1John 5: 14-21; Psalm 140: 1-9; John 3: 22-30

sing
be glad
dance
and praise
with thanks
for the living God
of love
who protects
us from evil
and hears
our prayers
immersed
in the Spirit
of His Truth
no longer
of the world
that separates us
with sin
and death
we belong
to life
eternal
and good

Do you have confidence that God hears your prayers?
Do you ask according to His will?

1John 5:5-13; Psalm 147: 12-15, 19-20; Luke 5:12-16

broken
we seek
healing
and Truth
searching for the One
who can guide our way
through turmoil, violence and chaos-
for the one
whose will
is for our good-
finding Him
in the deserted places
of our minds
and heart
we join Him in prayer
to the God He knows
as love and light
in the silence
we breathe
with the one who breathes us
trusting
even as we doubt

What do you seek?
Who do you trust?

1John4: 19-5:4; Psalm 72: 1-2, 14-17; Luke 4: 14-22

loved
by God
we are freed
to love
one another
no longer
in bondage
to hatred
and lies
and covetousness
we have all
we need
in this love
in the power
of the Holy Spirit
always
with us
we pray
always
and bless
as we are
blessed
amazed at
God’s gracious words
and love…
we follow

Do you feel loved by God?
Do you love others with this love?

1John 4:11-18; Psalm 72: 1-2,10,12-13; Mark 6:45-52

He comes
across the waters
of our raging seas
bringing calm
and perfect love
that drives out
the fears
of our hardened hearts
saving
the poor
and the afflicted
through the work
of God’s hand
in each other

Do you believe that perfect love drives out fear?
How do you experience perfect love?

1John 4:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8; Mark 6:34-44

“In this
is love-
not that we
have loved God
but that He loved us”
sending His Son
as food
for the hungry
a guide
for the lost
offering
compassion
and justice
in His love for all
blanketing us
in peace
we share all
we have been given
with grateful hearts
even as we tremble
in awe
of what we have seen

Do you know God’s love for you?
How do you share God’s love?

1John 3:22-46; Psalm 2:-8,10-12; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

knowing
the Spirit of God
who calls us
we turn away
from false prophets
and deceivers
to those who speak
of God’s love
for all
setting us free
to embrace
a way of life
far from war
and greed
murder
and jealousy
to one
of healing
and compassion
breaking down
the barriers
in our hearts
with His Word

How do you know the Spirit of God?
Have you embraced the way of God’s love?

Isaiah 60.1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Ephesians 3.2, 3, 5, 6; Matt 2.1-12

seeking distant stars
we travel
wanderers
weary of dark
seeking to know
who we are
made in longing
we are needy
poor
as we hunger
for truth
for freedom
oppressed by greed
we know we are more
waiting
longing
watching
biding our time
then other travelers
come
to tell us
the time is here
no longer a distant star
no longer a distant time
the gift has been given
the sight of Him
who inspires
an open heart
we open
to a love
beyond the boundaries
of what we have known
first
God within us
then
among us
in each other
even into the boundaries
of our enemy
“then you shall be
radiant in what you see
your heart shall throb and overflow”

What is your treasure that you would give?

Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 67: 2-3,5-8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

her heart
listens
her heart
reflects
treasuring
the gift
of her womb
a child
who knows
God as His father
who blesses
and keeps us
shines His face
upon us
with grace
and kindness
mercy and peace
we know
we are loved
and that salvation
has come
our hearts
rejoice with her

Do you treasure all these things and listen to them in your heart?
Do you feel his face shine upon you?
Do you receive his blessing?

1John 2: 18-21; Psalm 96: 1-13; John 1:1-18

the trees
exult
the heavens
are glad
the sea
resounds
the plains
are joyful
we sing
our joy
before the Lord
for truth
has come
into the world
foretold by one
who knows
the hour
all lies
and darkness
pass away
as what was
from the beginning
emerges
in light
and we know
who we are

Do you hear the earth rejoice?
Do you sing your joy?

1John 2:12-17; Psalm 96: 7-10; Luke 2: 36-40

enticed
by a world
that is passing away
we are called
to another love
deeper
and lasting
holder
of God’s will
and wisdom
and God’s love
for all-
forgiven
we know Him
our hearts
give glory
and praise
and reverence
as all that we
have spent
our lives for
in prayer
and fast
appears

Do you recognize Him?
How do you know Him?