Psalm 19

Every day, the Heavens are telling the glory of God                                 
and the firmament proclaims my Creator’s handiwork.

All I have to do
is to look out our windows
and gaze upon the skies, 
the sun or the moon, 
the birds, the trees, 
the herbs and flowers in my garden, 
and notice my Creator’s handiwork.

There is no speech nor are there words, 
but the songs of birds in our garden 
singing praises and dancing with joy around the birdfeeders, 
while squirrels come running down the pear tree 
with anticipatory delight to join the feast set before them. 

There is no speech nor are there words, 
but the beauty and gentleness of the evergreen 
that has survived many winter storms 
including the apocalyptic blizzard of 2022 
reminding me of the faithfulness of God.

There is no speech nor are there words, 
but the winter’s powdery snow in the garden 
inviting me to come out and pray with my feet, 
creating spirals and labyrinths 
as I surrender my fear and worries 
while I meditate and remember
That the law of Love is perfect, 
it revives the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are sure 
and filled with wisdom that is available to me,
that the precepts of the Breath of Everything are right 
and in the midst of trouble can make my heart rejoice.

What God asks of me is clear, 
let it be my vision.
Let all that reminds me of what is good, just, and true 
nourish my awe of God forever.                                                                                                                       

Let the sweetness of the law of Love 
encourage me to not grow tired 
of doing what is right and just even in the face of evil.
Let the awareness of my shadows and fears 
remind me of my need to let the law of Love guide me.

May the words of my mouth                                                                     May the meditations of my heart 
in silence and solitude, 
in song, word, or actions, 
co-create with you a more loving, just, joy-filled world for all,

May the meditation of my eyes 
as I notice your glory and handiwork through my photography encourage others to breathe beauty and hope.                                                                       

May the meditation of my mind 
help me and others to know peace.                                                           

May the meditation of my feet 
as I pray for myself, 
for my neighbors, and for the world, 
be acceptable to you, 
O Expansiveness of Love, 
my joy, my strength, and my redeemer. 

Amen.

Written by Rev. Nancy Rosas  for Living Psalms UCC for Jan 26, 2025.