Isaiah 50:4-7;Ps. 22:8-9,17-18,19-20,23-24; Phil 2:6-11; Mark 14:1-15:47

the moment
of forsaken
the void
of abandon
no God
to save
doubt
of all ages
empty arms
broken body
broken heart
every
thing
gone
wrong
our poverty
stretched taut
we cry
why
have you
forsaken me?

Have you felt the forsaken moment?
What is your poverty?
In what do you hope?

Ezekiel 37: 21-28; Jeremiah 31: 10-13; John 11: 45-56

gathered
into One
we enter
a covenant
of peace
and love
as we turn
from
our ignorance
leaving
behind
the politics
of this world
that would
destroy
and entering
a kingdom
where
justice
God’s love of all
reigns
in abundance
providing
all we need
for ourselves
and others
raised
from death
our mourning
is turned
to joy

Do His works inspire faith or harden your heart?
Do you fear his power?

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 Jesus says  “I Am”?

Isaiah 7: 10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40: 7-11; Hebrews 10: 4-10; Luke: 1: 26-38

Holy Spirit
your will
for love
and justice
finding
its form
within
a willing
womb
allowing
the birth of
God with us
to grow
within
our hearts
and minds
and being
the light
of your love
the only
sign
we need

What form does the Holy Spirit take in your life?

Daniel 13: 1-62; Psalm 23: 1-6; John 8: 1-11

within us
among us
we see you
and walk
with you
even in a valley
of darkness
you are
at our side
our guide
our companion
only goodness
and kindness
follow
with you
you give us
eyes of mercy

Do you see through the eyes of mercy?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15, Heb 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?

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 and
brokenhearted
we see you
in a new way
of mercy
and kindness
and grace
that lives
beyond our means
and lifts us up
we follow

Does he challenge your thoughts?