A Springtime Prayer
How did Native Americans feel about spring? Do we have any clues about their tradition? As we celebrate the beauty of spring, receive this verse from the Chinook SongBook. The Chinook tribe lived in the northwest, in the states we now call Oregon and Washington, extending into Canada. Here is a paraphrase of their springtime prayer:
“May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and moved by this your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
“May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.
“May spring come to us, be in us and recreate life in us. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
03.29.12
Showing posts with label creation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label creation. Show all posts
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Daily Devotion - Thursday, April 28
Creation’s Alive
“Praise God, from the earth,
mountains and all hills, fruit trees and cedars!”
--Psalm 148, selected verses
These are a wonderful days to spend time with creation. The seeds planted several weeks ago are now rooted and crying for more soil where they can continue their journey toward that time of blossoming. When their cry is answered, they will quickly stand up tall and keep on their course. These small transplants seem to understand the words of the Psalmist and are offering their praise to the Creator.
As this week continues to unfold, let us live life in praise of God. May our prayers echo the sentiments Sedonia Cahill offers in her prayer of thanksgiving:
“I send prayers of gratitude to all that has given of itself on this day.
The strong beans, and the hardy grains,
The beautiful leafy green plants and the sweet juicy fruits.
I thank the sun that warmed and vitalized them, just as it does me,
And the earth that held and nourished them, as it does me,
And the waters that bathed and refreshed them, as they do me.
I thank the fire that transformed them,
Just as I wish to be transformed by the fires of Spirit.
I thank the hands that grew and prepared my food,
Just as I thank all those that have touched me in so many ways.
With thanksgiving to the Great God of life,
I send my prayers of gratitude today.”
--Ben Keckler
04.28.11
“Praise God, from the earth,
mountains and all hills, fruit trees and cedars!”
--Psalm 148, selected verses
These are a wonderful days to spend time with creation. The seeds planted several weeks ago are now rooted and crying for more soil where they can continue their journey toward that time of blossoming. When their cry is answered, they will quickly stand up tall and keep on their course. These small transplants seem to understand the words of the Psalmist and are offering their praise to the Creator.
As this week continues to unfold, let us live life in praise of God. May our prayers echo the sentiments Sedonia Cahill offers in her prayer of thanksgiving:
“I send prayers of gratitude to all that has given of itself on this day.
The strong beans, and the hardy grains,
The beautiful leafy green plants and the sweet juicy fruits.
I thank the sun that warmed and vitalized them, just as it does me,
And the earth that held and nourished them, as it does me,
And the waters that bathed and refreshed them, as they do me.
I thank the fire that transformed them,
Just as I wish to be transformed by the fires of Spirit.
I thank the hands that grew and prepared my food,
Just as I thank all those that have touched me in so many ways.
With thanksgiving to the Great God of life,
I send my prayers of gratitude today.”
--Ben Keckler
04.28.11
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Daily Devotion - Wednesday, January 26
A Few Minutes Please
“What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 5
Today I'd like to continue thinking about the significance of creation. We are part of a cosmic community. I find it helpful to remember that the Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Stopping to affirm this concept and spending time with it can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who often took time to pray with the creatures of the cosmos:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
For some, this tale may be difficult to take seriously. The problem is probably not in the story, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for living, especially with chaos. We are a small, small part of a splendid work of creativity. Thanks to a power beyond us for the gift of creation.
--Ben Keckler
01.26.11
“What is humankind that you should be mindful of us?”
--Psalm 8: 5
Today I'd like to continue thinking about the significance of creation. We are part of a cosmic community. I find it helpful to remember that the Creator who set all time and space in motion created us in community with the rest of the cosmos. Stopping to affirm this concept and spending time with it can really be empowering. Here is a little story from the life of St. Francis who often took time to pray with the creatures of the cosmos:
When Francis was hurrying across the Lake of Rieti to the hermitage of Greccio, out of devotion a fisherman offered him a waterfowl. He took it gladly and opened his hands to let it go, but it did not want to. He prayed for a long time with his eyes turned to heaven. After more than an hour, he came back to himself and gently told the bird again to go away and praise God. Having received his permission with a blessing, the bird expressed its joy in the movements of its body, and flew away.
For some, this tale may be difficult to take seriously. The problem is probably not in the story, however. Realizing the integrity and sacredness of creation opens new dimensions for living, especially with chaos. We are a small, small part of a splendid work of creativity. Thanks to a power beyond us for the gift of creation.
--Ben Keckler
01.26.11
Friday, April 9, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, April 9
A Joyful Noise
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”
--From Psalm 100
In some ways it is pretty difficult to make a joyful noise when there is so much chaos in the world. Yet, as springtime visits us again it can be easier to make a joyful noise to God. I find the following prayer by Mary de LaValette to be filled with joy. I hope you enjoy it, too!
“Blessed are the animals for they shall lead us back to our lost innocence.
Blessed are the great whales for their vast intelligence is peaceful.
Blessed is the eagle for he is the king of birds.
Blessed is the cow for she is the ancient symbol of Peace.
Blessed is the little mouse who seeks shelter from the cold.
Blessed are the otters for their playfulness is without guile.
Blessed are all wild, free things for they live in harmony with their Creator.
Blessed are those animals who are part of our families for they bind us to the rest of Creation.
And blessed be Humankind who has gone so far astray.
Blessed is the Creation in its magnificence for the Spirit dwells in every living thing.
And is indivisible.”
Enjoy the budding of creation as your weekend unfolds, especially enjoy the animals.
Prayer: This is your world, O God. We join with creation making a joyful noise to you.
