Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you-
you trusted
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?
To what do you say “yes”?
What Light is born through you?

Painting by Adam Morse

Acts 2.1-11; Ps. 104 1, 24, 29-31,34; 1 Cor 12.3b-7,12,13; John 20.19-23

a noise
a strong
driving wind
tongues of fire
the Holy Spirit
our advocate
coming down
among us
to renew
the face of the earth
fruits of each
from the God
who loves All
for One good
bringing peace
we breathe easily
as we are freed from fear
we live
in the gifts
and drink of
the one Spirit
we give our lives
to this…
faithfulness
gentleness
love
joy
patience
kindness
generosity
self-control (Gal. 5:22-23)

How do you use your gifts?

Acts 25:13B-21; Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20; John 21:15-19

becoming
the Light
He saw
His life
and proclaimed
the kingdom of God
whose searching
glance
is upon us
always
seeking love
and justice
guiding us
into Truth
hating violence
embracing peace
and calling us home

What do you see that you have become?

Acts 25:13-21; Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20; John 21:15-19

the one
who was thought
to be dead
is alive
in the love
we proclaim
in the feeding
and tending we do
seeing
another way
of Life
in the Holy Spirit
that cannot
be bought
or sold
contained
or controlled
by human means
an immeasurable
justice
called mercy
an immeasurable
kindness
called Love

Do you experience Him alive?

Acts 22: 30; 23: 6-11; Psalm 16: 1-11; John 17: 20-26

my soul
rejoices
in you
who show me
the path
of life
each day
in your
presence
I rest
in your counsel
and safety
even as my body
is tired and in pain
and my mind
may be confused
I am at peace
in your love

Is your soul in peace?

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?

Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68: 10-21; John 17:1-11

with all intent
for good
we struggle
the day
knowing that
another plan
is elsewhere
conversations
that effect
even the passageway
of death
go on without us

where do we
place our life
and heart
and soul
and mind
in this circumstance
that we might live
in joy
not belonging
to the world’s whim
for us
but in God’s
own desire
for peace
in God’s own desire
for love

Where do you place your life?
What do you find there?

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

never alone
we abide
in God’s
Holy Spirit
who guides us
even as there is trouble
in the world
our minds
and hearts
rejoice
in His ways
steering clear
of deception
we gain courage
and peace
through God’s gift
of faith

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

Acts 1: 12-14; Ps 27: 1-8; 1 Peter 4: 13-16; John 17: 1-11

together
with the women
they prayed
fearless
in His light
wanting only
to dwell
in God’s house
answering
the call
of their heart
to seek only
God’a desire
for love
of all
freeing the world
of murder
and greed
and war
to live
with Christ’s peace
in our heart
knowing we have all we need

What is God’s desire?
What is your desire?
Are they the same?

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 war
and hate
and violence
and sin
and suffering
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