God of Creation,
Our gardens may not be a significant source of our produce,
they may be only a potted plant or bed of flowers,
but would every garden in our neighborhood
be a living reminder of grace and growth.
May the seeds and soil,
the miracle of multiplication
that begins by being buried,
be a symbol of the hidden and holy work
going on inside of us and everyone around us.
May the sun and rain,
the brilliance of light and showers of water
generously giving energy to every plant,
be a present-day parable of Your prodigal love
offered to everyone on our street.
May the fruit and flowers,
the array of color and burst of flavor
that fill our senses with delight,
be a picture of the beauty in the diversity
of Your Kingdom work in our city.
May the gardens,
a single plant or shared field,
be instructors for us to learn
how to cultivate life and love,
within the places You’ve planted us.
Amen.
Other prayers to engage with place…
Creator and Good Shepherd,
You made the creatures we tend and the ground beneath their feet.
Before they belonged to our farms, businesses, or tables,
they belonged to You.
Lord God,
We pause in this moment to give You worthy recognition
For Your supreme sovereignty over all things.
We offer both acknowledgment and gratitude
For Your attentive, providential love and care
That You extend to us each day.
Father in Heaven,
With August’s arrival,
The morning sunlight beams
Come later through the windows.
May we rest in your great faithfulness,
Remember that your steadfast love never ceases;
And Your mercies never come to an end.
Father in Heaven,
Hear our prayer for Your children
During this summer season.
May summer not be a prolonged season of isolation,
But one of generous invitation to
Play dates and sleepovers,
Camping trips and day camps,
Pool parties and birthday parties.
God of Welcome,
I dedicate my table to You.
You are kind.
You are good.
You are beautiful.
I ask that I would receive You
In the generosity of kinship gathered around my table.
Before you pulled us from the dust,
Before there was dust,
You spoke into the primordial stew,
And drew the waters back
To craft dry land.