Listen

Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all you ocean depths! Do the same, fire and hail, snow and smoke, stormy wind that does what God says! Do the same, you mountains, every single hill, fruit trees, and every single cedar! Do the same, you animals—wild or tame—you creatures that creep along and you birds that fly! Do the same, you kings of the earth and every single person, you princes and every single ruler on earth! Do the same, you young men—young women too!—you who are old together with you who are young!

Psalm 148:7-12

Think

In today’s section of the psalm, the singer moves from the starry sky to the elements of the earth, the natural landscape, and the animal kingdom. Do weather phenomena ever make you afraid, like hurricanes, earthquakes, thunderstorms, or tornadoes? For centuries humans have interpreted these as signs of God’s power. Mountains, too, have been seen as sacred sites for people who want to summit and encounter the Divine. And close observation of the creatures on earth, from bugs to birds to beagles, can inspire how we live in community and foster a sense of interdependence.

The last verse of this section speaks of old and young together. Can you think of some intergenerational settings that have been special to you? Maybe a family holiday, or church gathering, hiking group, or sports event? What would we miss out on if we only hung out with people our own age?

From people to animals to all of creation, we are connected to and dependent on each other. May we be open to learning from and helping each other.

Cari Pattison

Question to ponder:

What can you notice today in the natural world around you that points you back to the artistic imagination of God?

Pray

God, you never cease to amaze me with your artistry and beauty.

Thank you for the trees and rivers and hills.

Thank you for the deserts and mountains, oceans and prairies.

Thank you for the whole kingdom of animals that live around me and remind me to rest and trust in your care.

Amen.

Go

Today, pay attention to the little signs of Christ’s saving work in your life.