As you settle into this reflection time, take a moment to create a comfortable place in creation to be with God, our Creator. Perhaps it’s on a grassy field with a cozy blanket and tea, maybe it is sitting in a park or on a breezy beach shore, perhaps you just choose to walk and listen. However you choose to spend these moments, settle into creation and notice the world around you. How does creation choose to speak? What does creation choose to reveal about God?
If you are using this prayer guide to follow along with the audio prayer resource, I invite you to pause the audio after each movement to complete the deeper prompts or take the closing moments of your prayer time to complete this journal.
I pray this is a space where you recognize your place in the flourishing of God’s community of creation.
“However, call on the animals to teach you; the birds that sail through the air are not afraid to tell you the truth.
Engage the earth in conversation; it’s happy to share what it knows.
Even the fish of the sea are wise enough to explain it to you.
In fact, which part of creation isn’t aware, which doesn’t know the Eternal’s hand has done this?
His hand cradles the life of every creature on the face of the earth; His breath fills the nostrils of humans everywhere.”
The Voice
Spend time reflecting on the verses of Job 12:7-10. Be intentional as you read, listening to Scripture reveal more about God’s presence with us.
As you think about your relationship with God, our Creator, how has the community of creation revealed more about who God is? What does creation say about God?
Use the space below to share your thoughts.
GOD, OUR CREATOR.
We are thankful for the beauty of creation that surrounds us. The sky, the earth, the trees and the mountains all reflect your presence and your love. In every sunrise, every breeze and every flower we learn more about you. Help us to feel you in the world around us. Remind us that we belong to your amazing community of creation.
We Turn to the East
IN THE EAST,
we see the beautiful sunrise, a reminder of a new day. We are thankful for the ability to start over, to experience new beginnings. We realize that this is a gift. Remind us to learn from our past and from the experiences of others. Sit with us as we struggle with vulnerability; guide us into a place of authenticity.
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NRSVUE
Take a few moments to check in with yourself. How are you feeling ...
EMOTIONALLY?
What past experiences and emotions are you bringing into this space today? Instead of dismissing those thoughts and feelings, what can they teach us?
PHYSICALLY?
SPIRITUALLY?
We Turn to the South
FROM THE SOUTH,
What brings you joy?
we embrace the warm, gentle, soothing winds. They bring comfort and warmth on cold, tiring days. May they remind us to sit in your presence and to savour the moments of laughter, knowing we can experience joy in the midst of pain.
JOY
How can you share joy with others who need it right now?
We Turn to the West
THE WEST IS
the place where the sun sets and we experience breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring colours that span the horizon. It is from this space that we are reminded of the joy and flourishing of creation. Even in the moments of endings there is room for beauty. Help us to fade into you as we seek to find rest.
Take time to colour the Bible verse below. Savour the words and let them sink in. Is there a message in this verse for you today? Linger over the words that capture your attention. Talk to God about what has come to mind and how he might be inviting you to respond. Rest in the awareness of God’s presence, rest in this moment and know you are joyously loved. PSALM 46:10
We Turn to the North
FROM THE NORTH,
we are reminded of harsh winds and blinding snow storms. In the painful, in the hurting and in the unexpected, we are reminded that you guide us in strength and courage when difficulties arise. You prepare for us a safe space in the midst of trouble. In the sparse and trying times, you do not leave us alone.
Consider the characteristics of God.
How do you need God to show up in your story during this season?
We Look Up to the Sky
WE GAZE ABOVE US:
the clouds, the sun, the moon and the stars teach us that there is a vast universe and yet there is no place unknown to you. You are not a distant and unapproachable God—you are with us, you know us and you care for our well-being. When the clouds become darkened, when the stars are hidden: help us to settle into your presence.
GOD IS WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU GO.
God is with us. Call to mind the times when you experienced the presence of God.
Write a prayer of gratitude, remembering how God does not abandon us. When life gets difficult, he is right there with us.
We Look Down to the Ground
LET YOUR FEET SETTLE
into creation. As we look down to the land beneath us, we realize the gift of creation. Creation cares for us. Creation provides for us. Creator, help us to walk in gentleness and gratitude for the gifts creation provides. Teach us to be faithful trustees of creation, taking only what we need and ensuring that there is plenty for all who gather in this place.
As you take a moment to settle into creation, think about how God has shown up for you. How has God cared for you through creation? Spend time reflecting on the many gifts of creation. What can you learn from this relationship? How can you begin to live in gratitude to creation and reciprocate the care you’ve received?
We Turn Inward
WITHIN OUR HEARTS
is a place of honesty, a place that carries our deepest desires. It is in this place that we hold the important things: our beliefs, our loves, our memories. This is the place which guides our steps and fuels our passions. It holds our greatest joys and our deepest sorrows. Help us to be honest in this place. Help us to recognize moments of regret and shame while allowing space for growth and healing.
What does it mean for you to belong to the community of creation?
BELONGING
GROWTH & HEALING
Is there anything that needs to change or develop in you for this to happen?
We hold a beautiful and sacred place in the community of creation. We are a sacred wish of the Creator, breathed into existence by the all-knowing, all-powerful, everlasting sacred one. We are created with purpose and intentionality. We join with the community of creation in a joyous and flourishing creation song.
What does a flourishing community of creation look like for you?
“HOLINESS IS LOVE; THIS LOVE IS MANIFESTED IN THE PURSUIT OF THE GOOD OF OTHERS. IT THUS ONLY EXISTS IN THE CONTEXT OF RELATIONSHIPS.”
-JOHN WESLEY
What can you do to encourage others to flourish in the community of creation?
Use the space on the side to creatively record your thoughts.
