A Liturgy for packing

The following was taken from the resource we have compiled for pilgrims on the Camino De Santiago. You can get a free digital copy here. Downloading and giving your feedback helps us to spread the word.

I have too much, Jesus.
I have too much.

You who had nothing extra.
You who gave it all away.
You must laugh at my idea of simplicity.

But you also know me. 
You know my home and bedroom,
My closets and cupboards.
You know all the possessions I cannot even remember.
You know that this pack, 
Bulging as it is,
Is a big change for me.

But I still have too much.

I carry so many things “just in case.”
I fear that I might need them tomorrow.
I wonder if I will be uncomfortable,
Cold,
Hungry,
In need.

I am not as trusting as a sparrow for my next meal.
I am not as confident as the lily for my daily clothing.
You reminded us that your Father provides for them.
And that he would provide for us.
But I still wonder.

I still fear the “what if” of today.
I worry about tomorrow.
And those thoughts are a burden.
I carry them every day.

O loving Jesus,
Give me eyes to see 
And ears to hear.
Give me faith to live today 
Unencumbered by the risks of tomorrow.

I have too much, Jesus.
I have too much.⁠
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Matthew 6:25-34

A Liturgy on awaking

The following was taken from the resource we have compiled for pilgrims on the Camino De Santiago. You can get a free digital copy here. Downloading and giving your feedback helps us to spread the word.

My ever present Father, 
Who never sleeps nor slumbers,
Forgets or wonders,
Guide my steps.

I am sore and scattered.
I have spent night after night in beds not my own,
In company not familiar,
In conditions not ideal,
And I am weary.

Today I take another step,
Walk another hour.
O God,
Guide my steps.

You promised that you would never leave nor forsake your own.
You promised that you would know the path of the righteous.
You promised that you would guard your children.

Guide my steps.

Today I may stumble and fall.
Give me strength to rise again.

Today I may lose my way.
Give me wisdom to find it once more.

Today I may see a once buried part of me.
Give me courage to face it.

Today I may meet someone in need.
Give me eyes to see them as you do.

Today I will keep walking.
Guide my steps.⁠ (Hebrews 13:5–6)

A Liturgy for the pilgrim

The following was taken from the resource we have compiled for pilgrims on the Camino De Santiago. You can get a free digital copy here. Downloading and giving your feedback helps us to spread the word.

O God, our Father,

Lord over heaven and earth,

We lift our voices to you.

May this journey of uncounted steps

Lead to a closer relationship to you

And a clearer vision of ourselves.

May this burden we carry

On our back and in our soul,

Be felt, explored, and finally released.

May those we meet along the path

Both give and receive

The hope and encouragement needed.

May the destination of our pilgrimage 

Be a place of finality

And of new beginnings.

We come to Jesus,

We who labor and are burdened down,

For he has promised rest.

We pick up his yoke,

Learning from him,

For he is gentle and lowly in heart.

We seek his rest for our soul,

For his yoke is easy,

And his burden is light.

We ask for rest.

Give us rest.⁠1

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1 Matthew 11:25-30