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?

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

we cry out
we pray
for new life
and that our enemies
and demons
be taken away

deep into
the Life
of Christ
our enemies flee
our demons
are expelled
as we are given
new life
through Him
who comes as Truth
we follow
His Light
through our darkness

What Truth do you follow?

the skies open
and a 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?

Isa 60.1-6; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 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?

1John 5:5-13; Psalm 147:12-20; Mark 1:7-11

descended
through our humanity
He meets us
in our poverty
of Spirit
revealing God
as love
a voice
from the heavens
opens
our hearts
full of rage
and uncertainty
to calm our fears
and receive His grace
calling us home
to peace

How do you experience your poverty of spirit?
Do you accept God’s grace?

1John 3:11-21; Psalm 100:1-5; John 1:43-51

called
to follow
a Love
we do not quite understand
no boundary
no country
no male or female
no nationality
its only opposition
is its own absence
in hate
its own inability
to lay down
its life
for another
and all the while
we are called
to sing
with joy
to its Glory
Goodness
and Kindness

What is this love to which we are called?

1John 3:7-19; Psalm 98:1,7-9; John 1:35-42

we hear
a question
from God
“what are you looking for?”
we answer
“truth”
in a time
that has turned
itself into
deceptions
and lies
each blaming
another
each lost
in their own
wanderings
we hear
“be still”
we hear
“come and see
we hear
“you are found”
we hear
our name
changed

What are you looking for?

1John 2: 29-3:6; Psalm 98: 1-6; John 1: 29-34

a Holy Spirit
descends
upon the one
who will save
with love
showing us
a way
of knowing
we are
not separate
living
in accord
with God’s goodness
we are freed
from the burden
of lawlessness
we sing
joyfully
as all
our hopes
are fulfilled
in the purity
of God’s love

Are your hopes fulfilled in God’s goodness and love?
For what purpose were you born?

1John 2: 22-28; Psalm 98; 1-4; John 1: 19-28

a voice
in the wilderness
of our hearts
calling us
to a path
set straight
to the Lord
all lies
and deceptions
fall away
as pure love
is revealed
anointed
in the light
of Christ
we sing for joy
for what
we have seen
freedom
from all
that would harm us
we trust
completely
in the one
who saves

Are you lead by the light of Christ?
Do you hear the voice in the wilderness of your heart?
Do you let Him teach you?