Planet Earth Sunday – September 2
Genesis 1:10b“…and God saw that it was good.”
Some people may find aspects of the first creation story in the Bible a little surprising. Notice that there is something that already exists before the story starts – water. Notice, too, that repeatedly God marvels at the creation (such as at the end of verse 10). Notice how the world is created with purpose and majesty. Lastly, note that this is simply one story about creation that the Bible gives us; Genesis 2, Psalm 8, and Proverbs 8 all present other views. This helps remind us that the Bible is not a science book, but a wonderful collection of tales about God’s activity through history, and love for all creation.
■■
How do you experience God present in creation?
■■
How do you experience God present in your own life?
Outdoor Meditation
Take a short walk in silence. Pause at three intervals to read and respond to each of the sections below.
Psalm 19:1–4 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Take some time to look and listen in silence.
■■
What do you notice that you would name as God’s handiwork?
■■
How do you hear God’s glory in this place?
Take some time to look and listen in silence.
■■
What do you notice that you would name as God’s handiwork?
■■
How do you hear God’s glory in this place?
Mark 4:30–32 [Jesus] also said, “With what can we compare the dominion of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”Find a nearby plant and take time to notice as much as you can about it.
■■
What do you learn about living in faith from this plant?
Psalm 104:24–30 O God, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.Look around and see if you can find one of God’s creatures.
■■
What did you find?
■■
What is remarkable about this particular creature?
Scripture references are from The New Testament and Psalms:
An Inclusive Version. Copyright © 2004. Used by permission
of Oxford University Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
An Inclusive Version. Copyright © 2004. Used by permission
of Oxford University Press, Inc. All rights reserved.
Holy Ground
The practice of connecting with Earth
Directions
1. Remove your shoes and socks, bringing your full attention to your feet.
2. Begin slowly walking, one foot then the other.
3. Imagine the earth is kissing your feet.
4. Imagine your feet are kissing the earth.
5. Feel the goodness of God’s earth.
6. Know the sacredness of planet Earth.
1. Remove your shoes and socks, bringing your full attention to your feet.
2. Begin slowly walking, one foot then the other.
3. Imagine the earth is kissing your feet.
4. Imagine your feet are kissing the earth.
5. Feel the goodness of God’s earth.
6. Know the sacredness of planet Earth.
Copyright © Wood Lake Publishing Inc. 2011 Seasons of the Spirit™ SeasonsFUSION Season of Creation • Pentecost 2 2012
