Invocation
Let us come into the Presence of the Living Light, seeking only one thing; to live in the House of the LORD in every moment of every day.
Worship: Ps 119:10
With my whole heart I seek you: do not let me stray form your commandments.
Reading: Neh 9:6-25
You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram and brought him [and Sarai] out of Ur of the Chaldeans…(But our ancestors) stiffened their necks and determined to return to their slavery in Egypt.
Silence
Reflection
‘Even after all this time the Sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.” Look what happens with a love like that; it lights the whole sky. (Hafiz)
’God calls Abram and Sarai out of the System of Empire into the wild places. They are to trust God whose abundant earth provides enough. They are to trust God’s gentle care for their safety needs. But to do so they need to come out. They cannot remain in the System of Empire with its artificial scarcity for provision and its military for safety, both of which are rooted in fear and lack of trust. But one thing is required on Abram and Sarai, and that is to love God wholeheartedly. That love was to light the path for the thousands of generations who would also be asked to ‘come out’ of Empire…
Question
Do we love God enough to come out of Empire?
Prayers for the earth, for the world, for my community and myself
Hymn
Out of my bondage, sorrow and night William True Sleeper
Benediction
We follow the great light; giving up all that is self, and gaining all that is Christ. Amen.
