A Lenten Prayer

Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling within them.
Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of all life.
Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from worry; feast on trust.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
Fast from hostility; feast on nonviolence.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
Fast from suspicion; feast on truth.
Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.

Gentle God, during this season of fasting and feasting, gift us with Your Presence, so we can be gift to others in carrying out your work. Amen.

Author unknown

Dt 30:15-20; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 9:22-25

today
is set before us
life and death
choose life
in Him
who endured
many sufferings
at the hands
of men
but rose
to 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
love’s fruit
yielding
in due season
with leaves
that will never fade

What do you choose?

Ash Wednesday

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?

Sirach 35:1-12; Psalm 50:5-8,14,23; Mark 10:28-31

releasing
all attachments
we see
into the Presence
of God
source
of our Being
all Love
Kindness
and Goodness

returning
not empty handed
but with all
that has been given
thankful
and with praise
we are at peace

What do you see when you release all attachments?

Sir 17:20-24; Psalm 32:1-7; Mark 10:17-27

glad cries
of freedom
as we let go
of error
and fault
entering
the Truth
of God’s presence
before our breath
before our thoughts
loving us
into existence
we are full
of thanks
and praise
leave all
the unnecessary
to follow
His path
to Goodness
where all things
are possible
in God

Have you entered the freedom of God’s presence?

Is 49: 14-15; Ps 62: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9; 1 Cor 4: 1-5; Mt 6: 24-34

never forgotten
we rest in God alone
our rock
our stronghold
our salvation
we shall not be disturbed
trusting in God
at all times
our hearts pour out
His love
beyond the judgment
of the world
it is God’s light
that sees
the motives of our heart
showing us
who we serve—
leaving mammon
we let go
of worldly anxiety
for food and drink and clothing
we are as free
as the wildflowers
who do not spin
the birds of the air
that fly
seeking first
His kingdom
where all our needs are fulfilled

What do you serve?
Are you filled with anxieties of the world?
Do you seek God first?

Sirach 17:1-5; Psalm 103:13-19; Mark 10:13-16

with wisdom
ever conscious
or the presence
of God
Jesus embraces
the children
as we are embraced

created
in image
for one glorious
brief moment
of beholding

we are asked
to live
in loving kindness
and compassion
caretakers
of justice-
God’s love for all

What challenges your commitment to loving kindness?

Sir 6:5-17; Palm 119:12-35; Mark 10: 1-12

A faithful friend
is a sturdy shelter;
she who finds one
finds a treasure.
A faithful friend
is beyond price,
no sum can balance her worth.
A faithful friend
is a life-saving remedy…

Who is your friend?
Who are you a friend to?

Sirach 5:1-8; Psalm 1:1-6; Mark 9:41-50

receiving
God’s word
we delight
in His way
meditating
day and night
on the love
and grace
that surrounds us
relying not
on wealth
nor overconfident
of forgiveness
adding sin
upon sin
we do not delay
in our conversion
and cut off
any path of deception
placing
all our hope
and trust
in God

How do you hear God’s word?

1Pt 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-6; Mt 16:13-19

willingly
eagerly
we share
what has been
revealed
by God
who is our guide
there is nothing
we want
as we see
the goodness
and kindness
that follows us
all the days
of our life
even as we walk
in dark valleys
we put aside
our fear
of evil
for He leads us
with a power
that is greater
than any man
or woman alone can offer
it is the power
of God alone

Where does the power of God reside?