Gal 1:13-24; Psalm 139:1-15; Luke 10:38-42

called
through grace
from our mother’s womb
to know you
as you know us
guiding us
through thoughts
and ways
of our inmost being
bringing to light
the love
in the depths
of our soul
relieving us
from the world’s worry
and anxiety
to live
in what is
essential
your love
of all

How do you experience what is essential?

Gal 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-10; Luke 10:25-37

not of human origin
a gospel
given
to hearts
that can hear
ones
not currying favor
from human beings
or pleasing people
but serving
the vision
of God
revealed
in the love
and care
of another
not passing by
not crossing the street
but embracing
and caring
for the wound
and need
of another
with mercy
and love

What does your heart hear?
What do you do?

Habakkuk 1:2-4; Ps: 1-2,6-7, 8-9; 2Timothy 1:6-14; Luke 17: 5-10

increase our faith
as violence presses
around us
we feel your absence
in raging wars
let us hear your voice
that our hearts may
not be hardened
stir the flame
that is You in us
for You did not give
a spirit of cowardice
but strength
and love
and wisdom
that may bear
the hardship
of war, violence and evil
not stealing
your peace
and spirit of love
but doing the work
that needs
to be done
for the vision
still has its time
pressing on
to fulfillment

Can you wait in faith for God’s fulfillment?
Does your heart cry for violence in hardship?

Job 42:1-17; Psalm 119: 66,71,75,91,125,130; Luke 10:17-24

silenced
by all
that is
in existence
before me
turning
at the will
of another
we put aside
our angst
and embrace
the life
given
being with
the grace
of our names
written
in heaven
with love
by a pen
in God’s hand

Have you put aside angst?

Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5; Psalm 139: 1-3,7-14; Luke 10:13-16

from the dwelling place
of light
to the woe
of our forgetting
you bring us back
to the abode
of darkness
where you formed
our inmost being
knitting us together
in our mother’s womb
fearfully
and wonderfully made
we are in awe
of our creation
that each day
takes our breath
and inspires
love
above all
before this
we are silent

Has God embraced the woe of your forgetting with love?

Rev 12: 7-12; Psalm 138:1-5; John 1:47-51

in our single-mindedness
with no duplicity
we see
the angels
ascending
and descending
from the heavens
realities
and powers
beyond
our knowing
engaging
in battles
that press upon
our soul
not needing
our belief
consent
or control
happening
as sure
as our heartbeat
and breath

Do you see angels?

Job 9:1-12; Psalm 88:10-15; Luke 9:57-62

who are we
before creation
stars
and sun
and moon
to ask
what are you doing?
in morning prayer
we wait
upon you
to answer
our plea
you say
follow
into your mystery
homeless
and single-hearted
letting the dead
bury the dead
and not
turning back

Are you single-hearted in your following?

Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23; Psalm 88:2-8; Luke 9:51-56

despair
brings us
down
closer
to death
close
to the grave
as though
some comfort
some peace
lay there
beyond our toil
and worry
how do we look
into this
dark abyss
that holds
every unanswered
question
every unanswered
prayer

standing
waiting
as a candle
waits for the flame
as the night
waits for dawn

Where is love?

Job 1:6-22; Psalm 17:1-7; Luke 9:46-50

receiving
Him
we receive
the One
who sent Him
opening
our heart
to his searching
healing
light
though tested
we remain
firm
in His word
through storm
sickness
and even death
we have a refuge
our prayers
are heard
and answered
in His time
in His love

Have you released yourself in to God’s time and God’s love?

Amos 6:1, 4-7; Psalm 146: 7-10; Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16: 19-31

called
to leave
our complacency
and seek justice
for the oppressed
food for
the hungry
integrity
piety
faith
love
steadfastness
a gentle spirit
giving ourselves
to the Lord
who sets
the captives free
gives sight
to the blind
and thwarts
the wicked
embraced by Abraham
we see Lazarus
beggar of Life
transformed
in Love
and pray
that we
shall not be stranded
beyond
the great abyss

Do you see Lazarus in your midst?
Do you accept his gift?