Lord you reveal yourself to me in a way so profound
That if only I would seek you, there you would be found
For I opened the doors and there you were waiting
My steps falter and my words are now hesitating
I opened the windows and, on my heart, you alight
You were singing so happily like a bird that’s in flight
Once you were there you began to build a nest
And for now and always it is where you now rest
Lord I have found you in the hearts of the poor
And seen you dwell in those I thought were the least
I have known you when I doubt if anything is real
I have felt that when I’m hurting you helped me to heal
This is the revealing of the soul’s great lament
The moving of the spirit by which we are sent
The yearning to be united to our Lord once again
The working and waiting that we have until then
You know my inmost being Lord you know my every thought
Nothing is secret; all my efforts to hide are for naught
So Lord help me open myself to your holy and perfect will
To accept you and in my empty spots, won’t you fill
In your love and by your power, make me complete
Won’t you melt and refine me and turn up the heat
By the power of your passion, your burning love and desire
Burn me and brand me with your Holy Living Fire
Little by little you restore and reveal and I am being remade
Some things are sharpened and some places seem to fade
One day when this life is finally over
And I go walking through the golden field
Questions will be answered, eyes will be opened
And that which once was hidden, in truth, shall be revealed

40 days of praying and fasting,
40 days for life everlasting
40 days to stand up and say
We are here and here we will stay
It’s a time to answer a calling
Down to our knees we are falling
40 days of peaceful presence
Standing here is solemn vigil
40 days for hope and healing
40 days in faith revealing
The greatness of our God and King
When to his mother our prayers we bring
Open our eyes to see you moving
Open our hearts to what you’re using
40 days to change ourselves
Even as we pray for their change
40 days to discover the value of a soul
40 days to realize how we play a role
40 days for Life 40 days to wander
40 days to invest not squander
40 days to make your love known
40 ways to say you’re never alone

Is the world a little better now than when I first came in?
What will people say about me when I leave this place behind?
Will they say I was cool or funny or had a keen mind?

How will the people I know remember me when I'm gone?
How long will they mourn? Will they keep my memory strong?

I want to leave a lasting mark; what will be my legacy?
Did I live my life with love and care?
Did I make peace where there was war,
Cultivate love and forgiveness where there is hate?

When people looked at me, could they see Your face?
Someone radically transformed by Your love, compassion, mercy, and grace.

Was I a voice for the mute,
A light shining brightly for you?
Was I hope for the hopeless, love for the loveless,
A light that the lost find their way?

When this life is over and it's time at long last to come home,
When You stand before me in all of Your glory
What will I hear you say?

The world today is searching for the key
The future is held in the hands of the youth
Life is what we make it out to be

All of creation stems from one great tree
This we believe to be our truth
The world today is searching for the key

From the shackles that bind us, we are set free
Through joy and thanksgiving our souls are renewed
Life is what we make it out to be

Live your life with patience, perseverance, and purity
In all that you do, let love be imbued
The world today is searching for the key

Growing together from difference toward unity
Sometimes all we need is a new point of view
Life is what we make it out to be

Here we find a living of the highest quality
And from this point we can conclude:
The world today is searching for the key
Life is what we make it out to be

You have shown us, Oh Lord, the power of your judgement and the greatness of your mercy. The prayers of the faithful and the just will not go unheard. Their cries do not fall on deaf ears. The Lord has spared me from his wrath. He has delivered me from danger. Your blessings and mercies are new each day and great is your faithfulness as the sun will rise once more.

Lord, you held nothing back, not even your life
You forgave me when I denied you thrice
You still loved me when I betrayed you with a kiss
You ran out to meet me with grace and forgiveness
You desire to give me all I could possibly need
But so often, I ignore you and pay you no heed
Help me give you everything, to abandon it all
Because I know it is Jesus who calls
If I don't surrender to the power of the love
I am missing out on all that could be
And I won't experience a more wonderful reality
I come to life in the light of your love
Help me live a life that is fully realized
Yours is the blood that courses through my veins
And when all is stripped away, only your love yet remains

In your eyes I see a light reflected
I see myself not quite perfected
In your eyes I see love and compassion
I see where I can find true satisfaction
I see endless pools of mercy and grace
I see the gentle smile upon your Holy face
Your eyes are soft and your eyes are warm
And to your will Lord, my will, conform
For people to say "You have your Father's eyes"
Is something amazing: a desirable prize
Your eyes they pierce right through me
And yet, they don't condemn, they free
Though I betrayed you, though I did deny
Though from my lips came forth "Crucify!"
Still, in your eyes I see only forgiveness
And forever, your forgiveness is endless
Your eyes know me intimately; before you, I stand bare
Of my scars: the guilt and shame, I am acutely aware
And still, you love me as your own, call me your precious child
You bear with me in my tantrums and when I am so wild
Through your eyes, I find the truth revealed
And, through your eyes, my soul is also healed
Help me Lord, to see others with your eyes of love
And watch over me from your throne in Heaven above

Lord God, there is something personal, intimate, revealing and special about your eyes. I see myself and I don't always like what I see, but you still love me. You look at me with mercy, compassion, forgiveness, healing and so much more. You look past my faults to reveal the treasure within. Help me do the same to all I meet. Help me love my friends and especially my enemies with your eyes of love. Let me not judge too quickly based on appearances and first impressions but search much deeper within to find their value and goodness. Lord, give us the grace to not just look at other people, but actually SEE them. Let me never tire of gazing lovingly into your eyes Oh Lord, just as you look back at me. In your greatness God, give us the grace to reflect you so that others might say: "You have your Father's Eyes". Amen.

