Use SASB 14 ‘For the beauty of the earth’
Verse 1
Already we have had a glimpse into the wonder of our world. All of this is a precious gift from God, given out of love for us. Many of us are likely to have had some quite dubious gifts in the past! Probably we equally have had some special gifts. However, when we really begin to fully appreciate the world around us, we realise quickly that God’s gift of creation is the most wonderful precious gift ever!
Verse 2
Have you ever taken time to sit and ponder on the order of nature? Think about the seasons and their cycle. Sometimes it feels like the seasons are not as defined as once were – it seems we can have floods in summer and flowers budding far too early before spring. Much of this is related to climate change and the way we have treated our planet. But, as it says in Genesis, God designed the world with order, and it works best when we work with nature rather than against it.
Verse 3
Let’s think about our senses for a moment.
Encourage members to participate and add their own suggestions or experiences.
- Sound: The sounds of a bird chirping in the trees nearby. The sound of waves crashing upon the rocks.
- Sight: The sight of a newborn lamb in the field. The beauty of the butterfly as it flutters around the garden.
- Taste: The textures and flavours of so many different foods. Our individual taste buds.
- Touch: The soft grass, the fur of a rabbit, the embrace of a family pet.
- Smell: The aromas from a kitchen cooking something delicious. The sweetness of flowers. The smell of a new baby.
Verse 4
Let’s consider the creation of humankind and our intricate design: our capacity to receive and give love; the preciousness of relationships and the depth and meaning they can bring; the joy of spending time with another and sharing experiences together.
Verse 5
When we pause to think and reflect on all the blessings this world has to offer, we can do no other than come before the Lord in awe and wonder of his generosity and kindness. Sometimes we can get too caught up with the busyness of life and miss out on special significant moments that God gives us through nature. Quite often we can take things for granted, and sometimes it is good to have a child’s perspective to bring back some awe and wonder that as adults we at times lose. As we look around us and fully appreciate creation, we begin to appreciate even more the Creator and giver of this most wonderful gift. ‘Father, unto thee we raise this our sacrifice of praise.’
REFLECT
Psalm 23
This psalm paints a lovely picture of God’s care, using imagery of green pastures and still waters.
Share out the pictures of nature and different places. Give each person a few minutes to sit and take in what they see and what thoughts or feelings come to mind.
May we take time and make a conscious effort to pause, listen, smell, and see the beauty of God through his handiwork right there in front of us. What message are we giving God when we don’t do that? What message are we giving out when we don’t look after our world and take good care of it? What does God think and feel when we don’t make time to worship and thank him for his goodness and generosity? May we never take anything for granted, and instead always nurture an attitude of gratitude.
PRAYER
O God, [our] great Creator and Sovereign Lord of Heaven and earth, (…) Father of angels and men, (…) giver of life and protector of all [your] creatures, mercifully accept this my morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, which I desire to offer with all humility to [your] divine Majesty.
[You are] praised, O Lord, by all [your] works, and magnified by every thing which [you have] created.
The sun [rejoices] to run his course, that he may set forth [your] praise who [made] him.
Nor do the moon and stars refrain to manifest [your] glory, even [among] the silent night.
The Earth breathes forth each day perfumes, as incense to [you], her sacred King, who has crowned her with herbs and trees, and [beautifies] her with hills and dales.
The deep [utters] his voice, and [lifts] up his hands on high to [you], the great Creator, the universal King, the everlasting God.
The floods clap their hands, and the hills are joyful together before [you]; the fruitful vales rejoice and sing [your] praise.
[You feed] the innumerable multitude of animals which [you have] created; these all wait upon [you], and [you give] them their meat in due season.
[You made] light for our comfort, and [brought] forth darkness out of [your] treasures, to overshadow the Earth, that the living creatures of it might take their rest.
The fire and hail, snow and vapour, wind and storm fulfil [your] word and manifest [your] glory.
Inanimate things declare [you], O Lord of life; and irrational animals demonstrate their wise Creator.
Amidst this universal jubilee of nature, [allow] not, I [beg you], the sons of men to be silent; but let the noblest work of [your] creation pay [you] the noblest sacrifice of praise.
O pour [your] grace into my heart, that I may worthily magnify [your] great and glorious name.
[You have] made me and sent me into the world to do [your] work.
O assist me to fulfil the end of my creation, and to [show] forth [your] praise with all diligence, by giving myself up to [your] service.
[Let] the work of my hands [thrive and grow], O Lord; [so that whatever work] I shall undertake this day, [may it be for your] glory, the good of my neighbour, and the salvation of my own soul.
John Wesley
A Collection of Forms of Prayer 1733
REFLECT
Give each member a flower to reflect with and to take home, to help appreciate God’s gift of creation.
