2Thes 1:1-5,11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22

flourishing
faith
not dependent
on blind guides
brings forth
the sacred
in all
God’s gifts
not mistaking
the form
for its source
we sing
and bless
God’s awesome
presence
even in our affliction
we know
we are safe
in God’s love
and grace

What does your faith depend on?
How do you see your life as sacred?

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
our love
is secure
in the living God
asked
who we are
we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ruth 2:1-11,4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12

letting God’s word
become
our practice
we awaken
to God’s
ever presence
we are beholden
to no other
humbled
we embrace
the freedom
we receive
letting go
of all that binds us
giving
and receiving
forgiveness
and loving kindness

Do you let God’s word become your practice?

Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40

Lord, you who
open our eyes
raise us up
and protect us
give us hope
and love
wherever we go
you go
wherever we live
you live

we live
this love
with heart
and soul
and mind
what is received
is given
freely
on this justice
all else depends

Have your eyes been opened to God’s love?
Do you love with your whole mind, heart, and soul?

Rev 21:9-14; Psalm 145:1-18; John 1:45-51

without duplicity
he comes
calling us
to a new way
of seeing
open eyes
and hearts
we leave
our preconceptions
and enter
love’s realm
extending
compassion
and loving-kindness
without reservation
because of the heaven
we have seen
through God’s eyes

Have your eyes been opened?

Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16

knowing
who we are
serving
our purpose
we have
no need
to dominate
or threaten
or be envious
fulfilled
in God’s justice
of love for all
our hearts
are opened
to God’s word
that is living
and effective
able to discern
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
bringing us
home

How does God work in your heart?
Are you fulfilling God’s purpose?

 Luke 1:26-38

an angel
a messenger
a grace
appears
with an invitation
to leave
fear
and accept
new Life
within
a life
a pure heart
can see
answering yes
from a deep place
of knowing
that in God’s pure Light
and Love
we are saved

Do you say “yes” to God’s invitation?

Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-44; Matthew 19:16-22

letting go
of all
that possesses us
we see
our treasure
in heaven
the heart
of God’s
goodness
come to earth
in a love
that is in
yet beyond
his commands
calling us
from idolatrous
ways
to a Truth
that feeds
and sustains us

What possesses you?
What sustains you?
How do you hear God’s voice for goodness?

Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 67; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

we beg
mercy
for our children
we seek
healing–
our desire
our faith
breaking
through barriers
with our love
our seeking
healing
comes from one
who sees
our heart
of faith
may God
be gracious
and God’s face
shine upon us
that this world
may be saved
and sing
its song
of joy

Do you seek healing for others?
Do you know the joy of God’s mercy?
Do you feel God’s face shining upon you?

Jos 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-11; Matthew 19:13-15

with the trust
of children
exuberant
and innocent
we place
our faith
in God
shown to us
through Christ
and His love
forsaking
deceit
and delusion
allowing
what is true
within us
to live
into the path of life

Where do you find Truth?