Romans 8:18-25; Psalm 126; Luke 13: 18-21
All of Romans 8 is worth our reflective reading. One of the best parts which should come tomorrow, 8:26-31, will be skipped because of the feast of Simon and Jude.
Today’s selection undergirds so much of our new respect for all of creation. “Creation will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the children of God.” Both creation and we groan with hope, in labor like a pregnant woman. Jesus uses the homely creatures of mustard seed and leaven buried in flour. The psalmist sees the desert bloom.
If you can, take your prayer outdoors today. Take a long, loving look at all that God has fashioned. If you cannot, look out a window and see what glory you can see. Perhaps you cannot see; remember. Remember all the beauties of creation, whether lakes and mountains, or the daisies that bloomed in your yard this summer. How will you respond?
We pray for all who work the earth. Give a good harvest to us in the north; a fertile planting to those in the south. We need your blessings of water and sun. Thank you!