Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-36; John 17:11B-19

we live
in the power
that is God’s alone
each breath
a gift
we receive
and give
singing
a song of praise
for the goodness
within our reach
each moment
that is justice
we pray
for one another
that we not
be lead astray
but remain
always
in God’s Truth

Do you pray always?
Is your breath a prayer?

The Feast of the Visitation
Zeph 3:14-18; or Romans 12:9-16; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 1:30=56

our soul
proclaims
the goodness
of our God
from where
our strength
and courage
come
joy
leaps
in our heart
for the new life
God brings
rejoicing
in hope
enduring
in affection
we turn
from what is evil
and hold on
to God’s goodness

Where is God’s goodness?

Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-7; John 16:29-33

never alone
I abide
in God’s
Holy Spirit
who guides me
even as there is trouble
in the world
in my mind
and in my heart
God leads me
from deception
and denial
I gain courage
and peace
through God’s gift
of faith

What guides your mind and heart?
How do you know what is true?

The Ascension
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47: 2-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Luke 24:46-53

A Spirit of Wisdom
is given
as eyes of our hearts
are enlightened
to the hope
that belongs
to this call
to love
even as the darkness
and evil
around us
is calling to despair
we give into
Hope
and Love
and Joy
for we have seen
the vision
of God
that leads to peace

Do you give into the hope that belongs to this call?
Does your heart see the way to peace?

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 the killing
of our children
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

I leave
my fear
and silence
and speak
of God’s desire
for love
and peace
knowing
I live
in God’s 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 our pain
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 of the Lord
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: 1-2, 11-14; John 16:12-15

from One
we are made
the human race
to dwell
among
all that is
in the Love
that breathes us
day to day
demanding
only that we know
who we are
giving up
the idolatry
of things
of our own hands
seeing
and hearing
the voice
of our creator
living in God’s justice…
God’s love
of All

Have you given up the idolatry of things?
How do we turn from the violence in our hearts?
How do you live in the created world?

Acts 16:22-24; Psalm 138:1-8; John 16:5-11

lost in our grief
we do not hear
His words of consolation
the Advocate
to come
to bring all we need

how easy to be lost
in the world’s chaos
and darkness
yet how beautiful
and amazing
to be found
and opened to God’s love

gratitude for our being
we sing in the Presence of angels
a song heard
by ears turned
to God’s Glory

What do you hear?

Acts 15: 1-2; 22-29; Psalm 67: 2-8; Rev. 21:10-13, 22-23; John 14: 23-29

no temple
can contain
the light
of Glory
shown through
the God
of Love
shining His face
upon us
carried on
through the ages
in Spirit
read in the hearts
of ones
who have known
Him
lifting burdens
and
setting free
what was
meant to be
love of God
love of another
seeking
how to live this
in community
in the world

Have you seen the light of glory?
How does the spirit guide your life?
Have you been set free of burdens?