--Ben Keckler
04.09.10
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”
--From Psalm 100
In some ways it is pretty difficult to make a joyful noise when there is so much chaos in the world. Yet, as springtime visits us again it can be easier to make a joyful noise to God. I find the following prayer by Mary de LaValette to be filled with joy. I hope you enjoy it, too!
“Blessed are the animals for they shall lead us back to our lost innocence.
Blessed are the great whales for their vast intelligence is peaceful.
Blessed is the eagle for he is the king of birds.
Blessed is the cow for she is the ancient symbol of Peace.
Blessed is the little mouse who seeks shelter from the cold.
Blessed are the otters for their playfulness is without guile.
Blessed are all wild, free things for they live in harmony with their Creator.
Blessed are those animals who are part of our families for they bind us to the rest of Creation.
And blessed be Humankind who has gone so far astray.
Blessed is the Creation in its magnificence for the Spirit dwells in every living thing.
And is indivisible.”
Enjoy the budding of creation as your weekend unfolds, especially enjoy the animals.
Prayer: This is your world, O God. We join with creation making a joyful noise to you.
--Ben Keckler
04.09.10
Friday, March 19, 2010
Daily Devotion - Friday, March 19
A Last Little Prayer
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
Tomorrow is the first day of spring. We anticipate a beautiful spring is waiting for us. The little prayers we have focused on this week can help our souls dance with praise to God. We close this week with one verse from the Chinook Song Book.
“O Lord,
May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and
Moved by this your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.
May spring come to us, be in us and recreate life in us. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
03.19.10
“Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth;
Sing the glory of God’s name,
Give to God glorious praise.”
--A song from a joyful heart (Psalm 66:1)
Tomorrow is the first day of spring. We anticipate a beautiful spring is waiting for us. The little prayers we have focused on this week can help our souls dance with praise to God. We close this week with one verse from the Chinook Song Book.
“O Lord,
May we today be touched by grace, fascinated and
Moved by this your creation,
Energized by the power of new growth at work in your world.
May we move beyond viewing this life only through a frame, but
Touch it and be touched by it,
Know it and be known by it,
Love it and be loved by it.
May spring come to us, be in us and recreate life in us. Amen.”
--Ben Keckler
03.19.10
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Daily Devotion - Tuesday, May 19
Very Good Creation
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May is flying by. The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now healthy plants and ready for planting outdoors. All the perennials are up and looking quite healthy. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy the generous amounts of birdseed I put out for them. The cat sits in the open windows sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty and have a blessed day.
--Ben Keckler
05.19.09
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May is flying by. The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now healthy plants and ready for planting outdoors. All the perennials are up and looking quite healthy. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy the generous amounts of birdseed I put out for them. The cat sits in the open windows sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty and have a blessed day.
--Ben Keckler
05.19.09
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Daily Devotions - Wednesday, May 14
Creation is Good
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May is nearly half over! The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now healthy and ready for planting. The perennials are, for the most part, looking quite healthy. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy pounds of birdseed I put out each morning. The cat sits at the storm door, no longer looking through glass but sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty and have a blessed day in your labors.
Ben Keckler
05.14.08
“God created human beings and assigned them
to manage the earth, plants, animals, and birds.
And God saw that everything he had made was very good.”
-- From the Creation story in Genesis 1
The month of May is nearly half over! The little seeds planted some weeks ago are now healthy and ready for planting. The perennials are, for the most part, looking quite healthy. The tomato plants are thriving and little blossoms are hinting of better days ahead. The birds continue to thoroughly enjoy pounds of birdseed I put out each morning. The cat sits at the storm door, no longer looking through glass but sniffing fresh air as it comes into the house. Very good, yes, very good!
Jocele Meyer writes: “I have a dream that one-day we, too, will see all that God has created as good. We will live in such ways that word and deed are one. We will work toward that day as we farm in more sustainable ways, plant trees that purify the air, cultivate our urban gardens, and make a habit of walking short distances so fewer parking lots represent the last harvest on the land. I have a dream that humankind will more fully understand what it means to live in covenant with God.” (Earthkeepers, p. 39)
Enjoy creation’s beauty and have a blessed day in your labors.
Ben Keckler
05.14.08
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Daily Devotions - Thursday, April 18
The Creator Watches Over Creation
“The eyes of all look to you, Father of all,
and you give them all they need at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
--from a Song of the Hebrew people
Springtime, the season of new life and resurrection, surrounds us. Religions of the world are taking time to commemorate the open hand of God upon a world that has been cold and dark throughout the winter. A common theme clearly emerges—the Creator watches over creation and creation is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the gifts of redemption and life. St. Francis offers this prayer:
My Father, thank you for the gift of this life…
full of wonders… full of people I can love for your sake.
Thank you that I am surrounded above and below,
behind and before, by you.
Today and all days… let me fix my eyes upon you…
So that I may be filled with the inner fire of your presence!
As you take time to commemorate the Holy Days that are important to you in your spiritual journey, may thanksgiving fill your soul.
Ben Keckler
04.17.08
“The eyes of all look to you, Father of all,
and you give them all they need at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.”
--from a Song of the Hebrew people
Springtime, the season of new life and resurrection, surrounds us. Religions of the world are taking time to commemorate the open hand of God upon a world that has been cold and dark throughout the winter. A common theme clearly emerges—the Creator watches over creation and creation is filled with gratitude to the Creator for the gifts of redemption and life. St. Francis offers this prayer:
My Father, thank you for the gift of this life…
full of wonders… full of people I can love for your sake.
Thank you that I am surrounded above and below,
behind and before, by you.
Today and all days… let me fix my eyes upon you…
So that I may be filled with the inner fire of your presence!
As you take time to commemorate the Holy Days that are important to you in your spiritual journey, may thanksgiving fill your soul.
Ben Keckler
04.17.08
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