Scripture: Genesis 9:8-17

Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, “As for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the domestic animals, and every animal of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark.  I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”  God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations:  I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.  When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.”  God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.

Prayer:

God Who Continually Renews Us,  
We are grateful for your presence when it rains and when the sun is shining. As we journey through this first week of Lent, draw our attentions to the ways you continue to speak to us today. In nature, in family, in friends, in our meals, our daily activities and even when we take time to play, remind us that you are there—just like a rainbow. Thank you for these holy gifts. Amen.  

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Ways to Reflect:

Hear:

There is a quote that says, “when you hear the rain, look for the rainbow.” Find your favorite site or app and listen to rain sounds for a while. Let the peace that comes in listening to the rain remind you of the peace that comes from God. As you listen, think of the places in your life where God is showing you a rainbow!

Play: (touch)

Get out your crayons, pencils, paint or markers and spend time coloring a beautiful rainbow! Let it remind you of how much God loves you. Download a coloring sheet here.

Taste: Fruity Pebble Treats

Have some fun and make this fun and colorful treat! During a season that so often feels dark and dreary, may these bring some colorful joy to your home. Find the recipe here.

Watch:

Spend some time outdoors today. Find a spot in the shade or in the sunshine, your choice! Over the next five minutes, look around you. What things are growing and changing? How is God fulfilling God’s promises in nature? What is being renewed?!

Smell:

If it is raining, go outside and breathe deeply the renewing scent of rain! Smell the way the rain mixes with the Earth.

If it isn’t raining, go to a sink and turn on the water. Put some soap on your hands and work up a lather. Breathe deep, smell the water as it mixes with the soap. In a time when hand sanitizer is used by many of us several times a day, washing your hands can be renewing.

As the water flows, smell the space around you and let the day wash away.