“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by God’s knowledge the deeps break open, and the clouds drop down the dew” (Proverbs 3:19-20).
On May 15, 1963, astronaut Gordon Cooper rode “Faith 7” into orbit. He was the last of the Mercury Atlas program to fly solo into space. In the 17th trip around earth, he gave this invitation:
“I would like to take this time to say a little prayer for all people including myself, involved in the launch operation.
“Father, thank you especially for letting me fly this flight. Thank you for the privilege of being able to be in this position; to be up in the wondrous place, seeing all these many startling things that You have created.
“Help guide and direct all of us, that we may shape our lives to be much better Christians, trying to help one another, and to work with one another rather than fighting and bickering.
“Be with all families. Give them guidance and encouragement and let them know that everything will be OK.
“We ask this in Thy Name, Amen.”
There are astronauts who gaze upon earth in awe. Here we observe the return of the loons, no less amazed.
Creation care calls us to cherish our blue planet, our wildlife, our forests, our fields as well as our families, friends and ourselves. We invite folks to make our world better for those yet unborn. We are called to be faithful stewards. Like Gordon Cooper, we discover joy in our serving.
Rev. Steve Norby serves as lead pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.
Rev. Steve Norby serves as lead pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids.
