A Prayer to Know Who We Are
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 know who you are?
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
to 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?

Gen 2:18-24; Ps 128: 1-2,3-6; Heb 2:9-11; Mark 10:2-16

man and woman
made from one
returned
in marriage
we see the
love of God
that works
between
within
the spaces of us
blessing
each other
the recesses of our home
are filled with love
and children-
we learn to live
and die
for each other-
even as we rejoice
we may suffer for
the Truth
we find there
as no one can break
what God has joined
in faith to each other
we learn
the faithfulness
of God
in relationship
we see
what God desires

Do you trust the love of God in relationship?
Do you see God’s fidelity in your own faithfulness?
Do you die to your selfishness to love?

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

silenced
in awe
by All
that is
before us
we turn
in love
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
by the God
who loves us

Have you embraced the life given by the God who loves you?

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
God brings us back
to the abode
of darkness
where He 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

How do you experience the awesomeness of God’s love?

Memorial of the Guardian Angels
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
or 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
we return
to the wonder
of the child
to the beginning
of love
and trust
in the guarding angels

Where is love?
How do you experience guardian angels?

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

crying out
into the night
we seek your help Lord
in this living-
the earth at war
against enemies
calling down the fires
even upon the innocents
enduring raging storms
and floods
chaos and division
we pray for your clear vision
of knowing who you are
in the God of love
following your ways
with no distraction
walking in the realm
of God’s peace
knowing God’s love of All
as Justice

Do you cry out to God in the night?
Do you let your prayers come before the Lord?
Do you follow Him in with the peace of knowing who you are?

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 God’s time
and love

Do you live in God’s time and God’s love?
How does God answer your prayers?

Numbers 11:25-29; Psalm 19:8-10;, 12-14; James 5:1-6; Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48

the Spirit
came to rest on them
bringing God’s word
of wisdom
and life
to share
with one another
a perfect Law
and love
that brings joy to the hearts
of those who can hear
turning us
from the riches that spoil
devour and fade
to the gifts
that heal
and nurture
and grow
into God’s love

Do we separate from all that would keep us from God?
Do the precepts of the Lord give joy to our heart?

Eccl 11:9-12:8; Psalm 90 3-17; Luke 9:43-45

numbering
our days
we gain
wisdom
of heart
humbly
knowing we belong
to another
who shares
our breath
cherishing
the vision
of our youth
before
the trials
and testing
of age
we find refuge
in God’s grace
and care

Where do you find refuge?
What was your vision of youth?
What is the vision of your old age?