Week One

Creation cries out

How long must the land mourn? As we begin our new theme we are tuning in to the howl of the wind, the rage of the storm, the sighing in the lull — and how we use the imagery of intense weather to talk about intense emotions. We will also consider how extreme weather events can be read as the mourning of an ecosystem in trouble, that is perhaps out of alignment. Creation cries through the storms, literal and figurative, that roll through our world. Creation cries as the equilibrium is disturbed. Creation cries through you and me, looking up at the latest storm to come through… But who is listening?

SEEDS TO SOW: WHAT EMOTIONS DO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH STORMS?

Read Psalm 13

The storm of longing.

The cry to connect — to be known and acknowledged in the midst of the tumult — runs deep in the fabric of creation, up to and including ourselves as represented by the psalmist here.

How do you feel about the sudden change of tone between verses 4 and 5? What do you make of it?

Read Psalm 57

Taking shelter.

God is with us no matter what. We don’t have to have the right mindset, attitude, game plan, credentials, learning, or boxes ticked. We just have to cry out.

What do you think the psalmist means when they say (or sing) “Awake, my soul!” (verse 8)?

Read Jeremiah 12: 1- 4

How long must the land mourn?

We turn to the cry of nature as pressure mounts and resources are exploited.

Can you think of contemporary examples of the land mourning or suffering?

* SEEDS TO SOW: These are open-ended and optional prompts and are designed for people wanting to develop their own resources in response to the themes. Perhaps if you are using this material as a group you could use these prompts to inspire a time of prayer, or drawing, or creative writing? They are a short and sweet, simply a starting off place for you and your imagination. Tailor and develop as suits your group.