Esther C:12,14-16, 23-25; Psalm 138:1-8; Matthew 7:7-12

Ask
and it will be given to you
Seek
and you will find
Knock
and the door will be opened to you

What do you ask for?
What do you seek?
Upon what door do you knock?

Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-44,12-13,18-19; Luke 11:29-32

hearing
the word
of repentance
we turn
from ways
of seeking
that have led us
astray
entering
a field of mercy
that absolves
and strengthens
our contrite heart
opening
a new path
of Light
and loving
that nourishes us
in the ways
of the Spirit
we have
all we need
for the journey
and give thanks

Do you hear the word repent in your heart?
Where do you turn?

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34:4-19; Matthew 6:7-15

hearing
our cries
a word
goes out
from heaven
to the ear
that can hear
bringing forth
a kingdom
where God’s will
is done
where daily bread
is given
where we are forgiven
as we forgive
where we resist
temptation
learning who we are
for God is close
to our hearts
and minds
and we are radiant
with joy

Do you have faith that God hears your cries?
Do you have a heart that hears God’s word?

Lv 19:1=2, 11-18; Psalm 19:8-15; Matthew 25:31-46

words
of Spirit
and Life
God’s law
enlightens
our Love
unselfish concern
for another
we seek
to understand
and share
His goodness
in feeding
and sheltering
tending
and healing
welcoming
and visiting
resisting the temptation
to succumb
we know who we are
and share
the Good News
of God’s love

Does God’s word enlighten your Life?

Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7; Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-17; Romans 5: 12-19; Mt 4:1-11

turning from
the tree of life
we eat
of good and evil
aware of
our nakedness
we hide our being
from love
cast aside
we beg for mercy
from ourselves
until
one comes
from the desert
who knows
the true voice
and that
some food
is poison
even as we starve
and that
no proof
is needed
for eternal love
belongs to God
given
freely
owned
by all
and none

Can you hear the true voice?
What voice tempts you?
Do you test love and try to possess it?

Isaiah 58:9-14; Psalm 86: 1-6; Luke 5:27-32

leaving
our own
selfish ways
we follow
the way
of God
whose will
is to Love
we feed
the hungry
remove oppression
false accusation
and malicious speech
embracing kindness
we bring Light
into the darkness
our strength
is renewed
like a watered garden
as we return
to original Goodness
in Life
and Death
we are welcomed home

What way do you follow?

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?