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Stirring
Have you ever misplaced or lost something, and it stirs little worry? You just know that Read More
Marilyn Pagán-Banks | Read Psalm 19:1-14
The psalmist beautifully describes creation in a posture of praise and worship. If we close our eyes, we can almost see the sun in all its splendor responding to the call of the Creator with excellence and expectancy. If we read slowly and listen closely, we can hear the wind inviting us to join the celebration.
Here creation reminds us that true worship does not happen in isolation and that there is no worship without accountability to the Creator. Creation reminds us of the laws of God and calls us back to our covenant with God and all of creation.
You do not have to be an environmentalist to believe that creation is fighting for its very existence—our existence. Airborne pandemics, devastating storms, wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides, droughts, melting ice caps, floods—these are just some of the ways that creation is crying out and demanding accountability and care from us humans. Creation is making itself heard. Wisdom is directing us toward restoration and healing.
The psalmist declares that God’s law is perfect and that each decree is meant to revive and to reestablish all of creation to its divine purpose. Every precept is intended to cultivate righteous abundance and radical joy.
Creation has no words, but, thank God, we do. Let’s use our voices, our keyboards, our social media platforms, and our phones to demand that those who institute and enforce the regulations that protect the environment follow the law of God and put the planet and people before profit. Silence is not an option.
Creator, forgive us for ignoring the groans of creation. May our confession swiftly lead to acts of healing and a commitment to new ways of living that benefit all creation. Amen.
How do we feel when we read the word of God? The Israelites rejoice in God’s law. At the time of the restoration of Jerusalem after the return from exile, Ezra reads from the Law and explains its meaning to the people. They respond by holding a feast because understanding God’s teachings is a source of joy. The psalmist says that God’s law revives the soul, causes the heart to rejoice, and helps us to see clearly. Paul continues with his teaching on spiritual gifts, emphasizing that all members of the body of Christ have an important role. No one can claim to be any more important than anyone else. In Luke, Jesus reads from Isaiah and declares that his messianic ministry will focus on justice, mercy, and healing.
Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10. When has God’s word overwhelmed you? How did you react?
Read Psalm 19. How do you seek to speak or sing words acceptable to God? How does this shape your life?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a. Within the body of Christ, as within our human bodies, parts compensate for one another. How do you take on more to support the body of Christ when others struggle? How do you allow others to take on your roles when you struggle?
Read Luke 4:14-21. In what ways have you rejected Jesus?
Respond by posting a prayer.
I join many of those who will pray for you as you seek to discern what you are called to be at this moment. May God grant you the courage to fulfill that calling. May we all open our eyes and see the misery, open our ears and hear the cries of God’s people, and, like God through the Lord Jesus Christ, be incarnate amongst them.”
View a growing list of resources for the spiritual work of overcoming racism.
