Awe:1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Awe

                Ransomed 

                Sacrificed

                On purpose

                Out of His love

                mercy.

                Released

                Salvation

                Ongoing presence

                Open love

                messages.

                Restores

                Souls

                One by one

                Offers

                mercy.

Psalm 89:5: "And the heavens will praise Thy wonders, O Lord; Thy faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones."

Awe: Prayers and Poetry

                 Awe

                In His presence

                we are overwhelmed

                by grace.

                Like Isaiah know

                we are broken

                shards.

                Ruined pieces

                we cannot see hope our

                sorrow too deep. Then.

                He brings restoration.

Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Community: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Acts 2:43-45

“Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as they had need.”

A fresh outpouring of Spirit that bound those present into a new beginning—a new perception of grace—a new style of community.

Generous not from plenty but from trust and love. In awe of grace.

So hard for us to fully understand. So difficult to be so spontaneously trusting—even when we believe. The questions arise yearly, weekly, daily—how much time can we share—how many resources—what if this happens or that—will we be able to keep our commitments to our families or to others. What will happen if we fail? Without realizing it we forget to trust in the Spirit’s guidance and generosity.  Especially in seasons of personal poverty, whether of body or soul or resources.

How much have worldly views crept into our worship lives and colored our expectations and commitments? Are we still in awe of what the Lord has done and is doing in our own worship communities? Do we seek His guidance in trust and wonder at possibilities? Through whose lens do we watch in expectation of nurture?

Lord, please forgive our fears that keep us not only from trusting in Your ongoing provision, but also hesitant to give to others by setting our boundaries instead of seeking the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Release us from narrow perceptions.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27:4

“One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after:

to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.”

Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Eavesdropping

Eavesdropping carries

potent power. When

shocking news is overheard

how to absorb what cannot

be spoken out loud.

Long ago promise restored,

a baby now! Well beyond

physical possibilities.

Laughter erupts from

secret hiding place.

Sheer gibberish? Real dream come true?

Awe and fear struggle toward joy.

Kingdom Manna

Treasures

Matthew 18: 3, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

The dedicated docent rambled on through the details, emphasizing safety for the giant elephant seals and for us as we prepared to navigate their domain. Sun sparkled sand caught my shy two and a half year olds attention and he kneeled to sift it through tiny fingers. The docent paused mid-sentence. “Amen” my son whispered. “Amen!” he stated emphatically as the narration continued.

Throughout the two hour tour he silently rode his father’s shoulders, eyes dark with wonder. Then as the docent began his summary, “Yes! Jesus loves me” burst from my son’s lips. Startled, we smothered our laughter and moved as far to the back edge as possible. Shh, I touched my finger to his mouth. He reached over, patted me on the cheek, and sang even louder.

That evening we walked out to see the stars in the coastal sky. Astonishment rippled throughout his entire body. My son threw back his head and opened wide his arms.

“I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.” Jesus said.

Too many times I have walked through Your domain Lord with a silent heart and blind eyes to the beauty surrounding me. Instead I swat at mosquitoes, moan at muscle aches, mutter at stumblings. Instead of worshipping You, of awe at Your creation, of wonder at Your details. Expand my sight Lord, to look for You and see You with a child’s eyes.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 119:37

Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;

give me life in your eyes.