Genesis 13: 2, 5-18; Psalm 15: 2-5; Matthew 7: 6, 12-14

this narrow
gate
to which
we are called
who would
enter
if not for
a love
they see
and hear
and touch
and taste
much greater
than the world
has known
a perfect
justice
that holds
no harm
only love
and goodness
for one another

Can you see through the narrow gate?

Genesis 12: 1-9; Psalm 33: 12-22; Mt 7: 1-5

speak
the truth
and set
it free
not with judgment
but with vision
setting
a path
to a promised land
where
all needs
are met
in kindness
generosity
and gentleness
when
the violence
of greed
is left behind

Have you left the violence of greed?

(Job 38:1. 8-11; Ps 107: 23-31; Cor 5: 14-17; Mark 4: 35-41)

a new
creation
lives in us
through him
who calms
the raging seas
that filled
our hearts
with fear
and darkness–
we see
his works
and wonders
in the abyss
and stand
in wonder
and awe
of the power
and mystery
that is
beyond us
giving thanks
for his
everlasting
love

Do you experience the power of this mystery?
Do you experience the power of this faith?
Has he calmed the raging sea in your heart?

2Cor 12: 1-10; Psalm 34: 8-13; Matthew: 6: 24-34

in a world
of worry
concern
and fear
for food
and drink
and clothing
and safety
you say
“don’t”
seek first
another
called God
and righteousness
then all
shall be added
to you

How do you seek and serve this kingdom of God?

1Cor 11: 18, 21-30; Psalm 34: 2-7; Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?

2Cor 11: 1-11; Psalm 111: 1-8; Matthew 6: 7-15

faithful
in Christ
we pray
to our father
in heaven
whose name
is holy
whose will
shall be done
on earth
as in heaven
who gives
our daily bread
who forgives
as we forgive
who leads us not
into temptation
but delivers us
from evil
to our God
whose love
is justice
and truth
we give thanks

Do you give thanks?

2Cor 9: 6-1; Psalm 112: 1-9; Matthew 6: 1-6; 16-18

seeing
God’s
generosity
we pour out
our love
as God
makes
every grace
abundant
to our poverty
gracious
merciful
and just
we give
and pray
and fast
not to be seen
but for
God’s goodness

Do you experience the abundance and generosity of God?

2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146: 2-9; Matthew 5: 43-48

giving
themselves
first
to the Lord
they experienced
joy
and generosity
flowing
even through
their poverty
and affliction
and the miracle
of love
even of enemies
and prayer
for persecutors
for this
we praise
and keep faith
in the Lord
who gives
justice
as love

Do you love your enemies?

2Cor 6: 1-10; Psalm 98: 1-4; Matthew 5: 38-42

letting go
of the violence
of possession
we give
our coat
and walk
the extra mile
giving
to the one
who asks
enduring
in affliction
and hardship
with patience
and kindness
and love
seen as poor
and sorrowful
or dying
we live
in joy
having
all we need
in God
we sing
and rejoice

Have you let go of the violence of possession?

2 Cor 5: 14-21; Psalm 103: 1-12; Mt 5: 33-37

reconciled
In Christ
we are
a new creation
no longer
seen for our
iniquities
trespasses
or acts of destruction
but for a life
of kindness
and compassion
given
for our oneness
with all
knowing
we live
only for
God’s truth
God’s love
Of all

Do you live with kindness and compassion?