encounter, monday

Monday, May 11

Opening Prayer: O God of Jacob, thank you that once you get your hands on us, you will not let us go until you have accomplished your purposes in us.  Help us to not let go until we have wrestled away the blessing that you are dying to give us.  Thank you that you care enough for us to wrestle with us; to wrestle the old name we have lived by away, and to give us a brand new name, a new identity, as your Beloved.  Amen.

Scripture: Genesis 32:22-32

Journal: What part of this encounter with God speaks most deeply to you right now?  In what ways are you wrestling with God these days?  What do you think is God’s intent in that?  How does he long to change you?  How might a limp be a part of that?

Reflection:

     the limp 

i walk with a limp

a true thing of beauty

that came about

when you took me to the ground

wrestling and struggling

when you tore me to pieces

that you might make me whole

 

thank you

for loving me

too much to allow me

to continue to live by a false name

to continue to be someone

other than the one

you created me to be

 

that you would care enough

to wound me

your beloved

that i might live truly

and become my truest self

makes this limp

a true thing of beauty

a living reminder

of your great affection

Prayers

Closing Prayer: O God, up until this day I have been known as Heel Grabber, Deceiver, and have lived my life in just that way.  That was before you got your hands on me.  That was before you wrestled my old name away and gave me a brand new one—Israel.  And as I slowly limp away from this place, Peniel, I will forever remember what happened to me here.  For, from this day forward, my life will never be the same.  Thank you for that.  Amen.