Thanks be to God,
the Father Almighty, 
the Creator of heaven and earth, 
who delighted in making
the families of plants
who call our homes 
their home.

Visio Divina is a prayer practice in which God speaks to us through what we see. In Latin, the words “Visio Divina” mean "holy" or "divine" seeing. I have appreciated this prayer practice for several years, using art. However, it can also be applied to everything we see in the created world, whether grand or tiny. Visio Divina can usher us into a new experience of God.

Father in Heaven,
Our genesis is with Your instruction
To notice and name
And join You in the holy work of nomenclature.

Father,
You have shown us from the beginning
Your Story is the story of God, People, and Place.
May we see our neighbors and neighborhood
As hallowed gifts and holy ground. 
Thank you for inviting us into the sacred story
Of Your extravagant love and endless grace. 

Father in Heaven,
Thank You for places near and far
For us to explore and experience;
For creating a world overflowing with
History and humanity, cuisine and color
Unique to the landscapes and locations
We visit on vacation.

Thank You for the rhythm
Of rest, recreation, and re-entry.

I am carried gracefully
By these two wheels beneath me,
Through the day.

In the morning
I’m surrounded by people
Rushing in cars to their places.
I pray mercy will mark their day.

Creator God,

May those whose work is making theatre
Be seen as valuable and meaningful.
May we hold the art and skill of telling stories
An essential aspect of our society. 

May the stories that unfold on stage
Cultivate empathy for others:
For suffering and solidarity in community,
For the brokenness and brilliance of humanity.

Father and Creator of the Cosmos,
Who was before all that is,
And holds all that is to come.

God,
Who created the twinkling stars
And the warmth of the sun,
The mountains majestic
And the turquoise ocean,

Father in Heaven,
May the growth of my neighbor’s weeds
Be an unexpected invitation
To my continued growth and formation.

May our playgrounds be
Places of exploration and connection,
Where both children and parents
Learn how to be good neighbors,
And where families find nearby friends.

“What are you seeking?”
May Your question
Clarify our intention
And be a reminder

May our school teachers create places where:
Students feel every day that they belong,
Classes develop character, patience, and perseverance,
Memories are made of discovery and creativity,

May our sidewalks be
Places where we return
To moving at Godspeed,
Walking at a pace