Flower from Heaven, sweet smelling rose
Simple and lovely, it's beauty only grows
Red for the passion of Christ and of love
White for purity and the angels above
Yellow is light for the whole human race
Blue for the rays of redemptive grace
Surround me with the sweetest fragrance
Help me enter into this Heavenly dance
Fill up the air in this most holy room
So that my prayer is as sweet perfume
Bless and guide me oh Little Flower
And grant me serenity in my final hour
Help me to follow your beautiful Little Way
And, by your example, help me joyfully obey

"Are we there yet Mommy?" asked the little child

"Not yet my love. But soon enough you'll see"

"Daddy, are we there yet?" the child asked again

"No. But when we are you'll know it. Trust me"

"It'll be a while yet before we are there
But I'll tell you a secret of which I am aware.
If you pay close attention, sometimes you'll spot
A little bit of home that someone had forgot."

"It happens when two hearts come together
And true love finds a lasting home
Where peace and joy are birds of a feather
Built upon faith's cornerstone."

"It's where life flourishes and children grow
It's where laughter and love so freely flow.
But this is just a taste of what is yet do come:
It is far beyond your wildest dreams and then some."

"One day we will go before you
And leave you for a little while
But later you will join us again
And we'll welcome you with a smile."

"So, you see, for now, home is where we are.
As long as we're a family, Heaven isn't far."

Among you, let there be no division
Be of one heart and be of one mind
Seek peace; let love guide your decision
Be strong and firm, but do not be unkind
For we are His children, one and all
There is no slave or free, no color of skin
No better or worse, none are free from sin
Created in God's great expression of love
Come to the river, be washed in the flood
Of healing and peace. Go, be reconciled
Come back to the state of truth and grace
Let your eyes be opened to see God's face
God is greater than the sum of our difference
In Him is found our freedom and deliverance
God smiles when we work together
With people of good will
To create a positive culture
Our prayers and praises will fill
The heavens and earth, the sky and sea
Set the prisoner and the captive free
You are the way maker you are my sustainer
You are my provider in you I am redeemed
You are more than all I have ever dreamed
You are my anchor when the storms rage
You are the author of my every page
There is love enough in God's great heart
There is room enough for all to have a part
Help us grow in love and understanding
And always: keep us in the shelter of your wing

Amen

Even in the deepest darkness His light can penetrate
There is no place we can run or hide that He won't find us
Even the darkness is light to Him
The night is as bright as the day
The light of love can dispel all our darkness and fear
It can chase away the dark clouds
Or hold us close until they pass
Even in the shadows there must be light
We appreciate the darkness because of the light
And appreciate light because we have darkness
We find ourselves whole when we embrace
The goodness and badness in ourselves
When we accept our divinity and humanity
It is in the shadow of the cross
That we find His saving light

May we be a light in the darkness
Shining bright for all humanity
Let us be a beacon of hope to show the way
Let us radiate the love and peace of Christ
In a world that seems wrapped in despair and hate
And when we feel the touch
Of darkness in our lives
Lord, send someone to lift us out of darkness
And bring us back into light
Amen.

Can you see me?
Can you feel me right beside?
I am standing in the doorway
Will you welcome me inside?
I am looking
Deep inside your soul
I am longing
To come and make you whole
Can you see me?
My eyes, so soft and warm
Can you see them?
My love a whispered wind, a wild storm
Do you feel it?
Eyes so deep and calm
As to drown and disappear
In the depth and breadth of my love

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You.

My Lord and My God I cry "Please save me!"

Many are my foes and even now they rise up and laugh

"His God will not come. He will not save this man!"

But Lord I know that, like a shield, You protect me

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You.

I cried to You Oh Lord My God "Please help me!"

You heard my cry and from Your thone You answered

When I slept, You kept watch and allowed me to rise each morning

I trust in You Oh God, though my enemies gather thousands strong

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You.

"Come Lord!" I pray, "Save me!"

I know you will silence their mouths and tongues

In You Oh Lord there is found safety

For You love and bless Your people

You help me. Keep high my head. Lord, I trust in You!

