Help us to learn from the trees to be your people.
Like the strong oak with its deep roots,
establish us in your word, in community, in prayer.
Like the graceful willow bending in the wind,
strengthen us to withstand tumults and trials.
Like the tall jack pine, true and straight,
make us pure and single-minded, always looking to you.
Like the rustling poplar, shining and shimmering,
give us joy in the winds of life.
Like the stately sycamore lining smoggy city streets,
empower us to grow where we are planted, regardless of conditions.
Like the delicate peach tree,
make us fruitful and sweet in the lives of those around us.
Like the aromatic cedar, evergreen in hard seasons,
allow us to produce the fragrance of mercy even when we are broken.
Remembering the tree of Calvary,
teach us the value of taking up our cross daily in service for others.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.