Daniel 13: 1-62; Psalm 23: 1-6; John 8: 1-11

within us
among us
we see you
and walk
with you
even in a valley
of darkness
you are
at our side
our guide
our companion
only goodness
and kindness
follow
with you
you give us
eyes of mercy

Do you see through the eyes of mercy?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15, Heb 5:7-9; John 12:20-33

God who suffers
with us
the grain of wheat
that dies
we follow
this love
in our hearts
to serve
leaving behind
all we hate
of this life
injustice
lies
selfishness
greed
infidelity
and turn
with clean hearts
of mercy
goodness
compassion
willing spirits
we offer our
prayers
and supplications
cries and tears
while the law of God
is forged within
our beating hearts
made for love
made for His glory
each beat tells
us who we are
as we are drawn
into Him
new covenant
with God

What part of you must die to follow Christ?
What is the covenant with God in your heart?
How is God calling you?

Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Psalm 7:2-12; John 7: 40-53

protectors
of faith
blinded
by their own
expectations
could not see
His coming
even as
His words
touched
open minds
and hearts—
preparing to
destroy
and cut Him off
from the land
of the living
they closed
themselves off
from wisdom
each going
to his own house

Have you been blinded by expectations?
Have you closed your mind and heart for protection?

Wisdom 2: 1-22; Psalm 34: 17-23; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

your presence
stands
in the truth
of who you are
born from goodness
you challenge
and censure
our thoughts
as harm
is planned
against you
testing
by our own standards
we are blind
yet crushed
in spirit and
brokenhearted
we see you
in a new way
of mercy
and kindness
and grace
that lives
beyond our means
and lifts us up
we follow

Does he challenge your thoughts?

2Samuel 7: 4-16; Psalm 89: 2-5; 27 and 29; Matthew 1: 16-24

through her
the Holy Spirit
brought life
she followed

to Him
the Holy Spirit
brought life
he followed

through Him
the Holy Spirit
brings life
we follow

How do you follow?

Isaiah 49: 8-15; Psalm 145: 8-18; John 5: 17-30

answering
your call
we pass
from death
to life
knowing
we are more
than flesh
and blood
earth
and stone
but Spirit
that raises us
to love
and kindness
caring
and compassion
restoring
a world
setting us
free
we rejoice!
we give thanks!
we sing!

Have you been set free?

Ez 47: 1-12; Psalm 46: 2-9; John 5: 1-6

we are
your living
water
flowing
from the love
of your
sanctuary
our refuge
and strength
in time
of distress
we live
in your presence
and rise
and walk
with you

What do you say when Jesus says,, “Do you want to be well?”

Isaiah 65: 17-21; Psalm 30: 2-13; John 4: 43-54

in the dawn
you are there
my helper
who changed
my mourning
into dancing
i follow
as a new heaven
and new earth
are created
the past
left behind
with all of
our tears
living
in this place
of hope
and love
we rejoice
and give thanks
for the miracle
of life

Can you leave the past behind?
Do you see a new heaven and a new earth?

2 Chron 36:14-17,19-23; Psalm. 137:1-6; Eph 1: 4-10; John 3: 14-21

light of God
gift
for eyes
of darkness
to see
the truth
revealed
that all
is gift
to us
and
for those
who seek love
an answer
a Son
raised up…
returning
from our exile of
infidelity
having been lulled
to forgetfulness
we remember
as the call
to our heart
from God
is heard…
nothing is earned
the purity
of love
that is
not currency
but grace
fills
and inspires
our works
that live in
the light of God.

Do you believe that all is gift?
Do you let God’s light into your darkness?

Hosea 6: 1-6; Psalm 5: 3-21; Luke 18: 9-14

standing
in the margins
knowing our sin
we ask
for mercy
and a
God of love
sees me
and my soul
once hardened
and dry
is refreshed
with rain
its darkness
flooded
with light
we live
in the grace
of compassion

How do you experience mercy?