Broadway Baptist Church - Louisville, Kentucky

The Sapling

O God, as we drove to church this morning, there was, somewhere beside the road as we slipped by, a sapling in the edge of the woods, which not long ago first dared to peek out from beneath the soil. And now, fragile, as it stands the best it knows how in the cold muddy soil, surrounded by a spotty blanket of snow and leaves, we see how much it is like us.

For pretend as we might to be a mighty oak in command of our landscape, we at times feel very small. And the world we hope will love us too often spreads its spotty coldness before us, too.

Lord of the forest, guardian of the sapling, watch over us now. We are frail, but by your Spirit we seek to be stronger. Work beneath the shallow soil of our wants and our preoccupations, and nurture our roots. Helps us to use these moments of worship to stretch toward your sun and beyond our stunted selves.

Protect us from those in this world who would trod on us if given a chance. Cling to us as temptations such as jealousy, anger, or revenge tempt us to tear at the roots of our souls as we strain to strike out at others. Nestle us when we cease growing because we are preoccupied with greed, or lust, or selfishness. Remove from us the choking weeds of self-recrimination, needless guilt, and an inability to forgive ourselves even when have been forgiven.

Help us to see that we do not dwell alone. May we be mindful of others driven downward by the strong winds of grief, illness, or stress. As one in front of us is driven back by discouragement or failure, may we lean forward to prop them up so one day, when the winds change, they can do the same for us.

In the quiet cold soil of winter, help us to grow. For the days of summer will surely come, days when the soil is dry and the ground is hard. And in those days, may we draw on these moments of worship, as you quietly nurture our souls.

And may we someday, by your grace, become the tree you would have us to be, not for our sakes, but so that others of your saplings can dwell more securely in the shade you offer them through us.

Amen.