By David Anderson of Salem, Oregon USA

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will bless them and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary among them forevermore. My dwelling place shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

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 when a large buck crossed 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

“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.