As you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and allow yourself to grow still. Take several slow, deep breaths. Feel God's loving gaze upon you.

Psalm 8:5-7

What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them little less than a god, crowned them with glory and honor. You have given them rule over the works of your hands, put all things at their feet.

God has given us all that we need to live. But God also loves us so much that he gave us dominion over all the works of creation as well. Unfortunately, we are sometimes ruled by our weakness and selfishness. We misuse and waste the creation that God has lovingly entrusted to us. Let us remember that we have been crowned with "glory and honor" and have the awesome responsibility to care for God's creation.

What intentional actions do I take to care for God's creation?

Are there some additional actions I can take to make the world a better place for future generations?

(Pray, using these words or words of your own.)

God, Creator of all, thank you for trusting us to care for creation. Help me to see beyond my own doorstep and to recognize the ways that I can serve the larger community and be a good steward of your creation.