“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.” Romans 1:18-23

Dear Heavenly Father, You want to be known and understood by the wonders of creation we behold every day. In every sunset and sunrise we see your artistic prowess. In the intricacies of a flower we see your creative wisdom. In the symbiotic relationships between all living things we see your designer’s strength. We see your love, your justice and your mercy in the animal kingdom. We also see the chaos and death caused by sin. Help us to worship you for who you are when we experience the wonders of creation. Even though your nature teaches us volumes about you, it cannot tell us about your Son. Your word has to do that. When we are paging through your word, help us to marvel at the love that you show us through the cross of your Son. With these two: nature and the cross, lead our hearts to worship and commune with you in ways that satisfy both you and us. I want to be your revelation in nature and the word to become like Abraham, the friend of God! Amen.

If staring down the throat of a hibiscus does not lead you to praise the Lord of heaven, then get on your knees and stare at the cross of Christ.