Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 11:16-19

like a tree
planted
by running water
we are nourished
by the flow
of God’s grace
living law
guiding
the way
to wisdom
we stretch
and grow
and breathe
into God’s presence
sending down
deep roots
yielding fruit
in accord
with God’s nature
of loving kindness

Are your roots planted deeply into God’s love?
Do you stretch and grow and breathe into God’s Presence?
When she played a flute for you did you dance?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son‘s love
and the gifts of Holy Spirit
remaining always
in his goodness
and compassion
to all

What do you hear from the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?

Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you
you trusted
as though through
the eyes
of one
without sin
without separation
from God
and conceived
within your being
a Son
who would bring
light
to our eyes
and
to the world…
with a song
upon our lips
we see
and rejoice

Do you say “yes” to the Spirit?
What do you say “yes” to?
What Light is born through you?

(painting by Adam Morse)

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-13; Matthew 18:12-44

found
we rejoice
and sing
with the breath
of God
on our voices
grateful for life
and love–
though
we are as the grass
that withers
and the flower
that wilts
our soul
finds its home
in God’s Spirit
and living
word

Where do you find your home?

Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26

with the aid
of friends
we are brought
to God’s Presence
we rise
and walk
healed of all
that cripples us
and keeps us
paralyzed
we walk
in God’s Presence
we see a Glory
burst forth
in the desert
joy and gladness
awaken
sorrow and mourning
flee
as kindness
and Truth meet
justice and peace
embrace
we live in the awe
of Grace

How do you allow friends to help you into God’s Presence?
Do you allow yourself to be healed?

Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126: 1-6; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

we take off your robe
of mourning
and misery
for winding ways
are made straight
as the love
of God abounds-
the harvest
of justice
is ripened in Christ
who comes to us
in peace…

remembered by God
we are filled
with laughter
and joy
as the love
that was sown
in tears
reaps rejoicing
in the light
of His glory come

Can you let go of your mourning and misery?
Do you remember God as God remembers you?
How do you experience the light of His glory?

Isaiah 30: 19-26; Psalm 147: 1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:1-8

no longer
will our teacher
hide himself
hearing us
when we cry out
we will see him
and a voice
from behind
will sound
in our ear
“This is the way
walk in it”
healing our broken heart
binding our wounds
we are sustained
and follow
to labor
in God’s field
cleansing
curing
raising the dead
and bringing new life

Do you hear his voice?
Where do you see him?
How do you follow?

Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27: 1,4,13-14; Matthew 9:27-31

waiting
for the dawn
believing
in Him
our eyes
are opened
to a Light
of Love
that saves
gazing
on loveliness
we see
God’s bounty
in the land
of the Living
and are in awe
given
courage
and patience
our fear
dissipates
and we become
the day

What do you see at the dawning of the day?

Is 26:1-6; Psalm 118: 1,8-0,19-21,25-27; Matthew 7:21,24-27

our refuge
and trust
is in God
who shines
a will
to love
on all people
we listen
and act
setting
our life
solidly
on his rock
rains come
winds blow
but we stand firm
in his Spirit
who lifts us up
again
and again

Where do you stand?
Where do you take refuge?
How do you love?

Isaiah 25: 6-10; Psalm 23: 1-6; Matthew 15: 29-37

we dream of
a banquet
before us
our Spirit
restored
we see
the love of the God
and feel God’s saving power
there is nothing more
we shall want
as goodness
and kindness
pursue us
and feed us
the blind see
the lame walk
the deaf hear
death is destroyed
every tear
wiped away
we rejoice
and praise
as we put our hope
in Him

How do you experience God’s love?
How do you experience God’s saving power?
How do you rejoice?