Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 69: 8-10,21-22,31-34; Matthew 26:14-25

faced
with inevitable
betrayal
He lets go
into a path
that many
will follow
as we carry
our cross
with Him
through
suffering
sin
and death
trusting
that the Lord
in great Love
will answer us
with new Life

Do you trust God with your suffering and death?

Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 71:1=6, 15-17; John 13:21-33, 36-38

knowing
our hearts
our faithfulness
or our betrayal
still He gives
His life
His bread
for us
from a love
He knows
in God
that never fails
even as we might
one Love
one Purpose
one Refuge
from where
all Justice
flows
in Mercy

Do you live in God’s mercy?

Isaiah 42:1-7; Psalm 27:1-3,13-14; John 12:1-11

even as enemies
gather
in the deep silence
of God
we feel
the breath
who breath us
the hand
who formed us
grasps us
and leads
us into the light
all darkness
falls away
in our refuge
where the fragrance
of Love
and Beauty
and Generosity
anoint us
into salvation
and new life

What fragrance surrounds you?

Luke 19.28-40; Isaiah. 50.4-7; Phil 2.6-11; Luke 22.14-23,56

even if we are silent
the rocks
will cry out
love
mocked
treated with contempt
urgent for death
the crowds
cry to crucify
prevailing voices
of ignorance
call for death
to He who
will have no part
of violence
beating breasts
weeping
for ourselves
weeping
for our children
yet still
forgiveness
pours onto
ignorance
His innocence
proclaimed
the curtain torn
we follow
His spirit
to paradise

What do you do with His forgiveness?
How is he still crucified?
Are we still silent?

Jeremiah 20:10-13; Psalm 18: 2-7; John 10:31-42

the enemies
of our mind
on every side
we cry out
in our distress
to the Lord
who answers
with strength
and courage
and love
His word
shines through
our darkness
we rejoice
and sing
to this God
of Goodness
who rescues us

Do you experience His light in your darkness?

Genesis 17:3-9; Psalm 105:4-9; John 8:51-59

God’s glory
comes
in a voice
heard by faith
living
beyond death
guiding us
and strengthening us
with love
in an unforsaken
covenant
giving meaning
and purpose
to the day to day
of our lives
as we serve
His calling

How do you hear God’s voice today?

Dn 3:14-20, 91-92,95; Dn 3:52-56; John 8:31-42

what love
and freedom
does God bring
that even
when we walk
through the fire
we are saved
by our faithfulness?

What fires have you walked through?
What love are you here for?

Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-3,16-21; John 8:21-30

patience
worn out
by the journey
all expectation
unmet
we cry out
into the One
who has led us
to this desert
where serpents
bite and sting

answered
we look upon
the one
raised up
for our sake
as healer
and guide
to a sustaining love
that remains
ever faithful
even when
we are not

What will sustain you for the journey?

Daniel 13:1-9; 15-30,33-62; Psalm 23:1-6; John 8:1-11

we stand
accused
by another
or our own minds
for things
done
or not done
ashamed
and alone
we offer
ourselves
to prayer
from where
our help comes
allowing
our God
who is our guide
to lead us
from this dark valley
giving us courage
and refreshing
our soul

Do you bring your need to prayer?

Isaiah 43: 16-21; Ps 126: 1-6; Phil 3: 8-14; John 8: 1-11

Jesus
knower of our hearts
you part the way
of sin
in our lives
opened
we see our own sins
and are saved
from each other’s crushing
stones
our need exposed
we are no longer left
to our past
and
old merciless ways
we see
no justice in the law
but only power
flowing
from your resurrection
something new
springing forth
from dry deserts-
renewed love
rises within us
what is sown in tears
we reap with laughter
grasped by your love
we release all
and run
to the God
who calls

Have you dropped the stones from your hand?
Have you forfeited all for the love of God?