Matthew 15:21-28

persistent
in our faith
we go
to the One
who heals
bringing
all our hopes
and fears
sorrows
and prayers
believing
in the power
that saves
not accepting any rebuke
we ask
receive
and give thanks

Are you persistent in your faith?
Where do you go for healing?

Matthew 14:22-36

facing the storm
tossed and turned
by the anxieties 
of our time
we cry out
for help
and He answers
walking across
our troubled waters
he reaches out
His hand
to our need
and our fear
asking only
for faith
to sustain us

Does your faith in Him sustain you?

Jeremiah 28:1-17; Psalm 119:29,43,29,80,95,102; Matthew 14:13-21

removing
falsehood
from our minds
and hearts
we hear
the word
of God
through Him
who nourishes
and heals us
responding
to what is true
and not only
what we want
to hear
we put on courage
leaving our fear
and doubt
and follow

How do you respond to the Truth?
What do you do with your fear?

Isaiah 55: 1-3; Psalm 145: 8-18; Romans 8: 35-39; Mt 14: 13-21

in our open hands and hearts
you satisfy
all of our desires
we come
to your waters
in our poverty
you feed us
with your richness–
your mercy
goodness
and compassion
are our food
and in your love
we are
satisfied
nothing
ever
can separate us
from your love
neither
death
nor life
angels
principalities
depth nor height
your love is all
that is true

Do you accept the love from Christ’s open hand?
Do you grow in His love and compassion?

Mt 13:1-12

the Baptist’s head
served up
on a plate
gives pause
to the morning prayers
filling me
with questions
of our capacities
as we listen
to commands
and desires
to please
ourselves
or another
some fear
of shame
rejection
or retribution
praying
deeply
into the Spirit
our God
who saves us
from ourselves

How do you feel intimidated by the world’s demands?
How do you respond to human cruelty?
Are you open to God’s mercy?

Matthew 13:54-58

losing sight
in the familiar
we do not see
what is
in front of us
God working
in all of God’s ways
for Good
following
the sacred path
we journey
with others
singing
with joy
to God
who is our help

Where do you see God in the familiar?
Where do you see God in what is in front of you?

Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146: 1-2,3-4,5-6; Matthew 13:47-53

in God’s hands
we are clay
fashioned
by a Will
and Spirit
for good
putting not
our trust
in princes
and men
for salvation
but in the Presence
we have come
to know
as the God of love
our Creator
and Savior

How do you experience your creator?
How do you experience being clay in the potter’s hands?

Memorial of Martha and Mary
Luke 10:38-42

putting away
our anxieties
and worries
of the day to day
we take the time
to listen
to His words
of love
guiding us
along the path
to truth
and freedom
letting go
of our judgements
and our need to control
we see something
essential
in our being
the beauty of our soul
that says we are enough
even more than enough
in God’s love

What do you hear when you listen to His words?
What is the most essential thing?

Matthew 13:36-43

sowing
the good seed
that brings life
to our world
we tend
the soil
of God’s love
and compassion
even as weeds
are sown
we trust God
to harvest
our goodness
with mercy
for us all

Do you trust God’s mercy and love even when you see the sorrows of the world?
How do you tend the good seed God has sown in the world?

Jeremiah 13:1-11; Dt 32:18-21; Mt 13:34:35

following
the voice of Truth
given in love
to our minds
and hearts
our small seed
of faith
grows in abundance
fulfilling all
our spiritual needs
with the fruits
of the Holy Spirit
lived out
in our daily life

What seed has been planted in your mind and heart?
What has taken root?
How is it lived out in your daily life?