You, oh Lord, have come down to earth
God by design and human by birth
Entered into a relationship with us
Our creation is your magnum opus
We are made perfect through the sacrifice
Your death is what paid the price
And still you longed to always be
So close to us that we might see
You in all your glory and majesty.
In the form of bread and wine
Given a foretaste of the divine
United to you now in body and soul
I am ever closer to the highest goal
You are part of me and we are one
And never shall this action be undone
I can feel your heartbeat so strong
You are the words to my greatest song
You are as close as my very next breath
In fact, without you, I have only death
You are the strength to take the next step
You are the wind that fills my sails
You are in the smallest of details
You are so close that I am surrounded
So close the hairs on my head are counted

The black clouds above blot out the light
The air becomes heavy and it fills me with fright
Shut tight my eyes and cover my ears
Hide under covers fighting my fears
Off in the distance is the sounding of Thunder
And then in one moment the sky split asunder
Dancing lightning setting fire to the sky
And from my mouth escapes a small cry
I am so small and so weak a helpless little child
Hold me close to you while the night rages wild

Turn it on, turn it up, let's start tonight
Spirit grow, let it flow, we are the light
So let us shine and let us stand
We representin' Son of God and Son of Man
How you gonna shine for the world to see
Are you gonna let that light go free?
We are radiating illuminating
We love in a world used to hating
We were made to spread love like fire
Testify and, by your life, you'll inspire
A turnaround a turning back
Of hearts astray again on track
So, the question is this: the question remains
How can I shine in my own special way
And add a little color to a world painted gray?
How can my light, however flawed
Reflect the most perfect light of God?
Take your little light and offer it up
As a sacrifice of love and praise
He will bless the gift and multiply
Do what you can and let God amaze
On every occasion use the gifts you're given,
They were made to be shared not hidden

When Jesus is performing miracles
He often says “Have faith” “Your faith has saved you”
Do we believe that this is really true?
Do we believe that Jesus has the power
To cure our every ill?
Even if we aren’t healed, do we trust Him still?
Have faith that God is close
Have faith that He is listening
Have faith and be persistent
Pray always without relent
Have faith, my child do not fear
In time, all will be made clear
If we have true faith, mountains can be moved
Waters can part, God’s presence is proved
Not all will move mountains or turn sea into dry land,
But all will see the power of taking Jesus’ hand.
Have faith that where you are
Is where you’re supposed to be
Have faith and shine like a star
Bearing light for all to see

So many are hungry starving for food
So many without that which is good
They are pleading they are crying
We are living while they are dying
Can we not, in our abundance
Share a little without reluctance?
Teach them how to provide
Give them the tools to thrive
Love them like Jesus
See them like he does
So many are hungry for the love of God
So many yearning for the daily bread
They come from miles around to drink
Brought back to life from the brink
Feed them, lead them they are lost and alone
Give them shelter, give them rest, bring them home
There is more than physical hunger in the world today
It goes much deeper to a spiritual way
Share your bread with the hungry
Share your food and share the word
And the hungry will listen your words not unheard
So many in the world are hungry
Needing so much more than water and bread
So many in the world are hungry
In greater need of love and good news instead
So give what you have to the Lord
Let him bless and multiply your gift
Give thanks and praise for his goodness
And do what you can to uplift

Here in this place is our God above all
All gathered together, the mighty, the small
We place it all on your alter before you
Lord, have mercy on us, make us many out of few
Please give us holiness and so much more
Thank you for everything sweet Jesus it is you we adore
Sweet Redeemer you are my King make me forever yours
Lord I give you my heart my mind and my soul
I am weak and I need your strength come fill this hole
Let me shout to the ends of the earth your love
Let me sing your name forever in the heavens so far above
Be with me wherever I go and in whatever tomorrow may hold
By your grace and power grant me strength to be courageous and bold
But not by my will but by your my oh my God and King
We put up our gifts you gave us and this we bring
We pray for healing for all but you answer in your way and time
Open us up to recognize your love and your signs

How often do I want to give you my whole self
And yet, many times I find things to pull me away
Oh that I would choose the best good
There are so many things to take my attention
Some small and insignificant and others more severe
Even in the one place I can focus and be with you
I am bombarded with distractions and noise
The call of earthly things, sins, and even other good things
Leave me wanting more
But you satisfy the hungry heart
You quench my thirsty soul
You are an oasis in my desert
And you breath life into my dry bones
I wish I could hear and feel you when I get distracted
But you love me so much that you wait patiently
You want my choice to be completely free
When we are in sync and our hearts beat as one
I laugh with the birds and with the wind I run
I sing sweet sweet songs with the flowers in the air
I am one with nature with creation everywhere
I am united to Christ as I am with my brother
With love and compassion the whole world is covered
Seeking a path to the father above
I am a precious child of the one who loves
The ties that bind us are greater by far
Than the threads that threaten to tear us apart
Willing to work to understand my fellow man
To think and ask not judge and react
The things that separate us are distractions on the road
Let us keep moving not be stopped or slowed
There will be days when things aren’t great
And days when the road is everything but straight
There will be times when no progress was made
And times when your spirit seems to fade
But keep holding on to the one who is holding
You in his strong gentle arms loving enfolding
We know in our hearts that things will work out
We believe and have faith and we don’t need to doubt
The distractions won’t go but they are easier to leave
When we come to a place down on our knees
It takes practice and patience and still it’s not easy
There is truth there even if it’s simple and cheesy
Time has passed and here we are once again
I finish the prayer and then say Amenn

