Return: Lamentations: Prayers and Poetry

                 Return

                Turns within to

                examine heart, mind

                soul ready to return

                not in outward penitence

                but from real desire to

                truth's obedience

                not a lifted show of hands

                instead honest supplication

                now prepares for

                real deliverance.

Psalm 37:23: "Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when He delights on our way;"

Reflection: Hidden: Lamentations: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions:

        1. What keeps us from deep examination before God? Are there parts of your life that feel hidden from Him and in need of forgiveness or redemption? 

        2. How do we know when we are inwardly honest and not resting on superficial words?

        3. Where are you struggling to be obedient to His truth this week?

Share: Are you willing to accept His deliverance?

Hidden: Lamentations: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Lamentations 3: 40-42: " let us examine and probe our ways, And let us return to the Lord. We lift up our heart and hands Toward God in heaven."

Hidden

Lord, we need Your guidance to remember that all Your words have purpose and not to take them for granted. That just as they are Your special words to us, we are to share Your truth as a priviledge and not as a chore.

Only in Your Spirit can Your truth be spoken and shared from within to share with others. If our hearts are not tuned into You then we can only speak words that will dissolve. And keep Your insight hidden behind our barriers.

Please keep showing us how to pause and check in with Your voice every time. In everything. Revealed by Your light.

Your thoughts, 

Hidden: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Hidden

                        Hidden in anticipation

                        waiting for the celebration

                        knowing special gifts

                        wrapped in love are

                        ready to be opened

                        hope of new birth

                        entering darkness

                        washing away sin

                        springing forth new light as

                        revelation of grace

                        brings hope—joy—reconciliation

                        all of creation restored.

Reflection: Reveal: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. How well do we wait in anticipation?

2. In doubt? In surety? In longing? With purpose and expectation as creation   does?

3. What would change in us if every day we opened our hearts to see what the Lord has hidden but will reveal?

4. How can a sense of eager longing carry us through a long season of waiting?

Share: Has the Lord given you a surprise this week? Can you share?