Ruth 2:1-11,4:13-17; Psalm 128:1-5; Matthew 23:1-12

letting God’s love
become
our practice
we awaken
to God’s
ever presence
we are beholden
to no other
humbled
we embrace
the freedom
we receive
letting go
of all that binds us
giving
and receiving
forgiveness
and loving kindness

Do you let God’s love become your practice?

Ruth 1:1,3-6,14-16,22; Psalm 146:5-10; Matthew 22:34-40

Lord, you who
open our eyes
raise us up
and protect us
give us hope
and love
wherever we go
you go
wherever we live
you live

we live
this love
with heart
and soul
and mind
what is received
is given
freely
on this justice
all else depends

Have your eyes been opened to God’s love?
Do you love with your whole mind, heart, and soul?

Jgs 11:29-39; Psalm 40:5-10; Mt 22:1-14

making no vow
but to love God
with our whole heart
our whole soul
our whole mind
we accept the invitation
to live within
the realm of grace
in the garment of joy
and praise
coming to do
God’s will
for love
not offering sacrifice
or burnt offerings
but mercy
kindness
and compassion?

What vow do you make?

Judges 9:6-15; Psalm 21:2-7; Matthew 20:1-16

knowing
who we are
serving
our purpose
we have
no need
to dominate
or threaten
or be envious
we are fulfilled
in God’s justice
God’s love for all
our hearts
are opened
to God’s word
that is living
and effective
able to discern
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
bringing us
home

How does God work in your heart?
Are you fulfilling life’s purpose?

Judges 6:11-24; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 19:12-30

living in
our impossibilities
and limitations
we look
to God
where
all
possibility
dwells
beyond
our riches
and preconceptions
a truth
springs
from the earth
as justice
looks
down
from heaven
empowering us
with peace
and kindness
a fire of love
ignites
from our offerings
and we are saved

Do you live in God’s possibility?

Judges 2:11-19; Psalm 106:34-44; Matthew 19:16-22

letting go
of all
that possesses us
we see
our treasure
in heaven
the heart
of God’s
goodness
come to earth
in a love
that is in
yet beyond
his commands
calling us
from idolatrous
ways
to a Truth
that feeds
and sustains us

What possesses you?
What sustains you?
How do you hear God’s voice for goodness?

Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12: 1-4; Psalms 40: 2-4, 18; Luke 12: 49-53

eyes fixed on Jesus
we are ignited
by the fires of spirit
knowing
who we are
we stand 
in His Truth
one
with all
in God’s love
raised
from starvation
and thirst
to a song of mercy
placed within us
we endure
with Him
and do not grow despondent
nor abandon the struggle
with our eyes fixed
on Him

Are your eyes fixed on Jesus?
How do you receive your strength from Him?

Luke 1:39-56

through Mary’s faith
proclaiming
the greatness
of the Lord
we see God’s look
of favor upon us
and all
that God has blessed
having mercy
on those who are in awe
and wonder
scattering the proud
and lifting the lowly
filling the hungry
with good things
remembering
mercy
she lifts our eyes
to the love
of heaven
that lives
among us

Are your eyes opened to the love of heaven?

Jos 3:7-17; Psalm 114:1-6; Matthew 18:21-19:1

living
in God’s mercy
we learn
to forgive
over and over
as we leave
our ignorance
and enter
God’s slowly
revealing truths
of infinite love
that opens doors
in our minds
and hearts
to another way
forgetting
the past
and embracing
God’s ever presence

How do you forgive everything?
How do you live in God’s presence?

Dt. 34:1-12; Psalm 66:1-3; 5 and 8, 16-17; Mt. 18:15-20

transitioning
to new life
we feel
the tenderness of God
with profound hope
in all to come
trusting
the fire
of the Holy Spirit
to lead us
and continue
even as we
may feel
left behind
we are purified
of any bitterness
and given
the courage
to continue
our “yes” to God
as we gather
in His name
a community
of His own
reconciled
in God’s love

How do you keep hope and faith in transition?
How do you deal with the experience of being left behind?
What vision of a Promised Land does God offer you?