Genesis 2:8-9, 15
And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food, the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil… The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.
St. Francis’s Canticle of the Sun
O Most High, almighty, good Lord God,
to You belong praise, glory, honor, and all blessing!
Praised be my Lord God with all creatures;
and especially our brother the sun,
which brings us the day, and the light;
fair is he, and shining with a very great splendor:
O Lord, he signifies You to us!
Praised be my Lord for our sister the moon,
and for the stars,
which God has set clear and lovely in heaven…
Praise and bless my Lord,
and give Him thanks,
and serve Him with great humility.
Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Where is a beautiful place in God’s creation that you’ve visited? Is there anywhere you hope to see? What draws you there? How does that reflect the goodness of God’s creation?
- In what ways can your daily work (whether paid or not) help you “tend and keep” God’s creation around you?
Prayer
God of creation,
You love this world and who dwell in it.
Open our eyes to see Your presence
within us and all around us.
Help us to tend and cultivate
a garden of grace.
Renew us through Your Spirit
as we join You in the restoration of all things.
Amen.
Anchor & Hope Church 