Praise the name of Jesus
Praise His Holy Name
Praise the one who loved us
Praise the victim who was slain
Praise the only Son of God
Praise the everlasting King
Speak His name and bring him laud
Praise the life-giving spring
Praise to Him the living word
Praise to Him the Holy Ghost
Praise to Him who took on flesh
Praise the Lord God of Host
Praise the Holy Name of Jesus
Praise to Him the great I AM
Praise the pure and spotless lamb
Praise the mystery and the gift
Praise the one whose name you lift
Blessing, honor, and Glory Be
To God, in persons, one and three

It's never safe, and it's rarely very easy
It's a wild ride and it can make me queasy
Even though your heart might break
It's never more than you can take
It's quite a risk and you might lose a lot
And still, you gotta give it all you got
It's dangerous, that much is true
It's dangerous, and it's coming for you
Some call you crazy, others "out of touch"
To some it is crazy, it's all a bit much
He turned love totally upside down
He came to serve, not the other way 'round
His love was radical and reckless and free
To show a crazy world how it really ought to be
He was passionate, but tender and mild
And he looked with the eyes of a child
He went to the outskirts and healed the sick
The infirm in the flesh or in the spirit
The very light of the world died
For the sake of the life of the world
He challenged our thinking, had a wild streak
But you'd be amazed if you heard him speak
So, even in the risk and the danger
There is something even stranger
None of it matters, none of it could
Because he isn't safe, but he is good

Lord, help me remember
In a love so warm and tender
That nothing is going to happen to me today
With my hand in yours as your love lights the way
No valley too deep no mountain too high
Lifted up on eagles’ wings so I can fly
There is no storm that we can’t weather
Nothing that You and I can’t handle together

Imagine! We see God's image in creation
He created us in His own image and likeness
I see in my mind a dim and glorious image
Beautifully, I behold this wondrous visage:
In tongues of fire the Spirit descends
And with boldness, our faith, we defend.
Preach the Gospel by your words and living
And with great gladness and joy always giving
Of yourselves in service to your fellow man,
And using your gifts as best as you can.
We are called, we are equipped, and sent out
By the Spirit of God whom we shall not doubt.
My weary bones are filled with new life
My blood is hot and almost burns
I am electrified as the Spirit comes alive
My flesh cries out, my soul how it yearns!
If you are what you should be
You'll set the whole world ablaze.
May the love of God spread like wildfire
And may the nations forever praise.
What an image: imagine!

You, Oh Lord, are the light of the world
Come into the darkness of our ignorance and sin
Enter in and cast away the sky of perpetual gray
Let the light of your Son break through this day
Burn off the clouds of despair and gloom
Come and fill each dim and dusty room
The light hurts my eyes especially when I realize
How much I am a prisoner in a cell of my own design
And how much of it is no one's fault, but mine
And still, I see that this is only a part of me
Help me radiate the light that shines eternal
Grant a steady inner glow
So no matter where I go
People everywhere will know:
You are the Light that sets us free
You are the Light by which I see
Lord, You are the Light in me

I, the Lord of all creation, give you a new name
And, from this day on, you will never be the same
Be transformed in your life and follow my will
And know that no matter what I love you still
Take this moment here and now you are a new creation
Learn from your mistakes and live in right relation
Channel this energy this love and passion
And find a love that’s never out of fashion
I call you my child and I am your Father
Call out to me always I won’t be bothered
I want to hear from you and I want you to listen
There is a beauty in the eyes that glisten
I call you forward to my loving merciful heart
That you and I are never very far apart
Cling to me in the storms, the wind and waves
I will be your anchor and the hand that saves
Cast out in the deep and try once more
And know the wondrous things I have in store
You aren’t perfect, but it is you that I chose
With time and grace your faith will grow
I know it’ll be hard, but I believe you’re worth it

I feel the kiss of Heaven press against my brow
And it’s gentle touch changes me somehow
Feel the love. Feel the power of that precious act
Be filled now with what it was you had lacked
Let it wash over you and may you be forever blessed
In the chaos and confusion we find peace and rest
Heaven has marked you and chosen you as it’s own
It is the greatest thing to be not only loved, but also known
Here, in this place, where Heaven and Earth meet
I sit here watching with a front-row seat
Take a moment to let the weight of the kiss sink in
Let the gravity of the situation bring a grin
The kiss of Heaven given just for you
Is a miracle that can make your wildest dreams come true
My prayer for you is that you be at peace friend
And that you know this divine love until the very end

Jesus you are the one who gives me the ability to breathe
Jesus I call to you daily; you are the one I need
You never fail to look after me, taking care everyday
You never fail to prove me wrong in each and every way
Yet I doubt almost constantly your great power
Help me to turn to you every day and in my last hour
Grant me the peace and serenity only you can give
Help me to do your will every moment that I live

