Available: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Available

                                                Days full to overflowing

                                                both with choice and demand

                                                we stay focused to meet

                                                Deadline by nightfall.

                                                So intense

                                                often blind

                                                or ignore

                                                Stress of others.

                                                Discern, Scripture reminds,

                                                be available when needed

                                                wait for guidance

                                                Direct each day with insight.

Psalm 18:17, “He delivered me from my strong enemy, And from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.”

Reflection: Blind: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. How much can our over busyness blind us to the needs of others around us?

2. In what ways can we find a balance, or another way to still be available?

3. How do you interpret what is the Lord’s interest?

4. In what ways are we often ignorant or blind to His ways?

Share: When have you been on the receiving end when in need?

Blind: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:4-5, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,”

Blind

Too often our busyness and schedules become so self-centered that either we cannot see the needs of those around us, or we see them and choose to turn away, because we already feel like we are drowning.

Then we sometimes become exasperated when we feel we need help and no one responds. We do not hesitate to grumble.

Yet, if we would pause and place our hearts to see and trust the Holy Spirit to guide; then in each situation we will be able to discern when to help is actually help, and when not to interfere either.

Lord, please remind us that even when we are unable to support in personal action, we are still able to pray as You lead us to Your interests.

Your thoughts,

Humility: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Humility

                                                Significance

                                                a different word

                                                to different situations

                                                or to those who watch

                                                the actions lived out.

                                                Spirit

                                                a guiding light

                                                to guide our steps

                                                or to break through confusion

                                                the humility a new beginning.

Psalm 18:16, “He sent from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.”

Reflection: Significance: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think we struggle so much with humility—even with those close to us?

2. In what ways do we compare what we consider to be weak or strong interests?

3. What is our baseline for defining significance for ourselves or for strangers?

4. What can humility, under the Spirit’s guidance, look like in action?

Share: In what way has someone personally blessed you with their humility?

Significance: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2: 3-4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Significance

Lord, please forgive us our selfish attitudes, and enable us to put others first.

Too often our focus to stay safe too often increases a sense of self-centeredness in us and our personal time and choices.

Instead of living into more humility we turn away.

Please continue to give us Your nudges through Your Spirit whenever we need to recognize our lack of care to those around us, whether beloved or strangers. Give us strength and commitment to reach out in faith to act, under Your direction and Your words.

Your thoughts,

Accord: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Accord

                                                Bound by the Spirit

                                                brings full accord

                                                binds heart with love

                                                busyness with direction

                                                boundaries with protection.

                                                Being in full accord

                                                belief a living truth

                                                brokenness into healing

                                                body, mind, and soul

                                                born into His life together.

Psalm 18:15, “Then the channels of water appeared, And the foundations of the world were laid bare. At Thy rebuke, O Lord, At the blast of the breath of Thy nostrils.”