1Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57: 2-4; 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19

in mercy
we are called
to follow
with the Holy Spirit
emptying
ourselves
of all enmity
anger
and jealousy
forgiving all
for the sake
of God’s love
that has come to us
freely
so that we may give
freely

How do you give and receive mercy?

1Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:1-3,9-13; Mark 3:7-12

we see
what we need
and follow
God’s mercy
freedom
from sin
suffering
and death
as we reach out
to a knowing source
pressing
upon him
wisdom speaks
and we are touched
by the light
of the living God
jealousy
and fears
cease
as we live
in the trust
of God

Are you touched by the freedom of God’s living light?
Do you experience God’s mercy?

Mark 3: 1-6

we come
before you
on our Sabbath
to remember
who we are
made for goodness
and healing
with withered hand
outstretched
knowing
our need
you heal us
and we feel
the power
of Life
holy splendor
falling on us
like the dew
the power
of a life
that cannot
be destroyed
one
in you
without beginning
or end

Do you feel the power of God’s life and love?
Have you outstretched your hand to Him?

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 His presence
our hearts
are open
to all
that is new
in His 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 His way of love?

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

a witness
to the coming
of God’s word
a Spirit
of God’s love
descends
offering
a light
to the nations
to live
within
our only offering
is an open heart
to His will
for love

Do you live with an open heart to God’s will for love?

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

What is 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 His 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?

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

What love do you serve?