Jer 1: 4-10; Psalm 71: 1-17; 1Peter1: 8-12; Luke 1: 5-17

from
our mother’s womb
we are known
and called
to a love
and a light
announced
from the wild
and lived
in the day to day
a rock
of refuge
a stronghold
a safety
from what
life’s storms
may bring
we live
in the peace
of Christ

Do you experience the peace of Christ?

Matthew: 6: 24-34

in a world
of worry
concern
and fear
for food
and drink
and clothing
and safety
you say
“don’t”
seek first
another
called God
and righteousness
then all
shall be added
to you

How do you seek and serve this kingdom of God?

Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?

Matthew 6: 7-15

faithful
in Christ
we pray
to our father
in heaven
whose name
is holy
whose will
shall be done
on earth
as in heaven
who gives
our daily bread
who forgives
as we forgive
who leads us not
into temptation
but delivers us
from evil
to our God
whose love
is justice
and truth
we give thanks

Do you give thanks for all things?
Do you forgive everything?

Matthew 6: 1-6; 16-18

seeing
God’s generosity
we pour out
our love
as God makes
every grace
abundant
to our poverty
gracious
merciful
and just
we give
and pray
and fast
not to be seen
but for
God’s goodness

Do you experience the abundance and generosity of God?

1Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51: 3-6,11,16; Matthew 5:43-48

asking
for mercy
we are given
reprieve
as the love of God
opens
to us
seeing all
as held in this Love
seeking our care
even to our enemy
who shows us
our own heart
we pause
from our greed
to see a new way
to live
giving thanks
for all
that is before us

Do you pause to give thanks to God?
Do you seek mercy?

Matthew 5: 38-42

letting go
of the violence
of possession
we give
our coat
and walk
the extra mile
giving
to the one
who asks
enduring
in affliction
and hardship
with patience
and kindness
and love
seen as poor
and sorrowful
or dying
we live
in joy
having
all we need
in God
we sing
and rejoice

Have you let go of the violence of possession?

Ez 17:27-24; Psalm 92:2-3,13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-31

a seed sown
taking root
in God’s time
grows
past our limits
into its enormity
holding all of life
sacred
within it
even in old age
bearing fruit
its branches rejoice
and proclaim
goodness
to the dawn
we walk
in the faith
of the planted seed

Do you have faith in planted seed?

1Kings 19:19-21; Psalm 16:1-10; Matthew 5:33-37

saying yes
when we mean yes
and no
when we mean no
we follow
God’s counsel
with God’s love
set ever before us
knowing
who we are
we leave all
behind
and enter
God’s joy
abiding
in the confidence
of His Presence

What have you left behind to follow?

1Kings 19:9-16; Psalm 27:7-14; Matthew 5:27-32

not in the wild wind
not in the earthquake
but in a whisper
God came to him
who longed to hear
who longed to see
God’s face
waiting
with courage
and hope
we listen
deeply
and thoughtfully
for God’s word
knowing
how our thoughts
take root
and guide
our actions
we seek
to be
God’s love

Where do you hear God’s word?
How does it take root in your life?