2Kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 31:20,21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

we go
to the inner room
of our heart
and shut the door
and pray
to the one
who knows us
and sees
all of our needs
no longer
trying to impress
or perform for others
we give
and receive
through His love
and mercy
and grace
true source
of our being
our hearts
take comfort
in God’s constant presence
and loving care

What do you hear in your inner room?
Do you experience God’s constant presence and loving care?

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

as the sun rises
on all
so it is
with God’s love
as justice
with no measure
but that we see
and respond
to the gift
given
seeking
the good
of All
friend
and enemy
we pray
into the light
where there is hope
compassion
and mercy
for each one

How do you respond to the outpouring of God’s love?
How do you love your enemy?

Matthew 5:38-42

resisting not evil
we refuse to engage
to participate
and empower
the force
of destruction within
and around us
compelled
by another
a greater good
we offer ourselves
to life
letting go
of all
that would keep us
from God’s love
and grace
we embrace
another reality
embedded
within our own
a clear vision
of Truth
enlightened
by the one who knows that
no evil
no extra mile
no hardship
or affliction
can separate us
from God’s love

How does God’s love change your mind?

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 fullness
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?
Where does your faith take root?

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

Do you say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no?
To what do you say “yes”?
To what do you say “no”?

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 the one
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?

1Kings 18:42-46; Psalm 65:10-13; Matthew 5:20-26

following
the source
of love
and joy
and peace
in our life
we let go
of our anger
and fears
and enter
a deeper faith
with God
who is within us
and by our side
through all
of life’s challenges
by His cross
we find
our way

How do you follow the source of love, joy and peace?
How do you find your way by His cross?

1Kings 18:20-39; Psalm 16:1-8,11; Matthew 5:17-19

fire of God
coming down
in love
for us
fulfilling
commands
and prophecy
we are brought
to our senses
and shown
the path of Life
a sure refuge
we live
in the joy
of God’s presence
putting all
our faith
in God’s help

Do you put all your faith in God’s help?

Matthew 5:13-16

a light
that shines
within
is drawn out
to meet another
drawn out to meet
our God
we are guided
by this
our prayers
for love
and healing
are answered
as we provide
each other
with sustenance
creating
a culture
of flourishing Life
from a
culture of death
we are
the salt
of the earth

Are you guided by your inner light?
Where does it lead you?

1Kings 17:1-6; Psalm 121:1-8; Matthew 5:1-12

our help
Is from the Lord
who made heaven
and earth-
in our poverty
our mourning
and meekness
in our hunger
for peace
and righteousness
we are shown
a mercy
that clears our mind
and heart to see
the one who guards us
night and day
who protects us
from evil
and guides
our every step

Is your help from the Lord?
How does God guide your steps?