Ez 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-8; Matthew 5:20-26

what is our death
but to live
in our anger
to call
another foot
to harbor
grievance
against
another
bringing
our own judgment
creating
our own prison

we come to the altar
forgiving
and forgiven
no crimes
remembered
in the sphere
of kindness
that is our God
who gives life

What do you need to forgive?
What do you need forgiven?

Esther C:12, 14-16,23-25; Psalm 138:1-3,7-8; Matthew 7:7-12

we ask
and it is given
we seek
and find
we knock
and the door
is opened
to all
that we need
when we see
and know
that God
is all we need
and is given
as we do
unto others
what we would have them do
unto us

For what do you seek?
For what do you ask for?
On what door do you knock?

Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4,12013, 18-19; Luke 11:20-32

listening
to the prophet’s
warning
we change
our ways
with contrite heart
and contrite spirit
we are renewed
and led
by the Holy Spirit
needing
no sign
for something
greater than wisdom
is here
a Knowing
beyond knowing
in which we move
and have our being

Have you heard the prophet’s warning?
Where do you move and have your Being?

Isaiah 55:1-11; Psalm 34:4-7,16-19; Matthew 6: 7=15

His word goes out
like rain and snow
and will not return
to Him void
but with harvest
of His will
for Love
close
to our broken hearts
and our distress
our prayers
are answered
and we are
radiant
with joy
as God’s kingdom comes
God’s will is done
and our daily bread
is received
all trespasses
forgiven
we are delivered
from evil
and live in peace

Have you received His word into your heart?

Lv 19:1-2,11-18; Psalm 19:8-10,15; Mt 25:31-46

Lord
your words
come
as Spirit
and Life
mercy upon us
as you guide us
to care
for one another
feeding
clothing
welcoming
tending the sick
visiting each other
in prison
you set for Truth
for our ways
your commands
set us free
for Love

Are God’s words Spirit and Life for you?

Dt 26:4-10; Psalm 91: 1-2; 1-2,10-15; Romans 8-13; Luke 4: 1-13

we cry
in our deserts
oh Lord
afflicted
oppressed
you hear
our cry
and lift us up
with strong hand
and outstretched arm
we feel
the power
that is you
bringing us
into your land
your spirit
your Son
where no temptation
has power
no bread
above you
no kingdom
but yours
no need
to test
our trust
complete
we bring
the first fruits
to your altar
and make merry
in our joy
for all the goodness
of You

Do you take the outstretched hand?
What are your temptations?
Do you bring your first fruits to God?

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

coming
to the morning
with dread
i hear…
today I set before you
life and death
choose life
that you
and your children
may live
and choose
hope in the Lord
His way
His law
choose Christ
His cross
saying His death
of Life
and for some reason
beyond reason
I believe

What is the power of His cross?

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?

1Kings 8:22-23,27-30; Psalm 84:3-5,10,11; Mark 7:1-13

how lovely
this dwelling place
of Glory
where
we celebrate
the love
of our living God
who lives
in our hearts
and our lives
as we honor
our parents
for the life
they gave
in all of its struggle
and grace

How do we honor our parents?
How do we honor God?