Acts 18: 23-28; Psalm 47: 2-10; John 16: 23-28

you say
until now
we have not
asked anything
in your name
you say
ask the Father
in my name
and you will receive
so that your joy may be complete

so we ask
for the end of war
and hate
and violence
and sin
and suffering
and addiction
and death and grief
exploitation
of one another
through slavery
and human trafficking
and greed and lust
and the end of
racism and sexism
and guns and weapons
that kill and destroy
we ask for love and peace.
we ask you
in Jesus name. Amen

Acts 18:9-18; Psalm 47:2-7, John 16:20-23

we leave
our fear
and silence
and speak
of God’s desire
for love
and peace
knowing
we live
in His Presence
and power
filled with a joy
that cannot
be taken
as a mother’s pain
of her labor
is forgotten
in the joy of birth
so shall we
in our homecoming

How do we let go of our fear, suffering and sorrow?
How do we enter God’s desire for us?

Solemnity of the Ascension

Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mt 28:16-20

ascending
to God’s desire
for love
and peace
upon the earth
we embrace
the Holy Spirit
who enables us
to carry on
our work
with the eyes
of our hearts
enlightened
and the hope
of His call
within us
so grateful
for His Presence
we are filled
with joy
leaving behind
despair

Where is your hope?
Are the eyes of your heart enlightened?

Acts: 17:15, 22-18:1, Psalm 148: 1-14; John 16: 12-15

turn
your heart
and mind
to the one
in whom
we live
and have
our being
given
breath
and life
and every thing
not fashioned
in any image
of our hand
or imagination
but in love
incarnate
that flows
eternal

Who owns your breath?
Who leads you to Truth?

Acts 16:22-34; Psalm 138: 1-8; John 16: 5-11

even as
grief fills
our heart
and prison
surrounds us
we come
to know
a greater love
a greater freedom
than the world
can give
a Presence
given
a Spirit
that informs
as love is given
and received
we are strengthened
and give thanks

Have you come to know a greater love and freedom?

Acts 16:11-15; Psalm 149: 1-9; John 15:26-16:4

my heart
opened
by inspired word
and prayer
I am touched
by the Spirit of Truth
and love
my advocate
in times
of need
I am touched 
by God’s delight
and filled with joy
turning
my mind
and heart
to all that is Good

How can you keep your heart opened to God’s word?
How can you keep your mind and heart open to goodness?

Acts 8: 5-8, 14-17; Psalm 66; 1 Peter 3: 15-18; John 14: 15-21

not left
as orphans
an Advocate
is given
as the Holy Spirit
is revealed
we cry out
to God
with joy
we see
our Life
in God
in the realm
of Spirit among us
through which our hearts
and the earth
are renewed
with Love

How is the Holy Spirit revealed to you?
Do you hear the earth cry out to God with joy?

Acts 16: 1-10; Psalm 100: 1-5; John 15: 18-21

Holy Spirit
Of God
guide
of our steps
our coming
and going
we journey
with you
in a joy
and peace
the world
cannot give
though persecution
may come
we remain
faithful
to the love
we have found
through
His name

Who is your guide?

Acts 15: 22-31; Psalm 7: 8-12; John 15: 12-17

I will
wake
the dawn
with song
and praise
for the love
that lights
each day
beyond
the world’s burden
that disturbs
I turn to
the peace
of mind God gives
and the love
that breathes us
to life
for this
we lay down
our lives
for each other

Do you wake the dawn with song and praise?

Acts 15:7-21; Psalm 96: 1-10; John 15:9-1

finding
our answer
in God’s love
we open
our hearts
to each other
and leave our fears
behind
as we say
yes
to creation
and all
that it gives
working
tirelessly
for Life
daring
to sing
a song of joy
into life’s sorrows

Do you dare to sing a song of joy?