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?

Mark 8: 14-21

Speaking to our hearts He asks
Do you not see?
Do you not hear?
Do you not understand?
there is enough
do not let
your hearts
be hardened
by the religion
of the Pharisees
and the politics
of Herod
but live
in the Holy Spirit
who guides us
to share in faith
with love and joy
patience and peace
kindness, generosity 
and gentleness
for the common good
in God’s justice
God’s love for all

Is your heart troubled and hardened by religion and politics?
Do you see the path of the Holy Spirit?
Do you follow

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?

Sir: 15: 15-20; Ps 119 1-2;4-5; 17-18; 33-34; 1 Cor 2: 6-10; Mt 5: 17-37

open our eyes
instruct us
give us
discernment
that we may see
your wisdom
that saves us
you see all
that is in our hearts
our fears
our desire for good
you place your law
upon us
we trust in you
and follow
your Holy Spirit
that knows
even the depths of God
guide us
to choose life
in all things

Have your eyes seen?
Have your ears heard?
What do you choose

Mark 8:1-10

moved
by His compassion
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

Opened
to God’s healing touch
upon our ears
our mouth
and our hardened heart
we hear His voice of love
guiding us
in new ways
of Being
away from deception
away from hatred
and weapons of war
to kindness
generosity
and peace

Have your ears been opened to the voice of God?
What do you hear?
How do you act on 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 7:14-33

the mouth
of the just
speaks wisdom
bringing light
and peace
to our heart
offering refuge
in time of distress
providing goodness
to the world
through the strength
of the Holy Spirit
counter to a culture
of weapons, lies and war
She offers peace
love and mercy
and kindness
to All

Who do you trust?
In what do you put your faith?
Is your heart open to the Holy Spirit?

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

you cannot be held
by walls
or named
by our careful prayers

yet you lean
toward the cry
that rises
from an honest heart

even the sparrow
knows where to rest
the swallow
where her young are safe

not in perfection
but near
your altar

how easily
we polish the outer cup
while love waits
unserved
at the door

you are not impressed
by clean hands
if mercy is withheld
from mother or father
neighbor or stranger

teach our hearts
your way
bend them gently
toward what matters

let our lives
be a threshold—
close enough
to hear your breathing
yet far enough
to stay humble

better one day
awake to your presence
than a lifetime
busy
and distant

stay with us,
Spirit of truth—
make your home
where our longing lives.

Are your hands open with God’s love and mercy?