Daily Reading: 13 May

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Creation day five

Something to read

And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

- Genesis 1: 20-23.

Reflect

In Florence’s village, the earth dam has created a microclimate. Trees have grown around the earth dam, and they produce flowers that provide nectar for Florence’s bees. Florence and the members of her community also work together. As Florence sings a deep, joyful tune, her song helps to lift the spirits of the other women on the farm. Take a moment to consider how your wellbeing is intertwined with creation and with those you may never meet.

Respond

Archbishop Desmond Tutu reminds us: ‘We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world.’

As we consider our interconnectedness with humanity and all of creation, let us respond in prayer in the lead-up to the significant UN climate change talks (COP27) in Egypt in November.

Prayer

Creator God, thank you for the community of creation, for the wonder of sea creatures, for the magnificence of birds in flight, and for the whole family of humanity. Transform our individual isolation into natural interconnection for the flourishing of all and the glory of your name. Amen.