1Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10=22, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45

the mercy
of the God
not of our making
or control
provides
victory
or defeat
healing
or not
as we carry
our burdens
in the Light
of faith
traveling
to the deserted places
for what
he has to offer
to our uncertain fate
we surrender
in love

What is the mercy of God?
How do you experience mercy?

1Samuel 3:1-10,19-20; Psalm 40: 2,5,7-10; Mark 1:29-39

the morning light
dawns
on us
and through
its silence
we hear you
and our heart
ignites
into a fire
of desire
to do your will
as we hear
you whisper
“here I am”
a hand
outstretched
to heal
we rise
to serve
in all we do
the love
we have come
to know
as you

How do you serve God’s love each day?

1Samuel 1:9-20; 1Samuel 2:1,4-7; Mark 1:21-28

deep into
the Life
of Truth
we pray
and listen
for a word
to come
from the one who speaks
with the authority
of God’s love
for us
freeing us
from our demons
we are given new life
as He comes
with Truth
and the Light
in our darkness

We follow

What Truth do you follow?
What light guides you?
Who and what are your demons?

1Samuel 1:1-8; Psalm 116:12-19; Mark 1:14-20

we come
to the morning
with thankfulness
even in our weariness
or grieving
or dissatisfaction
we offer
a sacrifice of praise
as we pray
in darkened faith
into God’s Light
and Love
we hear
the child of wonder
of Goodness
is at hand
and turn
to follow

How do you offer a sacrifice of praise?

Who is the child of wonder and goodness?

Isaiah 42: 1-4, Acts 10: 34-38; Psalm 29: 1-10; Mt 3: 13-17

a Spirit
descends
like a dove
and favor
rests
upon
a chosen one
bringer of peace
doer of good
healer of wounds
a voice
calls over the water
glory thunders
as a sky opens
to a beloved
the Spirit of God
blesses the people
with God’s justice
God’s love of all
bringing peace
to our hearts

Do you experience the peace of Christ?
Do you live in and spread the peace of Christ?
Do you see God’s love of all as justice?

1John 5: 14-21; Psalm 140: 1-9; John 3: 22-30

sing
be glad
dance
and praise
with thanks
for the living God
of love
who protects
us from evil
and hears
our prayers
immerses us
in the Spirit
of Truth
no longer
of a world
that separates us
with sin
and death
we belong
to life
eternal
and goodness

Do you have confidence that God hears your prayers?
Do you ask according to God’s will?
What is God’s will?

1John 5:5-13; Psalm 147: 12-15, 19-20; Luke 5:12-16

broken
we seek
healing
and Truth
searching for the One
who can guide our way
through turmoil, violence and chaos-
for the one
whose will
is for our good-
finding Him
in the deserted places
of our minds
and heart
we join Him in prayer
to the God He knows
as love and light
in the silence
we breathe
with the one who breathes us
trusting
even as we doubt

What do you seek?
Who do you trust?

1John 4:19-5:4; Psalm 72: 1-2, 14-17; Luke 4: 14-22

lead
by the power
of the Holy Spirit
He knew
who He was
child of God
bring us
liberty
sight
and freedom
through God’s love
given to all
freely
in justice
we embrace
His commands
as precious wisdom
light
in our darkness
and life giving word

What do you hear in his commandments of love?
How do you know who you are?

1John 4:11-18; Psalm 72: 1-2,10,12-13; Mark 6:45-52

He comes
across the waters
of our raging seas
bringing calm
and perfect love
that drives out
the fears
of our hardened hearts
saving
the poor
and the afflicted
through the work
of God’s hand
in each other

Do you believe that perfect love drives out fear?
How do you experience perfect love?
Do you abide in God’s love?

1John 4: 7-10; Psalm 72: 1-8; Mark 6: 34-44

God’s love
sees our hunger
and our need
and calls out
to us
that we might
share
what we have
with another-
our little
with God’s blessing
becomes
the miracle
of abundance
and we have
more than enough
for all
in God’s mercy
and love

Do you feel the call of God’s love?
Do you see that your “little” is enough?
What do you have to share?