‘Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy’.

Gracious God, as we marked World Oceans Day yesterday, we give thanks for the beauty of all our waterways; canals, rivers, streams and lakes. We marvel at the wonder of renewal in creation, for the joy of  ducklings, cygnets and moorhens, voles, otters and beavers, and all creatures that live beside our wetlands. We praise you for the beauty of wild flowers, for flora and fauna, for trees and shrubs that grow along pathways, creating carpets of colour and diversity. In the beauty of Your creation we are reminded of Your majesty, Your power and Your presence in our world and so we take a moment to reflect and give thanks and praise. Amen.