Psalm 19:1-6

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice[b] goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

Contemplation:

The natural world in all of its facets reflects God's glory to us.  When we find pleasure in a starry night or a sunny day, we are experiencing God's handiwork.  The majesty and mystery of God's creation gives us some indication of his nature.  When we are drawn to enjoy the natural world, in some measure we are learning to love the Creator who designed and sustains it.  It can be what has been called a "thin place" where we feel as if we are very near to God's presence without barrier.  Take a walk in God's Cathedral regularly and get a sense of the place he has made for you to live and worship in, unencumbered by the distractions of the man-made world.

Question:

When was the last time you felt the sun on your face, the grass between your toes, heard the sound of the wind whisper through the pines, or stood in wonder at the starlit dome which blankets your sleep?.

Prayer:

Father, thank you for making this world in which I live.  I am humbled by the power and awesome beauty of it.  It reminds me of your greatness and my smallness.  It opens my eyes to your artistry.  It demonstrates your love and care for me.  This is the place you have made for me to live and worship.  Let me find regular space in my life to enjoy your presence unfiltered by man-made devices.  Let me hear the declaration of the heavens that whisper your name to me.