Hope: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Hope

                                                Hold fast

                                                regardless of circumstance

                                                hope always

                                                both in grief and joy.

                                               

                                                Hold fast

                                                remember words of life

                                                hope always

                                                breathe each new day.

                                                Hold fast

                                                run remaining days

                                                hope always

                                                bold in faith.

                                                Hold fast

                                                rest in His redemption

                                                hope always

                                                blameless in His cross.

Psalm 18:23, “I was also blameless with Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity.”

Reflection: Believe: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What does trusting in the Lord look like in practical applications to you?

2. What response do you have in heart and mind when time goes far past our expected answers and directions?

3. In what ways does stepping into each day in trust without an agenda counter our schedules and plans?

Share: How have you handled a long wait without understanding?

Reflection: Bold: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What is the first hope you hold fast to when in distress?

2. Which words remind you of His presence?

3. What word do you first extend to others in their struggles?

4. How do you define “poured out” personally?

Share: When and why has someone shone as a light for you when in difficulty?

Bold: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:16-17, “holding fast to the word of life, so that in the days of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”

Bold

The Lord continues always to hold fast to each of us, especially when we are unable to hold fast to Him. His ongoing grace helps us to remember that each day is a new gift and that we can live into it with gratitude and hope—regardless of the circumstances.

In all situations.

He will guide us how to run even when our remaining days are few. Even in limited circumstances we can continue to share His word—His truth—His love.

Lord, help each of us to focus on the life You have gifted us moment by moment in trust. Show us how to focus on Your grace and not our iniquities. Keep us bold in faith.

Your thoughts,

Battle: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                               Battle

                                                Dispute sends nerves on alert

                                                whether personal or not

                                                Desire to engage in battleground

                                                wakens our ammunition

                                                Digs up reasons, examples, excuses for

                                                warrior mode or negotiator

                                                Deep within our own fears rise

                                                worry over outcome—consequences.

                                                Darkness threatens hearts

                                                whispers self preservation yet to

                                                Distance enough to pray

                                                wait for Spirit’s guidance to

                                                Draw truth light into conflict

                                                words of reconciliation

                                                words of honesty

                                                Delivered by truth.

Psalm 18:22, “For all His ordinances were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me.”

Reflection: Shine: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. What situations do you instinctively jump into, or resist immediately?

2. How can we know when to be silent in the Lord’s leading and when to speak up?

3. When has praying quietly instead of engaging in a dispute brought about a caring closure?

4. Which is harder—to engage with words or pray in silence? Why?

Share: When have you had to battle your grumbling at the Lord’s leading? How did you release it?

Shine: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling, that you might be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

Shine

Sometime we may not grumble and dispute a situation outwardly but continue to do so inwardly, as if we can prove to ourselves that we are right and the other is wrong—in order to justify ourselves.

Yet the Lord asks us to go even deeper. Instead of fussing at others, within or without, we are to turn to an inward quiet and listen. Is this something from the Lord where He wants us to engage in attitude or action as His servant? To be His child responding in obedience and not tantrum?

Even on the days when we are too self-absorbed and blind to others needs and situations His light and truth will still reach out to shine through us.

Lord, we pray to be a light to Your truth, even if only a tiny spark. May our hearts focus on Your will and stand firm against the desire to engage in corruption on others terms.

Your thoughts,