Tree of Life (Day 30)

July 03, 2021, By: Jimmy Scruggs

Starter Prayer: Spirit of Christ, our Tree of Life: Rise up in me, rooting me deeply in the ground and inspiring me to extend my branches far into the sky. Amen (Adapted from Christine Valters Paintner)

Focus Phrase: Tree of Life

Scripture Reading: Psalm 52:8; Genesis 2:9; John 15:5; Psalm 1:1-3

Optional Read-along: Water, Wind, Earth and Fire pp. 107b-111b  (Chapter Three: Sister Earth, Section: Tree of Life.)

Spiritual Direction:

At various times I reach discouragement in some aspect of my life. One time when this was happening, God reminded me that I am still like a tree, planted firmly by streams of water. In season, I produce good fruit. And over time, my leaves return– bright, green and healthy. 

This is, of course, a reference to Psalm One. At the particular time of my languishing, I was vocationally stuck, while in my family life, my children were growing and flourishing. The tree image helped me to recognize that I AM connected to God’s goodness (my roots to Living Water; me as branch to Christ as Vine). Appearances can be deceiving, but Truth is Truth.

Since this time, the tree image has been a True North for me. I’ve found a tree in Northlake Park that is especially beautiful with praiseworthy branches. In spring she blossoms, in summer she is leafy green, in fall she is amber and in winter I see the nests she’s been holding in her  arms.

The Tree of Life is a theme that occurs in many religious scriptures; and our own Old and New Testaments have the most glorious texts that teach the wisdom of trees and lessons therein. 

Have fun with trees this week and beyond!

For reflection: Where do you experience yourself rooted in the earth? Where do you feel untethered and in need of grounding? How might you honor the rhythms of the seasons like a tree?

For prayer practice: Is there a particular tree that you love, maybe in a nearby yard or park? If not, go on walk-about and find your tree. Observe it through the seasons with its changing leaves if it is deciduous or its constancy if it is evergreen.

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].