Arrested by God's grace and blinded by His light
Convicted by the Spirit and found dead to rights
You are found guilty of ****** in the first degree
The sentence to be carried out: death on a tree
Justice will be served, and the price must be paid
About to be led away, but the crowds are stayed
By a voice soft and strong: "Let them go. Take me instead."
A perfect stranger was tortured, he suffered and bled
It should have been me on that cross on that hill
But He had plans for me and, to this day, He does still
I had condemned, I had tortured, and I had slain
I felt no remorse, and even enjoyed their pain
But God's love and mercy found me on the road
My life is His now: a life is saved, a life is owed
If God can take a wretch like me and turn my life around
Use me as an example of how much his grace abounds
He humbled me greatly: knocked me off of my horse
And, with a mighty wind, I was forced to alter my course
I am by no means the greatest, rather I am the least
But He bids me rise like dough to His yeast
Through his goodness I have done great things
I have seen the blessings that a grateful heart brings
For it is not I, but Christ that lives within me
I die with him and in rising He sets me free
Glory to Him who sits on the throne
Honor to Him to whom I am intimately known
Praise be on my lips and in my heart
For we have been given a brand new start

Mary Most Holy ****** pure and chaste
Breath of Heaven help us make haste
Let your Spirit dwell within us and walk beside
Help us glory in the cross of our Christ crucified
By your grace and faith we have been given Christ the Child
Who calms the storms or our souls when life gets wild
Help us live by your example show us the way to your son
How amazing that praising 10000 years we've just begun
Bless us all and take us unto you
Pray for us and guide us straight and true
Let your light shine in our hearts and our lives
Help us to be good parents and take care of our wives
Queen of all the Universe your name in praise we lift
For the love you have for your children, and for the greatest gift
Lead us to your son our Lord and point the way to him
Lead us today and lead us home when our eyes grow dim
Grant some share of that grace you possess
Help me find some peace and rest

Amen

Why, Oh Little Ones, do you stop and stare
What you are seeking is no longer there
You walked beside him for three years
The very Word of Life was in your ears
He died and rose and appeared once more
To prepare you for what is yet in store
He laid His holy hands upon you
To confer a spirit of authority and truth
With his power you have been sent out
Trust in His plan and do not be in doubt
Do not stand there frozen and dumb
Time is short and there is much work to be done
Go you now out into the mission field
And gather for the master a bountiful yield

Today's Gospel is from Matthew 15:29-37. It describes Jesus performing miracles of healing and a vast crowd of people had gathered and followed him for several days. He looks out and says: "My Heart is moved with pity for the crowd... I do not want to send them away hungry and possibly collapse on the way back." They have a little food between them, Jesus blesses it, breaks it, gives it to his disciples and from there to the people with seven baskets full of leftovers. What I want to focus on is not the miracle, but Jesus' statement that "My Heart is moved with pity." It's a fine enough description in English, but in the Greek, it is called splaghchnizomai, which means "be moved in the inward parts". It comes from a word meaning internal organs, a deep gut-level response, "visceral feeling/reaction".

Have you ever experienced this? Something so powerful, it turns your insides out and can make you feel physically ill? We've all seen those commercials of starving children or helpless animals on TV before. That's how Jesus probably felt or worse to see those people before him starving for physical and, more importantly, spiritual food. I get the feeling when I see someone suffering and there is nothing that I can do to ease their discomfort. I can only pray. To be honest, prayer might be the only thing that can help, and we should take great joy in the fact that we have a way to help, we believe and have faith that prayers will be answered, and we have the gift of asking others to intercede and lift their voices in prayer joining our own.

Lord God, how perfectly, how intimately, you must understand and experience our joys, our burdens, and our sufferings with us. How connected you are to all we go through. If this is true, it's unimaginable what you must have experienced on the cross with the weight and pain of all sin, all the suffering in the world. It makes our trials easier to bear because, at mass, you unite your very self within us. You become part of us and, likewise, we become part of you. We do not walk this road alone, because you share and understand, better than anyone else, what we are going through.

Lord, help us to develop a greater connection with you, give us the grace to be moved in our inward parts by love, compassion, mercy and all the gifts and blessings that flow from you. Let us act swiftly and come to the aid of those in need. Perhaps, our own crosses, our own struggles and trials, are preparing us to have that tender heart of mercy toward someone in a similar situation that they can find hope and peace in the midst of the storm. We ask this and all things in the name of the Father who created us, the Son who died for us, and the Holy Spirit who lives within us. Amen

Come sit with me by the fire
Take in the glow and warmth
The lights are low and the night is young
Time for a chat, a look back
The mood is fine and all is divine
Sit back, relax, and ease your mind
Let's pause and now rewind the time
To replay the moments: highs and lows
Looking at some decisions you chose

Come sit with me for a little while
Come close and let me hold you child
The storm outside is full of fury and sound
But in here you are on safe solid ground

Come sit with me for a moment or two
In this space, it's just me and you
Let me tell you a story from many years ago
A tale of love and honor suffering and glory
But there is something else you must know
It is as yet unfinished even to this day
Still, it remains the Life, the Truth, the Way

It begins at the beginning the first husband and wife
Everything was perfect and they knew no strife
They walked freely with God in complete honesty
And all the world was blessed in perfect harmony

Peace be upon you. Be still my soul
Without it, I can never be whole.
Be still my heart and rest in your King.
In Him, and with Him and through Him
Comes every good and wonderful thing.
With the Father and Holy Spirit in union.
With one word he calms the wind and waves
Or holds me close while the storms rage.
"Peace" he says. "Peace. Peace."
"Let it go and find the true release.
Do not be afraid, my child, do not fear
I will comfort you and dry every tear
I love you yesterday, today, and forever I will
So, hush my dear. Peace. Be still."

