Starter Prayer: Holy God, give me the courage and the willingness to join you in the natural cycles of dying and rising. Help me grow in my understanding of this vital process in my life and in our world.

Focus Phrase: Life Cycles

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 48:6-11

Optional Read-along: Water, Wind, Earth and Fire pp. 55b-58 (Chapter Two: Brother Fire, Section: Fire of Purification.)

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION:

My father was a forester, and spent his career supervising some of the largest and most complex national forests in the country. As a small child I was taught that “Smokey’s friends don’t play with matches” and “Only YOU can prevent forest fires!.” These were ad campaigns of the Forest Service. Sometimes my Dad took me along when he went to investigate a burn area. There are baby pics of me living with my parents in a lookout tower above Boulder, CO.

As an adult, I remember taking my own children through Yellowstone after the great fires of 1988. The devastation was beyond description, and so were the new vistas. Today, Yellowstone visitors see the new forest coming of age.

A forest fire is certainly a natural example of the life-cycle of death and resurrection.

In scripture, we see the theme of purification through fire– the same process of extreme heat, which later yields new life. Have you ever been through a cycle of death and resurrection in the circumstances of your life? Perhaps a time of “burnout” and letting go followed (in time) by a season of new life and growth? The grief process itself is a powerful example of this cycle.

Some questions for reflection: What in my life needs to be purified? What have been some desert experiences in my life? When has God offered me a new birth or fresh start in something? Where am I resisting this process of letting go? What is holding me back?

Some practices to try: 1.) Take some time to write down things you need to let go of? What is ending in your life? What is causing a drain on your energy and needs to change? Take this list to a fire bowl outdoors and burn it; or take it with you to an outdoor space at sunset. Watch the setting sun and confess (in faith!) your desire to release these things and experience renewal for whatever is next.

2.) Reflect on your experiences of death and loss, especially those with current or complex grief. What is your next step for processing your grief? To whom could you go for prayer and spiritual support? Make that call today. If you’re not sure where to turn, email us at [email protected]. We’ll put you in touch with a pastor or care minister.

Be encouraged in your practice,

Katie Martinez

Endnotes

• For daily texts with the Focus Word, Starter Prayer and link to these daily posts, text the word “journey” to 970-500-0970.
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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].