Saturday, August 3, 2019

Devotion

1 For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies:

Refrain
Christ, our God, to thee we raise
this our sacrifice of praise.

2 For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flow'r,
sun and moon and stars of light: Refrain

3 For the joy of ear and eye,
for the heart and mind's delight,
for the mystic harmony
linking sense to sound and sight: Refrain

4 For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth and friends above;
for all gentle thoughts and mild: Refrain

5 For each perfect gift of thine,
peace on earth and joy in heav'n;
for thyself, best gift divine,
to our world so freely giv'n: Refrain

Text: Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917, alt.

Noticing the beauty of the earth is a simple yet powerful act for a time of many environmental challenges. Intentionally seeing the beauty of God's creation enhances our awareness of its priceless value, helping us view creation as more than a tool for the acquisition of wealth. Many of us who have spent time at a Christian summer camp can attest to how our experiences in God's great outdoors equipped us with a sense of duty to care for creation. Noticing the beauty of the earth can move us toward a greater sense of responsibility.

But noticing the beauty of the earth should also move us to praise God, through whom everything came into being, through whom everything is well made. This is indeed a beautiful earth. Praise God that we are blessed to be part of the story!