When the church all says amen
And when the people pray, then
The Lord God, from heaven, will hear
He will bring comfort and dry every tear
Our hearts and our lands begin to heal
And we shall see God's face revealed
When we stand with our brothers and sisters in faith
Together, we can make this a better, happier place
We cannot be timid; we can't afford to stay silent
While wars rage on and life becomes more violent
All it takes for evil to win is for good not to take action
How about we deprive Satan of that satisfaction
Values are shifting and new opinions are learned
Tradition being tossed out, old truths are being spurned
No more do we have the blind leading the blind
When we act as one body, one spirit, on mind
With one voice we will proudly profess
The faith that we believe; the faith that we confess
Prayer and action, faith and works, putting love into practice
Speaking out in the desert like John the Baptist
The world may call us things like Jesus Freak
We may as well be speaking in Greek
So, maybe they won't listen to what we have to say
But they watch our actions and the message we convey
Call upon the Lord, and glory in your suffering
For, in Him, our hope eternally springs
Lord, bring the church through this cleansing fire
That we, your bride, would fulfill your heart's desire
Deliver us Oh Lord, from the pride by which we fall
Deliver us Oh Lord, when we are up against the wall
Deliver us Oh Lord, from the sin with which we shackle
Our feet and hands. Our obstacles, Lord, help us tackle
Free us so we may dance with you in sweet surrender
Open our eyes to see through the disguise of the wily pretender
Let the light of your love shine in our lives
For, not all is lost while love and hope alone survives

Mother of Mercy, channel of Grace
Wrap our hearts in thine embrace
Fount of Love and joyful giver
Bathe us in thy cleansing river
Help our hearts be as new fallen snow
And aid us so our holiness might grow
Pray to Jesus for us poor sinners
Open our hearts as we read the scriptures
May we show mercy to others
Treating all as sisters and brothers
Oh, source of help in our time of need
Hear us Oh Holy Mother and intercede
Help us each to pause, ponder, and reflect
On the moments of our lives in retrospect
To learn from, to cherish and to hold
To warm us when we are in the cold
Mother of Mercy grant us your peace
May our love for thee ever increase
Through the merits of thy maternal love
May it, now and always, ever be enough

May the spirit of God be with you
All the days of your life
May the spirit of life and of love
Shine bright in your heart
May the spirit of giving and charity
Help you find some clarity
May the spirit of firm believing
Also help you in receiving
May the spirit of truth and grace
Be seen by all who look upon your face
May the spirit that is ever faithful
Help you always in being grateful
May the spirit of wisdom and prudence
Guide your thoughts and sense
May the spirit of endless joy
Be yours forever to enjoy
May the spirit of glory and power
Keep you safe in darkest hour
May the spirit's Holy Essence
Be for always ever present
May the spirit of life-giving spring
Renew and refresh every thing
May the spirit lead that you would follow
Where the demons cannot go
May the spirit lift you up to the sky
Spread your wings and learn to fly
May the spirit fill you with courage
If you fall, rise again! Do not discourage
May the spirit be a companion and friend
Always by your side unto the very end
May the spirit of the Lord so bless
That He is more and we are less
May the spirit of the Lord help us be
Closer to Him and farther from me
May the spirit of silence settle down
And a blanket of peace surround
May the spirit of God take you ever higher
And grant you the soul's deepest desire

If you ever feel that you are all alone
Your eyes cloudy and your heart a stone
If you are drowning in sorrow, sinking in despair
If people mistreat you and life has been unfair
If your sky is full of storm-clouds and rain
And all you have known for so long is pain
If you experienced loss and your heart is achin'
And you feel like you have been forsaken
You can't understand why the sun isn't breakin'
If this is your story, if this sounds like you
I want you to know everything sad is coming untrue
Perhaps there is a deeper purpose
Hidden just beneath the surface
Maybe there is a good reason
Why you're going through this season
Maybe they prepare you for something ahead
And rather than falling you can rise instead
Your story is one that must be told
To bring someone in from out of the cold
Like a ray of hope in a sea of regret
An encounter they won't soon forget
Don't give up for this is not the end
I'd like you to meet my closest friend
His love is perfect, his goodness forever
Smart and resourceful and incredibly clever
He is my Father, my brother and my guide
And no matter where I go, he is at my side
I never have to worry, I never have to fear
For, when I call him, he will always hear
His name is Jesus and he has never let me down
Most of all, he makes me smile, so now I can't frown
Someone out there needs to hear this right now
Someone needs to know it'll be alright somehow
Someone desperately needs to hear your story
To live life again in all its wonder and glory
Someone needs to see the cuts the marks the scars
To know that true beauty cannot be marred
They need to listen to the stories that they tell
Of battle fought and battles won, the times we fell
Of triumphs and victories and all that make us up
The things that satisfy and fill our plate and cup
A journey of forgiveness and grace and healing
And through it all you still are feeling
Don't give up and hold on tight
Every little thing gonna work out alright
Someone out there need to know
And cling to Jesus, 'cuz Jesus won't let go

