James 2:1-9; Psalm 34: 2-7; Mark 8: 27-33

hearing
the cry of the poor
we reach out
through God’s love
with no partiality
knowing our own poverty
and need
we see
our neighbor
as ourself

As He asks
“who do you say I am”
we say
“love”
even as we recoil
from its suffering
we turn
and trust in God’s knowing
not our own

Who do you say He is?
Do you hear the cry of the poor?
Who are the poor?

James 1:19-27; Psalm 15:2-5; Mark 8:22-26

quick to hear
slow to speak
slow to anger
we become
doers
of the Word
living in His perfect law
of freedom
God’s love
for all
that holds our tongue
from anything
but His goodness
healing our blindness
to God’s creative presence
that works
tirelessly
among us

Do you hear God’s word around you?
How do you respond?
Are you a “doer” of God’s word?

Mark 8:14-21

what leaven
for our bread
but God’s Goodness
do we not see
do we not hear
do we not understand
or comprehend
within us
between us
we have all we need
the bread of Life
with us
breathing
the love of God
every moment
a love
no one can betray
or take away

“The Lord will bless us with Peace”

James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67-76; Mark 8:1-13

asking in faith
not doubting
we are given
all we need
no miraculous sign needed
just a love
and grace
given freely
knowing
that though we pass away
as the flower
in the field
our soul lives on
in the joy of the Lord

Do you ask God for what you need in faith?
What do you receive?

Jeremiah 17: 5-8; Ps 1: 1-6; 1Cor 15: 12, 16-20; Luke 6: 17, 20-26

in our weeping
in our hunger
in our poverty
we find you
our need
answered
we stretched
our roots
into the running streams
of God
greening
we bear
the fruit
of God’s strength
not of flesh
but Spirit
leaving
the barren deserts
our wickedness
chaff in the wind
we rise
from death
in God with us
in leaves
that never fade

Have you met the risen Christ
Do you send your roots into his Love?

Mark 8:1-10

moved
to pity
the crowds
are fed
by the blessing
of One who
would see
the hunger
among us
and respond
knowing
that within
our midst
is enough
if only
it would be
shared

How have  you received God’s blessing?
How do you share it?

Mark 7:31-37

“Be opened”
to God’s healing touch
upon your ears
your mouth
and your hardened heart
to hear His voice of love
guiding you
in new ways
of Being
away from deception
away from hatred
and weapons of war
to kindness
generosity
and peace

What does kindness, generosity and peace look like?
How do we create it?

1Kings 11:4-13; Psalm 106:3-4, 35-40; Mark 7:24-30

praying
for our children
we persist
in our love
that they stay
on the path
of Truth
and light
goodness
and love
always guided
by the Holy Spirit
to a place
of healing
and courage
and are not lead astray

What do you pray for the children?
What do you pray for the parents?

1Kings 10:1-10; Psalm 37:5-6,30-31, 39-40; Mark 7:14-23

aware
of the darkness
our heart can know
we seek
God’s wisdom
above all
to guide us
taking refuge
in His life-giving word
we are committed
to God’s way
trusting
that our hearts
will be enlightened
through God’s justice–
His love and mercy
for all
and act
with the Holy Spirit
upon His word

Has your heart known darkness?
Do you seek God’s wisdom to guide you?

1Kings 8:22-30; Psalm 84:3-11; Mark 7:1-13

gathering together
in faith
we offer our prayers
and petitions
with all of our heart
as our souls
cry out
to the living God
who lives beyond
our traditions
and rituals
in the very being
of love
we pray
that our lives
might live out
the commands of love
and mercy
in a desperate world

How do you live out the commands of love and mercy?