Singing Praises To Our Creator

By Ann Marie Eckert

When was the last time you were stopped in your tracks by the beauty of nature? It happens to me all the time...

  • On vacation, standing at the top of a mountain, looking out at miles and miles of incredible beauty.
  • Standing on my lawn watching baby squirrels play, fight, and chase each other around the roof-line of the house.
  • Choosing pumpkins from a lawn full of orange, taking in the smells of fall.

In Trevor Thomson’s song "Almighty Creator", he sings his praise and thanks to God for all the ways that the natural world reveals God to us. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to do that ourselves? Every time we are awed by the beauty of the world, we should stop and sing (or speak) praises to God.

But I fear that too often we ignore the beauty that surrounds us—taking it for granted. The miracles of nature are vast and profound. How do tulips live through the winter months underground and then sprout only when it is safe to come up? How does a whale survive by eating tiny zooplankton when you and I need something more substantial to sink our teeth into? How is it again that gold is made?

Science actually helps us realize how amazingly complicated the natural world is—how intricately made. When we look at nature, we are looking at the Creator’s work. God created the world and has entrusted it to our care. John Paul II wrote...

"The commitment of believers to a healthy environment for everyone stems directly from their belief in God the Creator, from their recognition of the effects of original and personal sin, and from the certainty of having been redeemed by Christ. Respect for life and for the dignity of the human person extends also to the rest of creation which is called to join man in praising God."
            The Ecological Crisis: A Common Responsibility, Pope John Paul II, 1990

As we are awed by the beauty of creation that surrounds us, it is important to remember the responsibility that we have for the natural world. So, next time you are struck by the beauty of a sunset, or a blooming flower, or your dog, take a moment to sing your praise to God because the more we see all of creation as a gift from God, the easier it will be to take better care of that gift.

And, if it helps, use these words from "Almighty Creator" to sing your praise to God.

Holy, holy
maker of the mountains,
painter of the skies,
you are holy;
holy is your name.

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Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.