So often I fall into sin. More often than not, it's the same one or two. I fall down again and again and it's hard to not get discouraged. I heard a beautiful song today that said "a saint is just a sinner who fell down... and got back up again. There are good days, weary days and bad days, but in the end the good days outweigh the bad days and so I won't complain". To me, it's a simple and beautiful reminder of something we all too often forget. In a contemplation from St. Thomas Merton, it said that hell is hatred and it's a hatred not of other, but of what we know others see in ourselves. It is the "curse of shattered sight". (A secular TV reference, but well applicable for these purposes). Sin is a symptom of this shattered sight as well. It is a desire for the good, but the good is twisted and distorted and we are caught in the trap of "looking for love in all the wrong places". We see the worst things that other people see in us and fail to see the good. We end up turning against each other and destroying ourselves. The love that satisfies and fulfills is the love of God for us, his beloved children. He loves us and accepts us for who we are: good, bad, shattered sight and all and he sent His only son to die for us when we were his foe. How great is the Father's love for us! To be truly free, we must admit to ourselves that we are imperfect, and we make mistakes. Even when we ***** up pretty bad, good family and friends still love us, accept us, encourage and challenge us to move forward and keep doing better. If there are those like us who can do that, then surely God, in his perfection, will do that all the more! Accept yourself fully and embrace all of who you are. We cannot truly love others or be loved by others if we don't love ourselves. Next time you fall, remember: Jesus fell (in love) for you, and he fell three times (out of the fullness of love) for you, and got back up again.

Lord Jesus, please grant us the strength and grace to get up again when we fall down. Help us accept and love ourselves without condition as you first did for us. By your grace and mercy, heal us from this shattered sight in accordance with your will and may we find comfort and solace by your side in the shadow of the cross. Amen.

If you keep your face turned to the sun
Deal with some blisters, but you’re number one
Look up at the sky and see how it’s blue
That feeling of calm has you born anew
In a tornado you have deadly strong winds
God is like that: destroying our sins
After a storm the air smells so pure
If only to bottle one and find cancer’s cure
Rain makes the plants and flowers grow
And in the spring it’s an awe-full show
Then there is snow to cover the ground white
Get a chill in the air everything’s alright
On a cloudy day it’s dull and gray
Dampens the spirit and sends happy away
When the sand picks up in desert dunes
Feel like flying in the air like helium balloons
When the fog lifts up, a veil is gone
After the sunset you know there must be dawn
When a mist covers the sleepy city streets
Like lying in bed under soft cool sheets
When polluted air enters your lungs
It’s like climbing a ladder with unstable rungs
Sometimes you have a pipe that will leak
But any way out the evil will seek
Never let your guard down; always be prepared
A problem had is a problem shared

Hail to Jesus ever living
Hail to Christ the newborn King
Hail to Him whose love gushed forth
Hail to Him they call the Lord

Hail the Prince of Peace, the great I AM
Hail to thee; roaring lion, spotless lamb
Hail to thee our Glorious Savior
Hail to God the wondrous maker

Hail to Him the author of creation
Hail to Him who died for our salvation
Hail to Him who loved unto death
Hail to Him by whose grace I draw breath

Hail to the king of the whole universe
Hail the flood of grace in which I immerse
Hail the strong and gentle nail-scarred hands
Hail the cost which perfect love demands

Hail to Him who is the Chief
Hail the one in whom I believe
Hail the rock upon which I stay
Hail the Life, the Truth, the Way!

I come before you open and exposed
While you sit peaceful and reposed
Like a newborn babe, I am weak
I am helpless, and blindly, I seek
To see your face and find your eyes
Tend, Oh Lord, to my mewling cries

In your light, my darkness is exposed
And all my sins are, at once, disclosed
You answer before I can think, much less speak
With a love so personal and so unique
Lord, you see through all the lies
You know me beneath the disguise

And there you are open and exposed
A symphony of victory being composed
Giving me hope when the future was bleak
Lifting up the humble, merciful, and meek
There is so much that I don't yet realize
Like the groanings of the spirit and the heart's sighs

I fall down: naked and in shame
But you clothe me and softly call my name
You embrace me and kiss me sweet
And, full of tears, our eyes now meet
I once was lost, but your love has found
Me and brought me back to holy ground
You wash away the guilty stains
Until no trace of sin remains
I am new: born again in your eyes
In my foolishness, you are wise
Let all creation break forth in joyful hymn
For He is found in me, and I am lost in Him

There’s something about today I know
Like a present wrapped in a pretty bow
Like a little puppy just waiting to be
Shining like an angel for all to see
The second you open and I see you smile
Just brings me back several years for a while
That special love and trust that you have for all
When I hear you crying I can’t help but answer the call
You don’t know how special to me this moment is
For a few seconds now I am in show-biz
It means so much to me to know you
As I have ever ‘ere you were just two
Hoping hopes and dreaming dreams
Loving loves and loathing screams
All is calm and all is bright
Once again on this precious night
Together we remember the good and the bad
We’ve laughed together and made it through the sad

I open my heart to you Lord
As you poured out your heart for me
Fill me with your wisdom and love
And bind my will to thee
So that, here today, I can say:
"I am truly free!"

