Whole: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                       Whole

                        Nothing can separate

                        in all creation with

                        Christ Himself in the midst

                        speaking His words

                        mending our divisive hearts and

                        contending spirits as

                        we each stretch

                        towards His presence

                        catch each other

                        in His light

                        all that is void

                        becomes filled.

                        His purpose.

                        His love.

                        Makes all things whole.

Reflection: Creation: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     What makes you feel separated from God? From others?

2.     In what ways do you think you separate yourself from others? From your own heart?

3.     Do you think of Christ as being the center of all creation always? How does that change our perspective within our diversity?

4.     What word do you hunger to hear from Jesus today, knowing that His word is not void?

Share: What word would you like to share with someone who is isolated?

Creation: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8:39

“Nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Seen and unseen. All creation.

All creation is in the Lord. Whole in Him.

We divide and separate, measure and attempt to control amongst ourselves but in Him we are all one. With each individual unique and beloved.

So far beyond our understanding. There are believed to be 9,000 to 10,000 species of birds and 10 quintillion insect species. Each one is also distinct. All forms of life are infinitesimal to our limited insight. Only the Lord see each fully and clearly.

We cannot comprehend the vast expanse of all life in its fragility and beauty.

And yet, although we stand in awe at creation’s staggering diversity, we continue to divide and separate from each other setting up barriers of judgment and prejudice towards those we don’t even know.

Separated internally and externally. Hardened hearts. Self-oriented.

All can dissolve under His mercy and forgiveness that daily challenges us to choose His promised grace in all situations and to all people.

Accept that nothing can separate us from His ongoing, consistent, generous, designed, personal love. And live into joy.

Thank you, Lord for Your everlasting presence and purpose in our lives even in our stubborn isolation.

Psalm of Worship: Isaiah 55:12

“For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

Conquers: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

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                       Conquers

                        Conviction pounds a

                        cornerstone into place

                        begins to build regardless of

                        belittling words

                        flung over and over stirring

                        fears and fumbled replies.

                        Like Noah’s ark spanning

                        long days—years—timeless

                        expectation across centuries

                        Emmanuel conquers.

                       

Reflection: Conviction: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     How do you define conviction?

2.     Can it be separated from action? How or why not?

3.     Do you believe this verse with complete conviction? Why? Why not?

4.     How would you interpret it to a confused believer?

Share: What promise are you waiting on as a cornerstone?

Conviction: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: Romans 8:38

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers.”

Heart and soul convinced. We have experienced His saving grace multiple times. We have seen others brought to life from a season of ashes. We are now convinced.

And yet how often do we still stumble and wonder if this time we will be able to walk the path before us. Worry—exhaustion—fears again challenge our actions.

How can we merge our beliefs and our doubts into trust?

And stay the course without faltering?

His Word again is our conviction. Jesus walked the path before us to prove His conquering power. He is our steadfast cornerstone that does not crumble. And He holds each one of us through all the struggles we endure. Both in life and in death.

Anchoring our tears in His ongoing Presence.

Lord, please give us Your courage and strength when we face a battle and doubts attempt to undermine Your power.

Psalm of Worship: Isaiah 55:11

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Foundation: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

                        Foundation

                        As more than conquerors

                        brings a heart to safety

                        gives peace that digs

                        deep into our souls

                        as a guarantee

                        for next skirmish

                        that comes.

                        A relief not to trust

                        in ourselves but rely

in His power

                        as our strong foundation

                        regardless of shaking ground

                        challenging us to doubt

                        we remember He hears.