Summer Series August 3, 2025

Summer Series, Reflection for August 3, 2025

Summer Series: God on Vacation

As our rhythms change during the summer, we don’t always “go to church” like we do the rest of the year. At Cap this summer we are exploring new ways of encountering God, of dwelling in God’s goodness, and learning to pay attention to God’s goodness all around us. Using the Book of Psalms we will use the summer months reflecting on and practicing ways to become more aware of God in the activities of our everyday lives.

There are several ways to connect with Cap this summer series, including an online book group, in-person Wild Church gatherings, and video reflections (Cap Summer Schedule).

For CapKids there is an at-home series for families, Jesus on Vacation, which can be used anytime throughout the summer.

Today’s reflection can be used with others in a small group or as an individual.

Psalm 86: The Practice of Walking on the Earth

Centring Moment

Light a candle, take some deep breaths, or say a prayer to draw your attention to God’s presence.

Listen

Watch this week’s video reflecting on Psalm 86:11 and the practice of walking.

Read

After watching the video, read Psalm 86: 11 over several times, preferably in different translations, seeing if a word or idea stands out to you. How might that idea connect with your life? Might there be an invitation to you from the Spirit there?

Reflect

Have you ever experienced in your life the truth of St. Augustine’s phrase: “Solviture Ambulando” (It is solved by walking). What was the “it” that was solved for you?
In the Bible and in our lives, the practice of walking includes aspects that are spiritual, physical, moral, relational, creative…which do you most identify with? Are there any other aspects you would add?
If walking is not a practice that is possible or appealing to you at present, are there other ways you might practice living at the pace of love (ie 1.4 metres per second)?
What parts of your life or your mind/heart feel disconnected? How could you invite God to bring unity and integration to this?

Practice

If you are able, go for a walk around the block, in the forest, on the beach, with your dog, with a friend, by yourself for as long (or as short) as you like. Invite God to join you. Make a point of walking in attentiveness and see what you notice– whether it is what is happening within you, or what you hear or see around you. Consider making this a regular practice if you do not already so do.

Pray

Spend some time, on your own or together in a group, in prayer.

Closing Moment

Conclude this time of prayer, pondering and reflection in a way which feels meaningful to you.

Go in peace, to pay attention. May it be so.