God said to Noah "Hey, listen up bud!
Gonna rain real soon now, it's gonna flood
The people are sinning, tearing it apart
And to see it man, really breaks my heart.
It's gonna be huge, it's gonna get wet
I tell you now, you ain't seen nothin' yet.
But you and yours are gonna be just fine
You've been good; a real friend of mine.
Listen up good now and listen up well
Here's how you'll be safe from the swell:
You'll build a boat yea big and yea wide
'Cause two of every animal's gonna fit inside.
You'll be in there forty days and as many nights
And when it's safe again, the bird alights.
Never again will I cause a flood so great
Never again will the earth suffer this fate
So, this is my promise: a sign in the sky
A rainbow to remember our covenant by."

So often, my love is shallow or fake
Unwilling to do what I know it takes
I am too wrapped up in my self-love
Self-interest and self-pity
To see that my vision is itty-bitty
I miss the sunset staring at the ground
Tenser than a spring, I'm so tightly wound
In the war between the spirit and the flesh
Caught in the middle, I'm a hot mess
So easy to say I love you
But so difficult to really prove
You love me without condition
And you send me out on a mission
Jesus; source of love in pure perfection
In your love help me be a reflection
Imperfect as I may be, shine through me today
Grant me the grace to turn back to you
And the discipline to obey

For freedom is found in following
The law of the Lord is the light of love.
Perfect peace and power pass over
When we watch with awe and wonder
What happens when, in our need, we kneel.
Sorrow and sadness in the savior's shadow
Are arrested in authentic love's atoning act,
Shed for sinners in the ultimate sacrifice.
Body and blood broken and beautiful
We are given the gift of God's great grace.
Recall the wretched reign, be reborn; renewed
For Christ has come to call his child.

Shine forth like the sun
Radiant beams and glory streams
And hope springs forth like the dawn
Your golden glow giving glimpses
Of a gift greater than any on earth
Life eternal and a new birth
Shine and let your light lift
The mind and body and soul
With praise and prayer
Pierce the very heart of darkness
Sing and dance with every fiber
And this Adoration we will employ
Till the very rocks cry out with joy
Warm the earth and hearth and home
May the glow follow wherever we roam
All the nations on earth will see
And many people will come to believe
From miles around they will flock
To be close to you and take stock
Of their own light that lives within
Where they end, He will begin
So, shine your light, your God-given sun
Giving thanks and praise to the Holy One

I've been asking a lot of questions lately
Trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do
And where I'm supposed to go
I don't think I'm asking too much: just a simple yes or no
That's all I want that's all I really need
I've been asking for so long and wondering whether you can hear me
So I start to doubt and my hope wanes a little

We are the hope of a new generation,
We are the bridge connecting the nations.
We are the life in a time of great need,
We are the farmers to plant and nurture the seed.

We are a light for those stuck in darkness,
We are the ones who will lead the way.
We are the warriors who stand up and fight!
We are the ones who kneel down and pray.

We are the people in faith united,
We are the ones whom you have guided.
We are the message of love and peace
In a world muddied by hate and by war.

We are the spark that will see this world ablaze!
We wish to walk with you in your ways.
We are the youth: finding ourselves and growing in faith,
We are the ones who can make this a better place.

We are the children of Jesus The Lord,
We will boldly take up our shield and our sword!
We are the ones who will forever change the earth,
Hand crafted with love before our birth.

We are the promise of a new faith revival,
We are the change and it starts with us!

Now is the time! Together we stand,
Heart to heart and hand in hand!
We are the future: right here and now,
We are the revolution: lets show everyone how!

Tonight I find myself so grateful that things work out this way
Tonight I reflect upon the real power of those who pray
I was so convinced that things were looking quite grim
My trust in God on the other hand was looking a little thin
But God is with us and God does provide
Even when we're in the middle of a very wild ride
Divine Intervention led me to the place where I was
And God will use such things as only God does
And I truly believe in Divine Intercession: the power of prayer
Thank you for taking the time to show how much you care
But God has proved to me one more time
Who is in control. It will all work out just fine.

When the path before you is hard to see
And the air is so thick that you cannot breathe
In the chasm of silence, soft words are spoken
And the embers of life are reawakened

The Spirit that slumbers so deep within
Is released and in final victory over death and sin
Like the sun rises on the wings of dawn
Like the wind in the trees fills you with song
Like the water: freely and gently flowing
Like the flame of a candle: so warmly glowing
Like the mountains reaches to heights untold
Like the oceans: mystery and treasure we hold
Like the lighthouse shines a bright beacon
Like the wand'ring star: we follow to find what we are seekin'
Like the rainbow: a promise of faith, hope, and love
Like the trees: stretching toward the Son up above
We are bearers of the Spirit's great Holy Light
Commissioned to go forth and banish the night
To all the ends of the earth we are sent
To share the good news with loving intent