Listen

Yes, the Lord gives what is good, and our land yields its produce. Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps.

Psalm 85:12-13

Think

Reading this Psalm reminds me of the need in our world for renewal and rejuvenation toward what is good. But what does “good” renewal and rejuvenation look like?

In the wild, when an elephant gives birth, all the female elephants in the herd back around her and form a protective circle, saying to the other species, “This elephant matters. This baby being born matters.” They stomp and kick up dirt and soil to throw attackers off the scent and act as a safe haven.

Maybe what is good, what embodied renewal and rejuvenation look like, is simply coming together around anyone and everyone who needs protection, community, and strength so they can create, deliver, heal, recover. And as we circle, we recognize that Christ is with us, co-circling, co-creating, as we come together — loving us, empowering us, and moving one step closer toward redemption for all people.

Molly Brummett Wudel

Pray

God, help us be a people who come together — who circle to protect. Help me recognize that the strength for rejuvenation and love is greater together with others than it ever could be apart. Amen.

Go

Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

A prayer from St. Patrick