James 1:1-11; Psalm 119:67-76; Mark 8:1-13

asking in faith
not doubting
we are given
all we need
no miraculous sign needed
just a love
and grace
given freely
knowing
that though we pass away
as the flower
in the field
our soul lives on
in the joy of the Lord

Do you ask God for what you need in faith?
What do you receive?

Sir: 15: 15-20; Ps 119 1-2;4-5; 17-18; 33-34; 1 Cor 2: 6-10; Mt 5: 17-37

open our eyes
instruct us
give us
discernment
that we may see
your wisdom
that saves us
you see all
that is in our hearts
our fears
our desire for good
you place your law
upon us
we trust in you
and follow
your Holy Spirit
that knows
even the depths of God
guide us
to choose life
in all things

Have your eyes seen?
Have your ears heard?
What do you choose

Mark 8:1-10

moved
by His compassion
the crowds
are fed
by the blessing
of One who
would see
the hunger
among us
and respond
knowing
that within
our midst
is enough
if only
it would be
shared

How have  you received God’s blessing?
How do you share it?

Mark 7:31-37

Opened
to God’s healing touch
upon our ears
our mouth
and our hardened heart
we hear His voice of love
guiding us
in new ways
of Being
away from deception
away from hatred
and weapons of war
to kindness
generosity
and peace

Have your ears been opened to the voice of God?
What do you hear?
How do you act on it?

1Kings 11:4-13; Psalm 106:3-4, 35-40; Mark 7:24-30

praying
for our children
we persist
in our love
that they stay
on the path
of Truth
and light
goodness
and love
always guided
by the Holy Spirit
to a place
of healing
and courage
and are not lead astray

What do you pray for the children?
What do you pray for the parents?

1Kings 10:1-10; Psalm 37: 5-6,30-31, 39-40; Mark 7:14-33

the mouth
of the just
speaks wisdom
bringing light
and peace
to our heart
offering refuge
in time of distress
providing goodness
to the world
through the strength
of the Holy Spirit
counter to a culture
of weapons, lies and war
She offers peace
love and mercy
and kindness
to All

Who do you trust?
In what do you put your faith?
Is your heart open to the Holy Spirit?

1Kings 8:22-30; Psalm 84:3-11; Mark 7:1-13

you cannot be held
by walls
or named
by our careful prayers

yet you lean
toward the cry
that rises
from an honest heart

even the sparrow
knows where to rest
the swallow
where her young are safe

not in perfection
but near
your altar

how easily
we polish the outer cup
while love waits
unserved
at the door

you are not impressed
by clean hands
if mercy is withheld
from mother or father
neighbor or stranger

teach our hearts
your way
bend them gently
toward what matters

let our lives
be a threshold—
close enough
to hear your breathing
yet far enough
to stay humble

better one day
awake to your presence
than a lifetime
busy
and distant

stay with us,
Spirit of truth—
make your home
where our longing lives.

Are your hands open with God’s love and mercy?

1Kings 8:1-7,9-13; Psalm 132:6-10; Mark 6:53-56

in the dark 
cloud of unknowing
we come
to be healed-
healing for ourselves
and all those
we love
even our enemies
as we see God’s word
as life
long have we followed
with hearts
of endless need
seeking only
our daily bread
and God’s will
for love

Who do you offer up to God’s healing touch?

Matthew 5:13-16

a light
that shines
within
drawn out
to meet another
drawn out
to meet
our God
we are guided
by this-
our prayers
for love
and healing
are answered
as we provide
each other
with sustenance
creating
a culture of Life
from a culture of death
we are the salt
of the earth

Are you guided by your inner light?
What is the source of your light?

1Kings3:4-13; Psalm 119:9-14; Mrk 6:30-34

our hearts
are moved
with His
for wisdom and
understanding
of God’s way
for a love
and mercy
and compassion
that finds
all the lost
and heals
all divisions
releasing
all sin
suffering
and death
into His hands

How is your heart moved by Him?
Do you seek God’s wisdom?