Genesis 3:1-8; Psalm 32:1-2,5-7: Acts 16:14; Mark 7:31-37

in time
of stress
we enter
the shelter
of God’s Spirit
and pray
reassured
of His Presence
we hear
the cry
of freedom
that rings
around us
our eyes
and ears
and hearts opened
we remember
who we are
living
at peace
in the scent of hyacinth
and moon glow
in God’s garden

Where do you live?

Genesis 2:18-25; Psalm 128:1-5; Jas 1:21; Mark 7:24-30

welcome
the word
planted in you
persist
in asking
and seeking-
for healing
will come
know that
you are never alone
you are always
in Love’s Presence
even when Love
feels far away
even when
anger and deceit
are upon us
be still
and know
for healing
will come

Do you welcome the word planted in you?
Can you be still and know?

Genesis 2:4-9, 15-17; Psalm 104:1-2, 27-30; Mark 7:14-23

the Spirit
sent forth
we are created
in breath
with hearts
intended for love
what turn
would cause
a heart
to greed
and deceive
envy
and betray
with arrogance
what tree
what fruit
what choice
of heart and mind
leads the soul astray
what angel
heralds
a return

Do you hear the Spirit’s call to trust the God who created you in love?

Genesis 1:20-2:4; Psalm 8:4-9; Mark 7: 1-13

reconciled
by the Holy Spirit
law and love
become one
each person
living
and care
for the good of all
creation
that was given
in a holy generosity
from God’s economy
of abundance
in a love for all
living by what
is imperishable
kindness
patience
courage
gentleness
thriving
in the fruits
of the Spirit

How is your heart reconciled to God’s law of love?

Genesis 1:1-19; Psalm 104: 1-35; Mark 6:53-56

Spirit of God
creating all
light
and dark
water
and wind
sea
and sky
land
and seed
fruit
and stars
displaying
a majesty
a Light
of Glory
and healing
of all
into Goodness

Are you touched and healed by God’s loving Presence?

Isaiah 58: 7-10; Psalm 112, 4-9; Cor 2 2:1-5; Mt 5: 13-16

we shall cry
for help
and God’s
light
will break forth
like the dawn
upon
our wounded hearts
healed
we shall
overflow
in generosity
feeding
the hungry
a shelter
for the homeless
covering
the naked
freeing
the oppressed
satisfying
the afflicted
salt of the earth
we are preserved
from destruction
rooted
in love
we shall not
be moved

Do you experience God’s Light dawning in your heart?
Does your heart overflow with generosity?
Are you a shelter for the oppressed?

Heb 13:15-21; Psalm 23:1-6; Mark 6:30-34

our hearts
moved
by the Spirit
not neglecting
to do good
and share
what we have
we listen
for the voice
that will lead
us through
the valley
of our fears
into the Light
of Love
healing divisions
inspired
by His words
refreshing
our soul
we are no longer lost
to ourselves
or each other

What voice do you hear?
What narrative guides your life?

Hebrew 12:1-8; Psalm 27:1-9: Mark 6:14-29

embraced
by the Holy Spirit
we let Love
continue
content
with what we have
being
welcoming
and mindful
of all
faithful
in all things
and make no promises
we cannot keep
following
the saving Light
of Grace
we have a refuge
in times of trouble
a home
in times of peace

Where do you find the strength of God’s love?
Where does the Holy Spirit guide you?

Mal 3:1-4; Psalm 24:7-10; Hebrew 2:14-18; Luke 2:22-40

suddenly
He will come
the one
whom we seek
the thoughts
of our hearts revealed-
through the mercy
of His knowing
what we suffer
we will endure
the day of His coming
Holy Spirit
offering
a love that endures
that sees through
the chaos
of our creation
to our salvation
lending courage
patience
and hope
to the days
of our Life
no longer slaves
to the fear of death
we become
living flames
of God’s love

How do you feel about the day of His coming?
What are you being asked to endure?

Hebrew 12:4-7,11-15; PS 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18A; John 10:27

let no bitter root
spring up
and cause trouble
through which
we may become
corrupted
we strive
for peace
with everyone
from a kindness
that is from eternity
Holy Spirit
provider
and guide
of God’s love
this Presence
this ground
of our being
here we take root
and grow deeply
into our faith
resisting all
that would
uproot us

Has a bitter root sprung up in your heart?
How can it be uprooted?