From the UCC Network: Devotional for 12/30 "The Planet in Praise"

The Planet in Praise 

Excerpt from Psalm 148

Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and maidens, old men and children. (NIV)

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel

Make no mistake about it, the entire earth is a declaration of God’s awesome power to create and sustain life with wondrous beauty and fathomless splendor.  Every leaf on a tree, every crystal in a snowflake, every feather of a bird, every pebble on a mountain every leg on an ant and every whisper of the wind is a testament to the great care and “attention to detail” of the Creator.

According to the Psalmist, humanity is not distinct from, but very much a part of the earth’s natural symmetry.  When we violate the planet through global warming, toxic contaminants and environmental neglect, we interrupt the planet’s praise to God.  And in so doing, we pollute our own praise to God as well.

Prayer

Gracious God, Let our praise to you be reflected in our care for the planet, and let our love for you resound throughout this wondrous world.  Amen.

About the Author Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, United Church of Christ, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Daily Prayer

How many times have I wanted peace in my life; a relief from the hectic-ness of the day and the sometimes endless demands place upon me by others; clamoring for my attention, or seeking that which I just do not have to give? Bills. Overflowing calendars and never-ending tasks to be attended to. Collectors, or at least, solicitors. Scam artists promising me wealth, security and release from worldly troubles. All intruding into my waking hours, and yet none bringing the tranquility which my spirit – which our spirits – so anxiously seek.

And then out up of my spirit arises again the truth that I have always known, but have often forgotten; the truth that only my God can provide the peace and serenity for which we all long. It is Lord of Life who provides that which my inner self longs, even amidst the demands of the world around me.

3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

4 Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

5 He humbles the proud and brings down the arrogant city. He brings it down to the dust.

7 But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them.

8 Lord, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name.

9 All night long I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek for God.

 Isaiah 26: 3-5, 7-9a

Almighty God, who is the provider of all that I truly seek – that we all truly seek – and which the world and its riches cannot impart, hear my prayer as I again turn to you.

In the morning, afresh and renewed, my face arises to you, as the sun arises to meet the new dawn.

In the mid-day hour, I stop my endless efforts to pause and seek your presence, strength and guidance through the myriad of tasks before me.

In the evening hour I wait on you in my time of prayer: as I lift up my voice in thanksgiving for the goodness of this day; as I humbly confess my humanness and shortcomings; as I listen for your still small voice which will fortify me and never fail.

And, in this time with you I find my peace – my hope – my direction. I find that which brings wholeness to my being.

Praise and glory be always unto you.

Amen.

Rev. Michael Kirchhoff

based on Isaiah 26: 3-5, 7-9