Today’s Reflection
During the time I served as a parish priest in New York, I accompanied a multigenerational group to Long Island one Saturday. We gathered in a meadow close to the Long Island Sound, and a naturalist led us through the meadow along a path to the shore. Our guide requested that we be silent and walk with awareness. We passed through grasses, wildflowers, bushes, and a few mud puddles. We were instructed to note our observations—the effects of the breeze, the color of the sky, the texture of earth and vegetation, our neighbor’s walking—and, when we came to the shore, the little creatures skittering about in the shallow water.
—Elizabeth J. Canham, Finding Your Voice in the Psalms: An Invitation to Honest Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2013)
Today’s Question
What places in nature cause you to feel reverent and want to praise God? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?
—Psalm 8:3-4 (NLT)
Prayer for the Week
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
- Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13
- Romans 7:15-25a
- Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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While leading a group on Wednesday, I asked my clients where they find a sense of peace. I got a variety of answers, such as a grandmother’s front porch, a local botanical garden, the library. I thought of their answers as I pondered today’s question. Most of us crave a sense of peace.
The places where I feel most at peace and closest to God are the United Methodist assembly in the mountains of east Alabama where I grew up going to camp. It is a beautiful place where every nook and cranny is filled with God’s peace. It is called Sumatanga, which means “place of peace and rest” in one of the Native dialects spoken in that area. It truly embodies its name. My other peaceful place is Epworth By The Sea, the United Methodist assembly in Georgia. It is on St. Simon’s Island, one of the earliest areas settled in Georgia, when it was a colony. John and Charles Wesley served a parish there called Christ Church. There is a place at Epworth on the Frederica River where the sunset is spactular. I can see where the river flows into the Atlantic and watch the dolphins play. I feel God’s presence in a tangible way. I’m thankful for these places and for a God who knows me.
Praying for a break in the heat. Love to all.
I grew up with mountains surrounding our little valley. The Susquehanna Valley is not actually small, as Harrisburg is also contained within, but my hometown was small. It felt as if we alone resided there. When I go back to visit, I always heave a sigh of relief and quietly intone “Ah, the mountains.”
Meeting with the floor contractor this am to sign contract and give a down payment. He still wants more than I am comfortable with so should be interesting.
Mount Mansfield, Elmore mountain, Camel’s Hump, by the shore of Lake Champlain or out on its islands, and floating on the rivers of northwestern Vermont are some of the places I think of. There are others near and far in the US, Korea, Germany, Britain, Austria,, Japan, and Switzerland. God is everywhere.
We are very pleased with our strawberry shortcake sale. Took in $700.
AC is keeping us cool in warm and humid weather. Certainly not the weather of the South or West, but uncomfortable nonetheless.
Thank You, Lord.
Where there is no noise pollution, only the sound of nature…I am thinking of my time in the Smokey Mountains, by a stream, hiking to a waterfall. I am thinking of time near Robert – in New Hampshire – same idea…hiking along a stream – hearing the trickling water. No sounds from cars in the park. Just birds, insects, water. It was lovely to not cross paths with anyone for hours, to just be very peaceful and aware of God’s creation.
Dad and I golfed again today – that makes three times this week. I shot the lowest score I have ever had today. It is very gratifying.
Had dinner with my friend and we began a new book – one by Tozer. The Knowledge of the Holy. Had good conversation around the first few chapters.
Picking Don and Becky up from the airport – very late this evening. Their flight got delayed, due to storms in Florida. No worries, I have nothing on tap for tomorrow. So, will be able to watch Wimbledon, nap and work on some stuff for school. There is a craft show I wouldn’t mind going to, but will have to wait and see what the weather is doing.
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