By Mary Kay Speaks of Pensacola, Florida USA

And how blessed are they! For they did publish peace; they did publish good tidings of good; and they did declare unto the people that the Lord reigneth.

Every part of nature connects with every other part. We are part of it all—all sacred.

Every cone in the pine-scented forest, each grain of desert’s hot sand,
ever-glistening drops of rain, the sunrise that blesses each day,
lush green meadow, loud pounding wave, mountains standing so high
—all sacred.

Bird song, mouse squeal, the smack of koala chewing on juicy bright leaves,
the buzz of the bee, the howl of the wolf, the click of a dolphin at play,
the scent of flowers on whispering wind, the rich, clean smell of the dirt
—all sacred.

The taste of fresh fruit, cool falling water, lava glowing at dusk,
the calm and the storm, the snail and the lily, limestone—ready for work.
Imagine yourself and the one at your side, sisters and brothers of Earth
—all sacred.

Reflect on yourself, creative partner, who grows, teaches, and heals,
fixes and helps and cleans and leads, while loving all that lives.
It is part of you, all God’s creation, and you are part of it
—all sacred.

Prayer Phrase

“In his hand is the life of every living thing” (Job 12:10).

Trees

Watch the trees outside your window for a few moments. Close your eyes and meditate on Alma’s words about seeds and trees. If you were to plant and grow the Word of God in your heart, what tree might symbolically represent this process? Imagine a seed as it grows into a tree of life and blessing. Ask God to show you how to begin (see Alma 16:152–173).

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.