From Colossians !:
Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created in him and for him. He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church; he the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of the cross.
From Psalm 46:
There is a river whose streams make glad the Holy City,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
The Beloved is in the midst of it, it shall not be moved;
our loving Creator is an ever-present help.
The nations may be at war, countries left in ruins,
yet is the Voice of the Almighty heard, slowly breaking though hearts of stone.
The Beloved is ever with us, the Infinite Hearts of Love.
Come, behold the works of the Beloved,
how love does reign even in humanity’s desolation.
For the Beloved yearns for wars to cease,
shining light in to fearful hearts;
loving even those who oppress the weak,
refining hearts of steel!
“Be still and know that I am love.
Awaken! Befriend justice and mercy;
Do you not know you bear my Love?
Who among you will respond?”
O Blessed One, You know all hearts,
You are ever with us;
May Love ever guide our lives!
Psalms for Praying, Nan Merrill
