By David Anderson of Salem, Oregon USA

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

I hear and feel God’s presence in nature. As a young Boy Scout hiking in the mountains of Montana, I witnessed the sacredness of creation and the striking beauty and power of nature. The lakes, starry nights, wildlife, flowers, and streams reminded me constantly of something greater than myself. I was often humbled by those wonderful experiences in sensing the Creator.

I look to nature to draw close to God. Regularly, I arise early in the morning to walk outside to feel the presence of the Divine and to listen to nature. My favorite time of the day is that moment in which the earth seems to inhale—when the first bird begins to sing!

On a rather mundane morning, I was not out listening to nature. Instead, I was just driving home from the gym at daybreak. Unexpectedly, I slammed on my brakes. A large buck was crossing the street. He was beautiful—majestic. He didn’t seem to be in a hurry or threatened by me. Suddenly our eyes met. As silly as it seemed, he appeared to nod with an expression of “good morning!” I nodded back. It was a God moment for me. At that moment, on an ordinary drive home from the gym, two of God’s creatures—a human and a deer—acknowledged each other. God was there at that sacred instant.

Prayer Phrase

“Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Intercessory Reflection

Sit quietly with your eyes closed as you enter intercessory reflection and prayer. Ask God to bring people who need prayer to your mind and heart. Be open to images of the people or spiritual insight into their needs. Listen for signals from their lives and let the depth of God’s love for them become powerful and real to you. Write, speak, or think a prayer of blessing and healing for these much–loved disciples and friends. Ask God to help you see ways to affirm and support them when you meet them in daily life.

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.