Praying with Creation: a Contemplative Prayer Walk

Fridays, 8:00-8:45am

A prayer time to listen and meditate in and with nature, with others.  Facilitated by Deron Bergstresser and Kay Bontrager-Singer, this prayer practice arises from a deep desire for connection and care of the environment. One response to environmental concerns is to deepen our relationship with nature, to see God alive in nature and to experience and love God there.
 
What to expect:
  • Gathering outside of the retreat house at 8:00
  • Instructions and an invitation to name aloud (if desired) a word or phrase of what you are holding in prayer during this time.
  • Reading of the prayer below
  • Walking silently in creation
  • Gathering silently inside the retreat house at 8:30
  • Invitation to share in a word or sentence something of your experience
  • Closing at 8:45 with a song
  • Please note that during the COVID-19 pandemic the entirety of this prayer time will be held outside with physical distancing.
 Picture
God of creation,
We pray with our feet among these trees.
We breathe the rhythm of our prayer in this cold morning air.
With eyes and ears and noses and skin we join
     a never-ending prayer beneath the open sky.
Our senses are awake, our hands are open,
     to release what is too heavy for us,
     to hold what you give, 
     to embrace you with love,
     all Beauty, all Wisdom, and the Source of all life. Amen.

- Deron Bergstresser -