Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4,12013, 18-19; Luke 11:20-32

listening
to the prophet’s
warning
we change
our ways
with contrite heart
and contrite spirit
we are renewed
and led
by the Holy Spirit
needing
no sign-
for something
greater
is here
a Knowing
beyond knowing
in which we move
and have our being

Have you heard the prophet’s warning?
Where do you move and have your Being?

Isaiah 55:1-11; Psalm 34:4-7,16-19; Matthew 6: 7=15

His word goes out
like rain and snow
and will not return
to Him void
but with harvest
of His will for Love–
close to our broken hearts
and our distress
our prayers
are answered
and we are radiant
with joy
as God’s kingdom comes
God’s will is done
and our daily bread
is received
all trespasses
forgiven
we are delivered
from evil
and live in peace

Have you received His word into your heart?

1Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 16:13-19

we come
to the church
of mercy
and dwell
within its house
tasting
the goodness
of God
we are rested
and refreshed
goodness
and kindness
are shown to us
we willingly
and eagerly
serve
the love
we have found here
in this church
of mercy
where all are welcome

Have you found the church of mercy?

Genesis. 9:8-15; Psalm 25:4-9; Pt 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15

this is our time
a time fulfilled
as floods of destruction
turn to waters of baptism
we see God
and have no wish
to destroy
but to save-
God’s promise
in our hearts
we follow
to the desert
tempted
by worldly visions
of power
and wealth
and pleasure
we resist
and turn to
God’s ways
of love and truth
kindness
compassion
and goodness
sustained
by the Spirit
we go out
with Good News

By what are you tempted?
How do you resist?

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
not turning their back
to their own
enters the light
that breaks forth
like the dawn
where healing comes
and God says
“I am here”

Do you have a contrite heart?
Where is your compassion?

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 endured
many sufferings
at the hands of others
but 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

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

Genesis 4:1-15,25; Psalm 50:1 and 8, 16-17, 20-21; Mark 8:11-13

what sign
but breath
that we live
in grace
given

what darkness
in us
that we should
rise against
another
in word
and deed
betraying all that we are
in envy
murder
and greed

drawn up
before our eyes
we see
all we wish
not to be
but given God’s love
and strength
we become
who we are
meant to be

What does your breath tell you?
Who were you meant to be?

Lv 13:1-2; 44-4; 1Cor 10: 31-11:2; Luke 7:16; Mark 1:40-45

set apart
marked as unclean
as “less than”
or unworthy
we turn to God
in our time of trouble
who offers
the saving power
of mercy
love
forgiveness
and compassion-
ever grateful
we share
what has been given
to all who desire

What have you set apart?
Where do you turn in time of trouble?
What do you share?