2Timothy 1:1-8; Psalm 96:1-10; Mark 4:21-25

with sincere faith
stir into flame
the gift of God
you have been given
living not
in a spirit of cowardice
but of love
and self-control
and share
the Good News
of the Gospel
with strength
from God
hiding not
its Light
but letting it shine
singing
its song
of Spirit
and Glory

Do you share the gift you have been given from God?

The Conversion of St. Paul
Acts 22:3-16; Psalm 117:1-2; Mark 126:15-18

struck
by the Spirit
of God
we are
changed
our mind
and heart
and vision
realigned
and new
adhering
to a Truth
that leaves
all division
from our sight
living only
in one
abiding love

Have you been struck by the Spirit of God?

Hebrew 10:1-10; Psalm 40:2,4,7-10; Mark 3:31-35

we come
as family
one Spirit
of will
to love
in ways
beyond law
and sacrifice
a new song
arising
that the world
has not heard
a justice
not experienced
in weighted scales
and gavels
but drawn
from God’s abundant love

What is the new song you hear?

Hebrews 9:15,24-28; Psalm 98: 1-6; Mark 3:22-30

Holy Spirit
word of life
making all things
new
a song
arises
from our heart
and soul
as we experience
the gifts
of your ways
love
joy
peace
generosity
patience
faithfulness
self-control
we live
within the power
of your being
that sets things right
no one can deny
your Presence
and live
for you are life
itself

Do you live within the power of the Holy Spirit?
How do you know?

Isaiah 8: 23-9:3; Psalm 27; 1 Cor 10-17; Mt 4:12-17

united in mind
judgment and anguish
have taken wing
streams of light
beam into
our darkness
bringing joy
to a land
of gloom
he calls us
we follow
to dwell
in the house
of the Lord
gazing on
loveliness
we are
completed
in love
the yoke
of our burden
is lifted
the rod of taskmaster
smashed
making way
for the risen
Light

Do you unite yourself to the new life he brings?
Do you feel your burden lifted?

Prayer for the Women’s March

Who would have strength
to stand, truth to power –
a tightrope walk
against the wind,
with no net below
except for the hand of God?

Who would walk the road
less taken, the one of
rocky crags and razor wire?
That curves into a
perilous wood and
still look up with hope?

Who would sing the song
of dissonance when it
is easier – far easier!
to slip into the stream
and be carried
by its current?

Who would dare
to demand justice,
show mercy,
offer comfort
shout defiantly –
who would love
in the face
of hate?

Puah stood, and Shifra
by her side, choosing life
and the cry of babes over
one man’s harsh decree.
And Miriam, the one of
timbrel and drum
she danced across a river
and sang a song
of freedom’s call.

Who will stand
now, if not for me?
who will rise
now and march
now and sing a song
of freedom’s call
now? Who,
if not for me.

Once more, and
yet again
if not now,
When?

Stacey Z. Robinson

Hebrew 8:6-13; Psalm 85:8-10; Psalm 34:18; Mark 3:13-19

pray
breathe
wait

what do you do
when the heart
called to open
to what God
has written upon it
breaks

pray
breathe
wait

for the One
who is close
to the broken-hearted
to come

pray
breathe
wait

for those
crushed in Spirit
he saves

pray
breathe
wait

Do you trust your praying?
Do you trust your breathing?
Do you trust the waiting?

Hebrews 7:25-8:6; Psalm 40:7-17; Mark 3:7-12

law written
within my heart
I press my ear
to the sound
of its beating
feeling the pulse
of its steady rhythm
set to the pace
of God’s existence
in me
marveling at
its faithfulness
to my day to day
setting the flow
and pace
of love
in my life
enduring
and pressing back
against all
that would break it
or harden it
thankful
for is sacred chamber
and holy place
of prayer in me

What is written in your heart?

Hebrew 7:1-3,15-17; Psalm 110:1-4; Mark 3:1-6

with anger
and grieving
at their
hardness of heart
He stepped through
their idolatry
of the law
into the realm
of God’s love
and compassion
reaching out
His hand
to heal the hand
of another
asking us
to follow

Do you follow God’s love and compassion to heal?

Hebrews 6:10-20; Psalm 111:1-10; Mark 2:23-28

reaching
beyond
the veil
we find
an anchor
for our soul
within a realm
of blessing
and hope
a refuge
from all we are
reluctant to face
inspiring courage
and strength
to say
and do
what we must
to insure
a kingdom of love
compassion
and care

Where is the anchor for your soul?