Acts 5: 27-33; Psalm 34: 2-20; John 3:31-36

alive
within me
I know
your voice
your love
your guidance
my crushed spirit
you saved
close to my
broken heart
you healed me
you heard
my cry
and answered
I take
refuge in you
you guard me
from evil
a prayer
of gratefulness
for you is
always
on my lips

Does God hear your cries?
Is God close to your broken heart?
Are you grateful?

Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34:2-9; John 3:16-21

in our poverty
we are rescued
with Truth
with Light
in our darkness
revealing
am imperishable Glory
that lives
and breathes
within each
created thing
for any and all
who have eyes to see
even the sight itself a gift
we have no claim to own
called only to be radiant
with the joy
in God’s justice
God’s love of all

Can you see it?

Acts: 4: 32-37; Psalm 93: 1-5; John 3: 7-15

what is it
to be born
from above
of Spirit
as a wind
that blows
where it will
we hear its sound
we feel its effects
yet from where
does it come?
what are
these heavenly things
you will
for us
one mind
one heart
no claim of possessions
as our own
there are no needy
among us
as all is shared
and distributed
according to need
from love

What is this love that demands so much good?

Acts 4:23-31: Psalm 2: 1-9; John 3: 1-8

each day
as the sun
rises
we are
born again
renewed
by His Spirit
given
our daily bread
to go forth
in love
and peace
even as we meet
resistance
in hardened hearts
greed
hatred
and temptations
we are confident
in His Presence
to guide
and sustain us

What sustains you?

John 20: 19-31

in your fears
and your doubt
you need only
place your hand
into His wound
and find belief

What is it to place your hand into His wound?
Do you find mercy there?

Acts 4: 13-21; Psalm 118: 1 and 14-21; Mark 16: 9-15

speaking to
our hardness
of heart
our unbelief
you release
our life
from death
and give
strength
courage
mercy
and goodness
to our days
this love
available freely
to all
God’s justice…
it is impossible
not to speak
about what
we have seen
and heard

What have you seen and heard?

Acts 4: 1-12; Psalm 118: 1-27; John 21: 1-14

again
and again
you come to us
showing yourself
alive
in our lives
some mercy
some healing
some forgiveness
that speaks
of your Presence
that lives
beyond
your cross
beyond your death
a grace
that announces
aha!
yes!
this is the Christ
with us
God with us
Holy Spirit with us
this is the love
upon which we build
our lives

Upon what do you build your life?

Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2-9; Luke 24:35-48

“Why are you troubled?
Why do questions arise in your heart?”

look-
see Him
and let peace
be with you
He has risen
repentance
and forgiveness
are here
in His name
for all
who can see
a Glory shines
from heaven
over all the earth
accept the gift
of His love of all

“Why are you troubled?
Why do questions arise in your heart?”

Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-9; Luke 24:13-35

our hearts
are burning
and rejoicing
as we recognize
God within
and among us
sharing
wisdom
life
and bread
so that we
may not feel
abandoned
in a world
that often breeds
fear and greed
hatred and murder
He is our beautiful gate
where we return
to health
forgiven
strong
filled with faith
and love

Where is your beautiful gate?
Who meets you at the beautiful gate?

Acts 1:36-41; Psalms 33:4-5,18-22; John 20:11-18

in emptiness
we weep
thinking
all is lost
until a voice asks
who are you looking for?
hearing God
call our name
we are found
in God’s voice
alive
and well
freed
from death
we live
in the moment
of awakening
to the Goodness
of God
that fills
the earth

Do you hear God call your name?