Dt 26:4-10; Psalm 91: 1-2; 1-2,10-15; Romans 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13

we cry out
in our deserts
for you oh Lord
afflicted
oppressed
you hear
our cry
and lift us up
with a strong hand
and outstretched arm
we feel
the power
that is you
bringing us
into your land
your spirit
your Son
where no temptation
has power
no bread
above you
no kingdom
but yours
no need
to test
our trust
complete
we bring
the first fruits
to your altar
rejoicing
for all the goodness
that is You

Do you take the outstretched hand?
What are your temptations?
Do you bring your first fruits to God?

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Isaiah 58: 9-14; Psalm 86: 1-6; Luke 5: 27-32

crying out
into the darkness
of God
whom we
trust
as good
and kind
forgiving
and merciful
we are answered
with light

healed
we see
the hungry
and poor
homeless
and oppressed
and respond
restoring
and repairing
all that
was lost
and broken
His spirit
our guide

How has God answered your cry?
How do you respond?

Isaiah 58: 1-9; Psalm 51: 3-10; Matthew 9: 14-15

a contrite
heart
that sees
the other
in their hunger
in their homelessness
in their nakedness
in their oppression
and shares
shelters
clothes
and releases
a heart that 
turns back
to their own
enters
the light
that breaks forth
like the dawn
where healing comes
and God says
“I am here”

Do you hear the cry of the poor?
How do respond?

Dt 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 9:22-25

today
is set before us
life and death
we choose life
in Him
who even though He endured
many sufferings
rose to new life
in the Spirit of God-
law of the Lord
written
in our hearts
we stand
like a tree
planted near
running water
meditating on
God’s love
day and night
with love’s fruit
yielding
in due season
with leaves
that will never fade

What do you choose?

Joel 2:12-18; Psalm 51:3-6;12-17; 2Cor 5:20-21; Mt 6:1-18

with our
whole heart
we return
to God
made from
love
for love
we have
no other reason
to live
but to give
what has been
given us
not for gain
or show
or profit
but to be
who we are
in God–
loved

Have you returned to God with your whole heart?
What has God called you to be?

1Pt 1:10-16; Psalm 98:1-4; Mark 10:28-31

releasing
all attachments
we see
into the Presence
of God
source
of our Being
Love
Kindness
and Goodness-
restored
we serve God
not ourselves
giving thanks
and offering praise
we are at peace

What do you see when you release all attachments?
Do you serve God rather than yourself?

1Peter1:3-9; Psalm 111:1-2,5-6,9-10; Mark 10:17-27

no money
can buy
the indescribable
and glorious joy
attained
by faith
in God’s saving
power
a love
springing forth
from our poverty
bearing fruit
from His guiding commands
alive
in the promise
of His covenant
we give thanks
always
with all
of our heart
for all things
are possible
in God

Do you experience God’s love springing forth from your poverty?

Sirach 27:4-7; Psalm 92:2-16; 1Cor 15:54-58; Luke 6:39-45

thirsting
for a word
what do we hear
at the break of dawn
a word
of judgement
blinded
by ignorance
of who we are
or love
incorruptible
given freely
in a mercy
of grace?

Of what do we speak
do we bring life
or death
through our words
that come
from the fullness
of our hearts
bearing the fruit
of who we have become?

Of what do we do
with what we have been given
so freely?
What devotion
brings us home?

Mark 10:13-16

in fear
we come
as a child
seeking comfort
and find instead
a love
that seeks only
our good
kind
and compassionate
we live in a presence
of beauty
and truth
ever grateful
for this blessing
of wonder
and awe
we release our life
to God’s grace

Do you approach God with fear?
Does it turn into compassionate love?

James 5:9-15; Psalm 103:1-12; Mark 10:1-12

seeing the purpose
of God
saying yes
when we mean yes
and no
when we mean no
we follow
the way
of Truth
arising
from our inner Being
one with God
and All that is
we know mercy
and kindness
and love
and act
from this Holy place

Do you say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no?
Do you see the purpose of God?