Daily Worship

A reverse packing list

James Cathcart July 07, 2024 5 6
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Exodus 1: 8-10 (NRSVA)

8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.’

Today we begin our new theme for July: Get Packing! What are we getting rid of and letting go of as we Get Packing with God, stepping into newness of life?

This month we are travelling through the Book of Exodus, the sweeping foundational story of the Hebrew people escaping oppression as God delivers them from captivity in Egypt.The Israelites are escaping persecution, animosity and resentment.

As we ourselves look to Get Packing with God what are we wanting to leave behind?

 

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

Today I bring you my ‘reverse packing list’

a list of all the things I don’t want to pack

the things I’m not going to need

where I’m going with you.

There’s the resentment I have been trying to find a place for

and the bitterness I thought I could try and fit in my hand luggage

but I’m going to have to admit

neither will fit,

neither are needed where I’m going.

 

There’s some envy and suspicion,

some travel size hostility

that I’m leaving on the shelf,

it’s just not needed.

There’s the old fears

and hang ups

biases and preconceptions

that I just don’t want to take with me

as I move on with you.

 

Lord help me with the burdens I no longer need to carry.

Amen.