Read:  Numbers 22:21-39

Reflect:   The story of Balaam and his donkey is a curious one!  The king of Moab tries to get Balaam (a gentile who is gifted by God to be a prophet) to bring curses upon God’s people.  Balaam’s desire for riches and approval by the king cloud his vision about what God intends.  God ultimately uses the unlikely donkey to get Balaam back on track. 

God has created many diverse and wonderful creatures to bless our lives.  Companion animals, pollinators, beasts of burden, and birds of prey are only some of the creatures that inspire in us wonder, gratitude, and love.  In their own ways they speak messages to us from God that heal, guide, and even save our lives!

Prayer:   Holy God, we lift to you the animal inhabitants of the earth.  For those seen and unseen creatures and living things that attest to your creative power, we ask your blessing.  We pray for victims of animal cruelty.  Bless all who care for injured and abused animals.  Comfort those who mourn for their pets and for endangered and extinct species.  We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.  (from All Creation Sings, p. 48.  ©2020 Augsburg Fortress, used by permission.)