1Cor 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-5,10-11; Matthew 25:1-13

praying
to be seen
to be known
praying
that we never hear
I do not know you
by the One
who is love
praying
not to be left
behind
that we always carry
what is essential
with us

What is this essential oil we cannot share?
Do you fear not being known?
Do you feel the anguish of being left out or left behind?

Cor 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51

we hear
His words
to stay awake
for His coming
is now
in every
spiritual gift
given
day to day
for our blessing
and blessing others
with God’s goodness
imparted to us
as we sing
of God’s justice
and mercy
kindness
compassion
and love
never giving up hope
in God’s presence

Are you awake to God’s word?
Does God’s word bless your day?
Do you bless others?

Matthew 23:27-32

you search us
you know us
there is
nowhere
to run
or fly
or hide
from your love
shining
into the dark tomb
of us
you bring
Light
to where
there was
none
enlightened
we see
what has always been
what will always be
a pure love
and we lay down
our arms
and live
in your mercy
goodness
and kindness

Where do you try to run and hide?
Have you experienced his light shining within you?
Have you laid down your arms?

2Thes 2:1-3,14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26

God’s word
living and effective
discerns
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
cleansing us
within
and without
clearing our vision
setting us free
to see love
at work in the world
encouraging us
day by day
through grace
we turn away from blind guides
and serve the God of love

Is God’s word living and effective in your love?
Who do you serve?

Revelations 21:9b-14; Psalm 145:10-18; John 1:45-51

leaving
our fear
and anxiety
we come
and see
the One
with no
duplicity
and are
witness
to the
undivided heart
that sees
the glory
and splendor
of God
the angels
among us
at work
we behold
we listen
we follow
and give thanks

Can you let go of fear and anxiety?
Do you experience the glorious splendor of God

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
our love
is secure
in the living God-
asked
who we are
we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ez 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12

God’s glory
shown
our spirit
lifted
a voice
speaks
of a peace
and kindness
we long for
not shrouded
in formality
as a heavy burden
but in the freedom
found
in the love
and care
of one another
this
is what we serve

Do you experience the freedom of God’s love in one another?
Who is Christ in your life?

Ez 37:1-14; Psalm 107:2-9; Matthew 22:34-40

our dry bones
are given over
to Spirit
we come
to life
the longing
of our soul
satisfied
we know
what is greatest
to love our God
with all of
our heart
and soul
and mind
and to love
our neighbor
as our self–
all depends
on this

How does God bring your dry bones to life?

Ez 36:23-28; Psalm 51:12-19; Matthew 22:1-14

our vision
cleared
we regain
our sight
and hearts
of stone
become
hearts of flesh
love
returns
as the Spirit
dressed
in Truth
guides
our completion
no longer
subject
to cruelty
we live
in the Presence
of compassion

Do you have a heart of compassion?

Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16

abandoned
by our shepherds
we are lost
and look
into our hearts
where God speaks to us
of love and goodness
there is
no partiality
in God’s love
as we labor
in God’s field
each receiving All
in a generosity
that bears fruit through
the Holy Spirit
we shall want
for nothing
as we see
each spiritual gift
unfold
before us
and shepherd us
home

What do you hear in your heart?
Do you experience God’s love and generosity