Image: Tim Gainey / Alamy Stock Photo

Every Wednesday we invite you to pause and pray with us. Today’s Pause & Pray was written and curated by Jennifer Lundberg.

Pray:

(Prayer source: Interfaith Partners of the Chesapeake)

Creator of the Universe, you call us to be keepers and tenders of this Garden of the Earth, our common home. Among the trees in this Garden is the Tree of Life, with all its wondrous beauty, biodiversity, and intricate interdependence.

Creator of all life, Inspire us with faith to answer a sacred call to preserve and defend the intricate web of life for all beings. Guide us with wisdom as we seek ways to love our neighbor through our loving acts of restoration. For present and future generations, may we be known as healing humans who live in balance and harmony with your whole Creation. Amen.

Meditate:

Jeremiah 17: 7-8 (NRSVUE)

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.

Listen:

“Branching Out” by John Gorka