2Kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 31:20,21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

we go
to the inner room
of our heart
and shut the door
and pray
to the one
who knows us
and sees
all of our needs
no longer
trying to impress
or perform
we give
and receive
through His love
and mercy
and grace
true source
of our being
our hearts
take comfort
in God’s constant presence

What do you hear in your inner room?

1Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51:4-6;11,16; Matthew 5:42-48

you say
to love our enemies
we say
how
in this time
of terror
you say
all things
are possible
in God’s mercy

imagine it

create it

How will you love your enemy?

1Kings 21:1-16; Psalm 5:2-6; Matthew 5:38-42

what law
of the Spirit
is this
no eye
for an eye
the other cheek
turned
giving our cloak
walking two miles
when asked for one
to not turn
your back
when asked to give
to give no resistance
to what is evil?

How do you respond to this?

2Samuel 12:7-10,13; Psalm 32:1-2,5,7,11; Galatians 2:16,19-21; Luke 7:36-8:2

spurning
the Lord
evil is done
in God’s sight
confronted
the mind
sees it
for what it is
sin
ingratitude
betrayal
of God’s word
and the heart
is stricken
by the knowledge
of what has been done
and confesses
its need
for mercy

forgiven
love is
poured out
at His feet
shelter is taken
in His life
and lived
in the freedom
of faith
no longer
captive
of the law
the Spirit
rejoices
and gives thanks

Do you know your need for mercy?

Acts 11:12-26;13:1-3; Psalm 98:1-6; Matthew 5:33:37

we live
by grace
not by promise
by our yes
and no
to the Spirit
who guides
each momemt

alive
with the question
to our response
to life
or death
to song
or silence
to joy
or sorrow
we live
by grace

To what to you say yes?
TO what do you say no?

1Kings 18:41-46; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26

letting go
of all anger
and judgment
we are
reconciled
and set
each other free
for a greater love
of God
source
of all life
who sets to seed
softens with showers
nurtures
and harvests
a goodness
to be shared
by all

How can we set each other free?

1Kings 18:20-39; Psalm 16:1-8,11; Matthew 5:17-19

fire of God
come down
in love
for us
fulfilling
commands
and prophecy
we are brought
to our senses
and shown
the path of Life
a sure refuge
we live
in the joy
of God’s presence
putting all
our faith
in God’s help

Do you put all your faith in God’s help?

1Kings 17:7-16; Psalm 4:2-8; Matthew 5:13-16

a light
that shines
within
drawn out
to meet another
drawn out
to meet
our God
we are guided
by this
our prayers
for love
and healing
are answered
we provide
each other
with sustenance
creating
a culture
of Life
from a
culture of death
we are
the salt
of the earth

Are you guided by your inner light?

Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

How are you blessed?

1Kgs 17:17-24; Psalm 30:2-6; 22-13; Galatians 1:11-14-19; Luke 7:11-17

as the dark night
brings fear
and sorrow
that the morning
takes away
so God’s light
dawns
into our hearts
raising us
from the dead
into new life
a gospel
of good news
not of human origin
changes
our mourning
into dancing

Do you experience God’s morning light in your heart?