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
challenged
to leave
behind the politics
of this world
that would destroy us
and enter
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

Where do you turn in your time of distress?
What brings you peace?

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 disease
and death
and fear
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

waking
to morning
Glory
we see
into the heaven
that surrounds us
faith of the ones
who have carried us
through all the times
of our sorrow
hardship
and grief
never forsaking
our Spirit
even as we felt
forsaken
to this we rise
each day
not grieving the Spirit
but embracing
her Love
praying
and resting
in God’s peace

Do you wake to morning’s Glory?
Do you allow yourself to feel God’s peace?

Dn 3:14-20, 91-92,95; Dn 3:52-56; John 8:31-52

sorting through
the chaos of our thoughts
we seek God’s words
of love
and life
and Truth
to set us free
from all desires
that enslave
we yield
to generous hearts
persevering
in faithfulness
even as all
around us
speaks of death
destruction
and despair
we offer what we can
to Goodness
singing praise
to the light and love
of Truth

Where do you find Truth?
Does it set you free?

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

patience
worn out
by the journey
all expectations
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 your 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
into the light
giving us courage
and refreshing
our soul

Do you bring your all your needs to prayer?

Ezekiel 37: 12-14; Psalm 130: 1-8; Romans 8:8-11; John 11: 1-45

from the depths
our cries
are heard
graves opened
we are raised
from the dead
living
in God’s Spirit
of forgiveness
and mercy
no longer bound
we live
in loving-kindness
joy
and compassion
trusting in
God
and His word

When has Christ raised you from the dead?
How do you embrace His living light and love?

Ezekiel 37: 12-14; Psalm 130: 1-8; Romans 8:8-11; John 11: 1-45

from the depths
our cries
are heard
graves opened
we are raised
from the dead
living
in God’s Spirit
of forgiveness
and mercy
no longer bound
we live
in loving-kindness
joy
and compassion
trusting in
God
and His word

When has Christ raised you from the dead?
How do you embrace His living light and love?

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
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?

Mary lets go of fear when troubled.
She listens and ponders.
She asks questions.
She responds with faith in the Holy Spirit.
What is your process of knowing God’s will?

Wisdom 2:1-11; Psalm 34:17-23; John 7:1-2, 10-30

in our
broken-heartedness
we turn
to God’s promise
of Presence
and comfort
knowing
our Source
of Peace
is deeper
than the world
can give
embracing
the Silence
that leads us
away from the chaos
of the world
to the place
where our tears
are dried
and Life begins
anew

Can you wait in the patience of silence?
Is God close to you in your broken-heartedness?