Neh: 2-6; 8-10, Ps 19:8-10, 15; Cor 12:12-30; Luke: 1:1-4, 4:14-21)

one body
made
one spirit
moving
within His ways
our heart beats
our eyes see
our hands hold
His love
passed from one
another
His law enfleshed
our hearts rejoice
His pure sight
enlightens
and weeping
is no more
we feast
with Him
sending portions
to those who
have nothing
setting free
the captives
setting liberty for
the oppressed
this joy of the Lord
is our strength

Is his law alive in your heart?
Can you see with his eyes?
Is his joy your strength?

2 Timothy 1: 1-8; Psalm 96: 1-10; Mark 3: 22-30

stir
the flames
of faith
given
by the Holy Spirit
who did not
give
a spirit of
cowardice
but of power
self control
and love
once seen
cannot be
denied
we sing
of the glory
passed on
through
generations
living
now

What keeps your faith alive?

Hebrews 8: 6-13; Psalm 85: 8-14; Mark 3: 13-19

waiting
and praying
for healing
and new life
to fulfill
His promise
of love
and peace
in our hearts
we are called
to where
truth and kindness
meet
where justice
and peace
are one
sprung
from the earth
showered
from heaven
placed in our heart
the knowledge
of His love
is completed
we go forth
with good news
for all the earth

How do you respond to His call?

Hebrews 7:25-8:6; Psalm 40:7-17; Mark 3:7-12

law written
within my heart
I press my ear
to the sound
of its beating
feeling the pulse
of its steady rhythm
set to the pace
of God’s existence
in me
marveling at
its faithfulness
to my day to day
setting the flow
and pace
of love
in my life
enduring
and pressing back
against all
that would break it
or harden it
thankful
for this sacred chamber
and holy place
of prayer in me

What is written in your heart?

Hebrews 7: 1-3, 15-17; Psalm 110: 1-4; Mark 3: 1-6

we come
before you
author of Peace
with
outstretched
hand
knowing
our need
you heal us
and we feel
the power
of Life
holy splendor
falling on us
like the dew
the power
of a life
that cannot
be destroyed
one in you
without beginning
or end

Do you feel the power of His Life?
Has God taken and healed your outstretched hand?

Hebrews 6: 10-20; Psalm 111: 1-10; Mark 2: 23-28

you are
an anchor
for our soul
sure
and firm
reaching
beyond
into
the heart
of God
where
we find
all we need
in love
fed
we work
tirelessly
in this
given
love
which
we return
most graciously
to you
through
another

Is all of your hope in the promises of God?
How do you return the love that has been given?

Hebrews 5:1-10; Psalm 5: 1-10; Mark 2: 18-22

beset
by weakness
we know
our need
and pray
with offerings
for guidance
from the one
who knows
the will
of God
of love
itself
perfected
in suffering
we are
given
new life
with him

Do you know your need?
Do you accept His guidance?

Isaiah 62: 1-5; Ps. 1-3, 7-10; 1 Cor 12: 4-11; John 2: 1-12)

this water
turned to wine
a mother
knows
her Son’s time
a step taken
and we
no longer
forsaken
no longer
desolate
are brought
into the land
of Truth’s heart
espoused
gifts are given
for common good
we express
wisdom
and knowledge
faith
and healing
prophecy
gift of tongues
and understanding
spirit enlivens
all
with marvelous deeds
we will not be silent
we are His
water
turned to wine

What is your gift?
How do you share it?

Hebrews 4: 12-16; Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 15; Mark 2: 13-17

He says
follow me
to the living
God
where truth
lives
in words
that are Spirit
and life
nothing
hidden
in weakness
need
or deceit
only love
revealed
in reflection
and thought
a law
of wisdom
that sets us free
our heart
rejoices
our soul
is refreshed
our eyes
enlightened
in the mercy
and grace
of God

Have you heard Jesus say “follow me”?
What did your heart say?
Are you healed by His presence

Hebrews 4: 1-5, 11, Psalm 78: 3-8; Mark 2: 1-12

paralyzed
we are lowered
by the faith
of friends
into
His Presence
sins
are forgiven
infirmities
healed
we take up
our mat
and walk
home
with complete trust
and faith
in God’s
compassion
and love
we live
in God’s rest

Do you have complete faith in God’s power?
Do you rest in God’s love?