Prayer for wild flowers
Written by Leah Girard
Bible reading:
Consider how wildflowers grow. They neither labor nor spin. But I tell you, even Solomon, in all his glory, was not dressed like this. —Luke 12:27 (NIV)
Listen or read below:
Have you ever looked at a flower and been completely amazed, or were you just amazed at how the petals fall in an incredibly perfect pattern without any human intervention?
Yes, humans are part of God’s creation, but I like to go back to Luke 12:27 and remember that the way God feeds, nurtures, designs, and decorates the flowers, trees, mountains, sky, and sea is an unimaginable miracle beyond human ability. The way nature simply trusts in the sun, waits for the rain, and abandons its fruit, branches, and leaves reveals a lot about God’s intentions for our state of mind.
In his classic message, which Matthew calls the Sermon on the Mount and Luke the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus conveys fundamental truths not only to his generation but also to generations to come. I love Luke 12:27. This scripture asks us to think about how wildflowers grow. This word is in the middle of a passage that is subtitled simply “stop worrying” or “don’t worry” in various Bible translations. Is this urgent call expressed in this soft analogy because it takes our minds away from material things? Instead, it directs our eyes to the natural world around us that is constantly feeding us. In fact, Jesus was very specific in this sermon, saying in Luke 12:15, “…life is not made up of abundant possessions.”
I often go for walks because I want to listen to the voices of flowers. You can’t hear it, of course, but the way it sprouts, wilts, climbs, lies low, and shines in glorious colors seems like an invitation to witness the life God wants for each of us.
In Luke 12:27, Jesus uses King Solomon as an example of extreme wealth in this world. He has undoubtedly accumulated such luxury that some people idolize. But I can’t explain how we can understand that with just one sip of the Bible. I understand what Jesus is saying. He compares Solomon to the quietest, most vulnerable, gentlest being at our feet. And flowers become our teachers. Jesus always knew what people needed to hear, and still does. Why? Because God created your heart and He understands your concerns.
That is why Luke 12 also explains that the birds are fed rather than built barns and storehouses. He says that flowers don’t worry about dressing properly or dressing to impress…yet their faith is beautiful. He challenges his disciples by calling them, “You of little faith!” As a kind of wake-up call. It reveals that even those who walked closely with Jesus and laid down their lives to follow Him still struggle to live by faith.
Worry robs us of joy, and God knows it. So he lovingly warns against it. Instead, God asks us to see how His wonderful provision supports us.
If you’re worried today about paychecks, groceries, health, marriage, children, or anything else that’s very important to you, know this: God sees. he knows. And for him it is even more important that you provide what you really need. God did not promise a life without pain, disease, or death on this earth. But if you surrender to God’s beautiful plan, you will find endurable peace and eternal joy.
You can let go of all your worries. God is asking you to give it. Why not ask Him to live your life with the faith of a wild flower? Or the freedom of birds? His message is clear. God teaches us that when we first seek God, He will provide what we really need.
Let’s pray:
Lord, thank you for the beauty and splendor of your creation. Thank you for showing me who you are, even if it’s just a flower. Don’t worry about all the things the world says I need, and instead trust that you will provide what you know I need.
Please help me give up some of my efforts to make space in my life to observe how wildflowers grow. Be grateful that you are the sun, the moon, and the stars. Remember that the things I have in my hands and my simple home are all because of your provision and not my actions. I am so grateful for this life. And thank you for your words that challenge me to not just say I have faith, but to live a life that shows faith. Show me, grow me, guide me.
God, I love you, amen.
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Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock
Leah Girard is an experienced writer and voice actress who previously served as Faith Editor at Crosswalk.com. She is the author of Wit’s End: Abandoning Supermom Myths in Search of Supernatural Peace and enjoys spending time with her husband and grown children and walking in the woods with God.
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