“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.” — Job 12:7–8
Lent is a season of reflection, prayer, and drawing closer to God. Often we think of prayer as something that happens in church or in the quiet of our homes. Yet the book of Job reminds us that God’s voice can also be heard through the living world around us. The animals, the birds, the earth, and the seas all have something to teach us about the Creator.
Spending time praying in nature can open our hearts in a unique way. When we walk along a beach, sit beneath a tree, or listen to birds at dawn, we begin to notice the beauty and complexity of God’s creation. The rhythm of waves, the growth of plants, and the movement of clouds remind us that we are part of a much larger and sacred story. In these moments of stillness, creation itself becomes a place of prayer.
During Lent, taking time to pray outdoors can help us slow down and listen more deeply. Instead of rushing through the day, we can pause to observe the small wonders around us: the resilience of a plant growing through a crack in the pavement, the call of a bird, or the quiet strength of an ancient tree. These simple encounters can draw us into gratitude and humility before God.
Praying in nature also reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth. If creation teaches us about God, then protecting it becomes an act of faith. When we love and safeguard the natural world, we honour the Creator who made it.
This Lent, consider stepping outside for prayer. Sit in a garden, walk in a park, or pause beside the sea. Listen to what the birds, the wind, and the earth might be saying. As Job reminds us, creation itself can become a teacher—pointing us back to the wisdom and presence of God. 🌿