Tag: God’s law

Counting on … Lent 9

17th March 2025

“Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. Psalm 1:1-3

The psalmist holds up a tree as a metaphor for the person who delights in God’s law – in God’s way of doing things. Would we see it as a source of pride if we were likened to a tree? 

The tree of the Psalm is is fruitful in season and doesn’t wither with age. We might also recall that trees can be known for their strength such as oaks, or the slender beauty such as a silver birch, or the longevity such as a yew, or their flexibility such as the willow. 

So yes it sounds like a good metaphor and one that describes who we are rather than what we earn.

Tend and care for the earth

15th March 2025

The earth, O Lord, is full of your faithful love;  instruct me in your statutes.  Psalm 119:64

You Lord, are the source of all good things: 

We praise you.

You call us to tend and care for your creation: 

May we strive to do your will.

You have made us as brothers and sisters with all that lives: 

May we live together in peace.

A reading Job 38: 1-7 (The Message)

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:“Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Pull yourself together, Job! Up on your feet! Stand tall! I have some questions for you, and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, While the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise?

(The first and last verses of the following are said by all; those in between can be said antiphonally) 

Open my eyes, O Lord 

that I may see the wonders of your law. 

Lead me in the path of your commandments.               Psalm 119: 18, 35


Open my eyes, O Lord

that I may see the worms that plough and enrich the earth, 

that I may know the value of adding compost to the soil.

Lead me in the path of your commandments.


Open my eyes, O Lord

that I may see the insects that pollinate the crops, 

that I may know the value of growing wild flowers.

Lead me in the path of your commandments.


Open my eyes, O Lord 

that I may see the work of the ant,

disposing of waste and keeping would-be pests in check.

Lead me in the path of your commandments.

Open my eyes, O Lord

that I may see the joy of the sparrow’s life – 

foraging, preening, dust-bathing and roosting together in community.

Lead me in the path of your commandments.

Open my eyes, O Lord 

that I may see the handsome tree 

that sequesters the carbon, lest the planet overheat.

Lead me in the path of your commandments. 

O Lord, how many are Your works!

In wisdom You have made them all;

The earth is full of Your possessions.

Holy is your name! Amen.   Psalm 104:24


Intercessions –( these too may be said antiphonally )

God, creator of the world and source of all wisdom,

We pray for those who farm the land, 

that they may understand the intricacies of the soil’s ecosystem, 

and the interdependent needs of plants and insects.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

God, creator of the world and source of all wisdom,

We pray for those who raise livestock, 

that they may understand the needs of each creature 

and acknowledge the kindred relationship we share with them.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

God, creator of the world and source of all wisdom,

We pray for foresters and forest owners, 

that they may understand the value of trees,

their niche environments, and their necessity for global  wellbeing. 

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

God, creator of the world and source of all wisdom,

We pray for all who garden that they may know God’s calling 

to till and tend the earth.

Lord in your mercy: Hear our prayer.

The Grace