Isaiah 30: 19-26; Psalm 147: 1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:1-8

no longer
will our teacher
hide himself
hearing us
when we cry out
we will see him
and a voice
from behind
will sound
in our ear
“This is the way
walk in it”
healing our broken heart
binding our wounds
we are sustained
and follow
to labor
in God’s field
cleansing
curing
raising the dead
and bringing new life

Do you hear his voice?
Where do you see him?
How do you follow?

Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27: 1,4,13-14; Mt 9:27-31

he asks
if we believe
in His power
to heal
our blindness-
with the “yes”
of our faith
our eyes
are opened
and we dwell
with Him
who rejoices
in the Holy Spirit
we enter
a different realm
far from
the chaos
of worldly powers
and enter
the soul’s
eternal peace

Do you believe in His power to heal?

Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27; Matthew 7:21,24-27

hearing God’s word
and acting on it
we build
a solid foundation
of God’s love
our house
stands firm
even as storms come
and winds blow
for God’s peace
dwells here
in the secure trust
of His Being
with us
a refuge
and home
of God’s pure light
that shines
for all

Where have you built your foundation?
Do you dwell secure in God’s love and peace?

Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 4:18-22

called
we follow
the one
who refreshes
our soul
whose decrees
are trustworthy
and true
giving wisdom
and rejoicing
to our heart-
more precious
than any other thing
we leave all
behind
and begin
each day
anew
with Him

How do you begin each day?
Where do you hear God calling?

Readings Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 7: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10: 21-24

spirit resting
upon us
a child
to guide us
we see
we hear
what prophets
longed for
his love for all
a justice
that flourishes
into a time
of peace
spirit of wisdom
and understanding
spirit of counsel
and strength
we are in awe
as wolf and lamb
lion and calf
lie together
and no ruin comes
the cries
of the poor
are heard
as a shoot sprouts
from the stump of Jesse
a bud
a blossom
we rejoice!

Do you see?
Do you hear?
Do you rejoice?

Isaiah 4:2-6; Psalm 122:1-9; Matthew 8:5-11

a faith
that asks-
a faith
that listens-
a faith
that believes
in God’s goodness
welcomes
God’s word
and we follow
rejoicing
in our return
to the One
who shelters us
heals us
and brings us
peace
praying
for our good
and the good of others
we live
in the Light
of God’s love

Where is your faith?
What do you believe?

Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122: 1-9; Romans 13: 11-14; Mt 24: 37-44

now is the hour
to wake
from sleep
rejoice
and cast off
deeds of darkness
beat our swords
into plowshares
and pruning hooks
for we
shall go
to the house
of the Lord
where peace
shall be with us
quarreling
lusting
and jealousy
past
we put on
the light
of Christ
radiant
with love

Are you ready for peace and light and love?
Are you willing to shed your weapons?
Are you awake and watchful for the Lord?

Rev 22:1-7; Psalm 95:1-7; Luke 21:34-36

the end
of one year
flowing into
another
comes with harvest
and foreboding
with a song of joy
and a warning
stay firm
and planted
by the life giving waters
where His word
bears fruit
keep your heart
awake
and sober
do not give into
the anxieties
of daily life
but pray always
standing before
the Son of Man
the Light
in our darkness
the way of Truth

How do you experience the Son of Man?
Is He your light in the darkness?
Does He show you the way of Truth?

[Edit]

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—
think about such things…
and give thanks.

What are you thankful for today?

Luke 21:5-11

many will come
and say
“I am he”
but do not follow
although
the earth will quake
and nation
will rise
against nation
we will stay
with His voice
of love
and for peace
enduring
to God’s end
for justice

How will you know His voice?