Daily Bread August 16

Care for The Earth
Rebecca Cummings of Avon, NY, USA


You make the winds your messengers,
    fire and flame your ministers.
You set the Earth on its foundations,
    so that it shall never be shaken.
You cover it with the deep as with a garment;
    the waters stood above the mountains. -Psalm 104:4-6

In this psalm, David is in awe of the Earth as a whole. He can see how everything in the world works so beautifully with each other to create a perfect balance. He begins with the majesty of God in the heavens and how the makings of the sky resemble God in all God’s glory. He then moves on to show how the mountains and rivers and valleys work in harmony to create a natural and wonderful balance to keep the Earth sustainable. He talks about the animals and how the Earth brings forth food for the creatures and for humankind. He explains how various types of animals are important in their own way.

It is so important for us all to remember that God created the Earth with a beautiful plan in mind. When we work in harmony with that plan, the Earth is happy and easily provides for all. But when we abuse the Earth, when we are not good stewards of the Earth, it cries out; it does not sustain life in its fullest sense. God calls us to care for the Earth, to care for his creation; as his followers it is our responsibility to take care of the Earth the best we can. As good stewards, we use only the resources we need. We recycle and encourage others to recycle. We seek to live more simply so that there is not so much waste. We seek to give back to the Earth by planting trees. We try to cut down on pollution and to use resources responsibly.

Prayer Phrase

“In God’s hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (Job 12:10).

Spiritual Practice

All That Lives

Sit quietly and sense God’s presence flowing through the trees and all creation. Offer a prayer of gratitude for your connection to all that lives. Ask for grace to discern and carry out one small act of justice or healing that creates greater wholeness for the plants, animals, trees, waters, air, and land that are part of the community of creation.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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