in your love

Have you felt the hot ember of God upon your lips?
The awe of His presence?
The peace He brings?

1Kings3:4-13; Psalm 119:9-14; Mrk 6:30-34

our hearts
are moved
with His
for understanding
of God’s way
for a love
and mercy
that finds
all the lost
and heals
all divisions
releasing
all sin
suffering
and death

How is your heart moved by Him?

Sirach 47:2-11; Psalm 18:31,47 and 50, 51; Mark 6:13-29

coming
to the morning
in darkness
we pray
and are met
with sweet melodies
of praise
resound
on earth’s altar
opening our hearts
to God’s generous spirit
all is forgiven
as we see
the face of God
and live

Is your heart touched by God’s generous spirit?

1Kings 2:1-4, 10-12; 1Chr 29:10-12; Mark 6:7-13

sent
two by two
for the journey
with nothing
but our faith
and trust
in God
that all
we need
will be provided
as we love God
with our whole heart
and soul
we go
where we are welcome
and shake the dust
from our feet
where we are not
demons
flee from His presence
the sick
are cured

Do you trust God completely with your whole heart and soul?