My Sequoia Prayer by Dr. Monteen Lucas

When I feel tiny, weak, and trembling

Or pulled this way and that by swirls of change,

Too insignificant to be of service,

Too “uprooted” to hold my ground,

I pray my Sequoia Prayer.

---

Sitting quietly, breathing normally, becoming centered in the

present moment-

in this holy instant-

My mind’s eye gradually forms an image of a giant Sequoia.

My Sequoia prayer takes form in my heart and soul

As the image forms and fleshes out to fill my being.

---

Centuries-old roots so wide and deep they have become part of the earth,

Supporting enormous, gnarled trunk that soars into the sky,

Eternity wrinkles carved into its surface, holding character markings for the ages,

Thick, porous bark skin covering the body, letting the trunk breathe,

protecting it from the fires that must come to support its growth,

Green leaves gushing out the top, reaching to the heavens,

Nurturing birds and other beings, offering up limbs as if in prayer.

Awareness of God fills my soul.

Sequoia image fills my being.

_____________________________________________________________

Spreading

Down into the earth,

Deep into the soul,

Strong into the body.

______________________________________________________________

Breathing calmly, sitting quietly, praying trustingly, becoming

Grounded in humanity,

Rooted in God,

Striving ever upward,

My Sequoia prayer fills my cells, my lungs, my heart, my brain, my soul, my being.

With love, grace, light,

With joy, hope.

With the strength of God I need to go on! Thank you, God!

Amen

— Opening prayer chosen and read by Bonnie L.

Photo by Nancy W.

Walking the labyrinth looking out into the creek, watching the slow flow of the river water one feels connected to the land, to the people who worked that land and the people before them who cared for that land before them. We follow a path-sometimes unsure of where we are going but I am content knowing that I am not alone on this journey- God is with me- we are on this journey together.

— Photos and reflection by Bonnie L.

Inspired by the opening prayer of the giant Sequoia, I was struck by the grandeur of the towering oaks… grounded, resilient, steady through hurricanes, changing through seasons and time, welcoming birds and Spanish moss. Celebrating the sacredness of all.

Photos and reflection by Nancy L.