1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 39:20-28; Eph 1:17-18; Mark 2:23-28

not judging
by appearance
God looks
deeply
into our heart
for goodness
and strength
offering us
a Sabbath
for re-creation
and renewal
where we are nourished
on the love
offered us
and the gifts
of the Holy Spirit
enlightening
the eyes of our heart
and the hope
of our calling

How do you see others?
Do you let yourself be nourished by the Sabbath?

1Samuel 15:16-23; Psalm 50:8-9, 16-23; Mark 2:18-22

rejoicing
in God’s presence
our hearts
are open
to all
that is new
in the way
of love
transcending
all boundaries
even into the fields
of our enemy
embracing
a Goodness
and love
that outlives time

Is your heart open to God’s way of love?

Isaiah 49:3, 5-6; Psalm 40:2,4,7-10; 1Cor 1:1-3; John 1:29-34

God’s law
within my heart
brings delight
and a new song
into my mouth
as divine love
descends
upon all creation
a Truth
of who we are
is revealed
and shines forth
in Glory
with a Justice
that transcends
our meager offerings
but embraces
each separate thing
into One Love
that knows no bounds

Do you read God’s law written within your heart?
Does it bring delight?
What new song do you hear?

1 Samuel 9:1-4,17-19, 10:1; Psalm 21:2=7; Mark 2:13-17

granted
our heart’s desire
for love
we follow
the one who calls
healer
of our soul
we live
in the freedom
of knowing
who we are
loved
and blessed
in God’s care
and compassion
living
in a harmony
only imagined
we sing
of God’s glory
and give
what we have been given

Have you been granted your heart’s desire?

1Samuel 8:4-7,10-22; Psalm 89: 16-19; Mark 2:1-2

lowered
down
into
His Presence
in our infirmity
we are touched
by His light
healed
of all
the distortions
of sin
strengthened
in our humanity
by His Divine embrace
we stand
knowing
no earthly king
can bring
what is ours
through God’s justice
God’s love
of all

Do you offer yourself to His healing presence?

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?