Happy Sunday, Fellow Travelers:

Today we practice receiving God’s blessing through the abundant gifts of the earth. Ask nothing of yourself today except to love God, love yourself and love your neighbor. Know that even when you are not producing, not hustling, not even trying to be good, God is always on your side– not only in Spirit, but in your physical reality. Receive the Spirit of Christ:

Blessing of Earth

Spirit of the Abundant earth,
Allow me to live in the knowledge that
I am of the earth, from the earth, and returning to the earth.

Tree of Life
Rise up in me,
Rooting me deeply in the ground
And inviting me to extend my branches far into the sky.

Spirit that rises like bread,
Knead me into the shape you desire for my life
And allow me to be nourishment for others.

Blessings of the earth be upon me.
May its taste, smell, and touch remind me of the abundance
           of God.

— Christine Valters Paintner, Water, Wind, Earth, and Fire

Endnotes

• For daily texts with the Focus Word, Starter Prayer and link to these daily posts, text the word “journey” to 970-500-0970.
• Are you receiving the weekly guide every Sunday via email? Register here.
• Join the Orange Dots of Hope Facebook Group for spiritual conversations on the journey.

This daily devotion is part of the Summer Growth Journey: Learning to Pray with Nature with Crossroads Church. Many of us are also reading through Water, Wind, Earth & Fire: The Christian Practice of Praying with the Elements by Christine Valters Paintner. To purchase a copy, or for more information, email us at [email protected].