Creation seems so long ago, especially if you watch any educational shows about archeology and the dating of certain relics found during digs. However, if we go to the Bible account in Genesis, chapter 1, we can still find some food for thought and meditation today. We read that from formless void and darkness, God brought forth day and night, the sky, the earth, the seas, vegetation, the sun, the moon, animals and, finally, humans made in his own image. He saw that it all was good. That is a lot to create!
I pray, Lord, help me make of my formless and dark day today something that is good and worthy of me, your child, whom you have made in your image. Push me to brighten someone’s day or assist someone in awakening to and appreciating you. As vegetation grows and nourishes, teach me the best ways to grow and nourish myself so that I can be of better service to my family members and my neighbors. Give me a new understanding of life’s purpose. Share with me a new optimistic beginning today. Thank you for teaching me creativity. Amen.
We read that on the seventh day, God rested. He also blessed that day. There is a reason for this resting. I think God is instructing us on how to separate ourselves from all the busyness—-although often necessary—and work and struggle. Nowadays, when most stores and many businesses do not close on Sunday, it is so easy to enable others to work while we shop. Understandably, there are those who have to work or shop on Sunday, but I have found it is so easy to recreate on Sunday without much thought about keeping it holy other than attending Mass or watching a Mass that is live-streaming. I am not suggesting that we spend the whole day polishing our halos, but maybe a little more time for spiritual reflection or a few extra prayers would be warranted. Maybe helping with a food kitchen would bless a Sunday as well.
I pray, Lord, that I can slow down on the Sabbath to give you more time in my busy life. Help me to give my anxieties and distractions a rest. Bless my day with small inspirations and surprising ways to praise you, my generous Creator. Amen.
In Genesis 3, we read of the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve. We might get annoyed at our first couple because they fell for the serpent’s lie and disobeyed God, but I have learned that it is not so hard to be tricked and deceived in the face of temptation. We don’t always choose to relinquish control of our lives. Consequences are not necessarily foremost in our minds. There is no vaccine against selfishness.
I pray, Lord, that I become more selfless in my choices and most faithful to following your direction. Help me to open my heart in humble service and obedience to your statutes. Remind me to consider all ramifications of my actions. I surrender my understanding to you who are so wise and forgiving. Amen.
We read in Genesis chapter 6:5-7 about how angry God became with human beings and their violence and wickedness. He was sorry that he created humans and animals, but Noah did find favor with him. God gave Noah specific instructions how to build an ark and who and what to put on the ark so as to protect them from the flood he was about to send. Devastation ensued, but Noah and company were saved. God then made a covenant with Noah and promised never to destroy the creatures of the earth with a flood again.
I pray, Lord, that I will put you first in my life. Keep me from being inundated with selfish desires. Strengthen me to work for the good of your earth and all of your creation. May I be wise in my use of resources. May I never be wasteful. Amen.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.