Vanessa Maleare leads us through a study of magical objects, Moses’s staff, and the movement from destruction to provision. In Exodus, the same staff once used to turn the Nile to blood becomes a tool for bringing life-giving water from the rock. What might this transformation teach us about redemption—and how might we discern our own place in bringing real, good change to the situations around us? [Exodus 17:1-7]
Reflection Questions
1. Has your freedom come at the cost of something else?
2. What is something in your life that perhaps once was used to bring destruction and has been redeemed for a more life-giving use?
3. Do you feel comfortable “putting God to the test?
Opening Prayer
Let us begin our liturgy with a prayer. Our responses will be highlighted in yellow.
Why, God, do we look around and see destruction? Why do we see the persecutions of the innocent? Why do we hear the cries of the helpless? Why do we see those in power using their authority for personal gain?
We listen for Your voice We look for Your hands We watch for Your works
The lightning brings fear The floods wash away foundations The fires rage across landscapes The winds uproot the trees and reduce buildings to rubble
We trust in Your Love We believe in Your Wisdom We hope for Your Providence
In all this we pray By the gifts of the Creator, Through the sacrifice of Your Son, And the power of Your Holy Spirit
Amen
(Matthew Levi Rowley)
Benediction
Let us close with a benediction
We have asked, And You have moved. We have sought, And You have revealed Yourself.
We thank You, Our Providence, For going before us. For preparing our paths. For imbuing us with the abilities To be Your hands and feet. To rebuild from the destruction. To stand for those being persecuted. To protect the helpless. To stand up to tyranny.
We thank You, Our Guide, For walking with us in the wilderness. For shining a light in the darkness. For giving us life, When we were dealt death.
We ask for Your blessing As we continue to go out, And spread Your Love To a world that needs it.
All these things we pray In the name of the Creator Your Son, And Your Holy Spirit
Amen
(Matthew Levi Rowley)
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