A Prayer for Healing and Peace
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122: 1-9; Mt 8: 5-11

instructed
in His ways
walking
His path
we beat our swords
into plowshares
our spears
into pruning hooks
we walk
in His light
no longer
training for war
no longer
raising our sword
we go rejoicing
to the house
of the lord
a house
of love and peace-
feeling unworthy
He brings
worthiness
and healing
by our faith
in His words of Life

Do you have faith in His word?
Do you walk in His love and light?
Have you put down your sword?

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

signs in the sun
and moon
and stars appear
we wait in anguish-
distraught
at the roaring seas
the heavens shake
we die in fright
at what is coming
upon the earth—
then hope remembered
a promise fulfilled
a shoot raised up
this Son of Man will come
we know not when
only that
each heart will
know Truth-
God’s overflowing love
will strengthen
our weakness
and our soul shall be lifted
to paths of kindness and justice
goodness and compassion
freed from over indulgence
and worldly care
we will embrace
love’s longing of our heart
and dwell secure

Will you know Him when he comes?
Do you know Him with you now?

Feast of St. Andrew
Romans 10:9-18; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 4:18-22

called
we follow
the one
who refreshes
our soul
whose decrees
are trustworthy
and true
giving wisdom
and rejoicing
our heart
more precious
than any other thing
we leave all
behind
and begin
each day
anew
with Him

How do you begin each day?
Where do you hear God calling?

Rev 20: 1-4; 11-21:2; Psalm 84:3-8; Luke 21:29-33

shrouded words
of mystery
coming to the end
of this heaven
and earth
while fires
burn around Israel
we wait
our hearts
crying out
to the Living God
for peace
for justice
for a new heaven
and a new earth
recreated
in God’s Living Words
of Love

Do you have faith and patience in the waiting for peace?

A Prayer

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus
Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—
think about such things…
and give thanks.

What are you thankful for today?

Rev 15:1-4; Psalm 98:1-9; Luke 21:12-19

what are
these words
of revelation
ominous
shrouded
in the language
of dreams
what are these fearful
prophetic words
of seizing
persecution
and betrayal
all intermingled
with songs
of praise
and reassurance
who are we
that live among
webs of lies
and deceit
yet are held together
with divine threads
of love
and breathed
with the Holy Spirit’s breath
and embraced
in Holy Grace-
I stand in awe
I stand in wonder
letting the silence speak

What do you hear in the Silence?

Rev 13:14-10; Psalm 96: 10-13; Luke 21:5-11

the heavens
are glad
the earth
is rejoicing
the sea
and what fills it
resounding-
the plains
joyful
trees of the forest
exulting
at the time
of harvest
a coming
judgment
we know not when
living not
from threats
or human promise
but from God’s eternal love

How do you live with uncertainty?
Do you experience God’s eternal love?

Luke 21:1-4

from our wealth
and poverty
we give everything
withholding
nothing
from the God
who gives us
All
knowing
that all we have
is for something
greater
than our own
a Love
a Light
for All

Do you give all of yourself to God?
What do you hold back?
Do you hear the hymn of pure love?

Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-5; Rev 1: 5-8; John 18:33-37

Coming
as a king
not of this world
but as an authority
of some pre-existent
Truth
that we might see
that we might hear
beyond our earthly visions
of power
and want
and greed
to a love
made for all
and a peace
the world
cannot give
born from heaven
first born
from the dead
our hearts see
His Truth
and glory
and are set free

Do you experience yourself within Him?
Do you experience the peace the world cannot give?

Rev 11:4-12; Psalm 144:1-20; Luke 20:27-40

prophets
incite
with words
that prick
conscience
and challenge
accepted ways
inciting
anger
murder
and torture
upon themselves
as their words
are received

yet even in death
God’s breath
breathes them–
the heaven
that lived
within them
lives still–
rising
like angels
their Truth and Love
has no boundaries

Do you hear the words of the prophets?
How do you receive them?