1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 39:20-28; Eph 1:17-18; Mark 2:23-28

not judging
by appearance
God looks
deeply
into our heart
for goodness
and strength
offering us
a Sabbath
for re-creation
and renewal
where we are nourished
on the love
offered us
and the gifts
of the Holy Spirit
enlightening
the eyes of our heart
and the hope
of our calling

How do you see others?
Do you let yourself be nourished by the Sabbath?

Love
is the only force
capable of
turning an enemy
into a friend.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
Darkness cannot
drive out darkness;
only light
can do that
Hate cannot
drive out hate
only love
can do that
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
I have decided
to stick
with love.
Hate is too great
a burden
to bear.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
I believe
that unarmed truth
and unconditional love
will have the final word
in reality.
(MLK)

Love your enemies.
(Jesus)

Is 62:1-5; Psalm 96: 1-16; 1Cor 12:4-11; John 2:1-11

refusing silence
God speaks-
no longer
forsaken
or desolate
he calls us
“delight”-
rejoicing
in this love
that ignites a song
of praise
in our hearts
we offer our lives
to goodness
and love
using the gifts
we are given
to change
the ordinary
to sacred
as we walk
each moment
through this mysterious
path of life-
amazed
at what each day
asks of us

Do you hear God’s “delight”?
Are you amazed at what is asked of you?
Are you ready for change?

1 Samuel 9:1-4,17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2=7; Mark 2:13-17

granted
our heart’s desire
for love
we follow
the one who calls
healer
of our soul
we live
in the freedom
of knowing
who we are
loved
and blessed
in God’s care
and compassion
living
in a harmony
only imagined
we sing
of God’s glory
and give
what we have been given

What is your heart’s desire?

1Samuel 8:4-7,10-22; Psalm 89: 16-19; Mark 2:1-2

lowered
down
into
His Presence
in our infirmity
we are touched
by His light
healed
of all
the distortions
of sin
strengthened
in our humanity
by His Divine embrace
we stand
knowing
no earthly king
can bring
what is ours
through His justice
God’s love
of all

Do you offer yourself to His healing presence?

1Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10=22, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45

the mercy
of the God
not of our making
or control
provides
victory
or defeat
healing
or not
as we carry
our burdens
in the Light
of faith
traveling
to the deserted places
for what
he has to offer
to our uncertain fate
we surrender
in love

What is the mercy of God?
How do you experience it?

1Samuel 3:1-10,19-20; Psalm 40: 2,5,7-10; Mark 1:29-39

the morning light
dawns
on us
and through
its silence
we hear you
and our heart
ignites
into a fire
of desire
to do your will
as we hear
you whisper
“here I am”
a hand
outstretched
to heal
we rise
to serve
in all we do
the love
we have come
to know
as you

What love do you serve?

1Samuel 1:9-20; 1Samuel 2:1,4-7; Mark 1:21-28

deep into
the Life
of Truth
we pray
and listen
for a word
to come
from the one who speaks
with the authority
of God’s love
for us
freeing us
from our demons
we are given new life
as He comes
with Truth
and the Light
in our darkness

We follow

What Truth do you follow?
What light?
What are your demons?

1Samuel 1:1-8; Psalm 116:12-19; Mark 1:14-20

we come
to the morning
with thankfulness
even in our weariness
or grieving
or dissatisfaction
we offer
a sacrifice of praise
as we pray
in darkened faith
into God’s Light
and Love
we hear
the Kingdom
of Goodness
is at hand
and turn
to follow

How do you offer a sacrifice of praise?

Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11; Psalm 29:1-10; Titus 2:11-14; 3.4-7; Luke 3:15-16 21-22

the skies open
and the Holy Spirit
descends
on a beloved son
from a God
well pleased
he comes to us
who wait
in anticipation
wondering
and waiting
in our hearts
for good news
of peace-
grasping
our hand
with no
partiality
He forms us
opening
our eyes and
setting us free
in the light
of His justice
His love for all
we share in
His good works
blessing
and
healing

Do you accept the grasp of His hand?
Do you accept the blessing of peace?