We join you in lifting up this elm tree before the Lord, recognizing that all creation belongs to Him and that even the trees of the field clap their hands in praise to His name (Isaiah 55:12). Your care for this tree reflects the stewardship God has entrusted to you, and we commend your efforts to nurture it with both physical care and spiritual devotion. It is beautiful to hear how you have prayed over it and placed Scripture upon its trunk, for God’s Word is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Yet we must remember that while we pray for the restoration of what God has made, our ultimate trust is not in the tree itself but in the Creator who sustains all things by His mighty power.
The sore on the trunk and the trauma from the sidewalk refurbishment are reminders of the brokenness that entered creation through the fall of man. Just as our bodies groan under the weight of sin, so too does creation long for the day of redemption (Romans 8:22-23). But take heart, for our God is the God of resurrection and restoration. He caused the fig tree to wither at Jesus’ word (Matthew 21:19), and He can just as easily breathe life back into what seems beyond hope. Let us pray with the faith of the psalmist who declared, *"You visit the earth and water it. You greatly enrich it. The river of God is full of water. You provide them grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows. You settle its ridges. You soften it with showers. You bless it with increase"* (Psalm 65:9-10).
We also encourage you to reflect on the spiritual lesson this tree may hold for you. Just as the elm stands wounded yet still rooted in the ground, so too are we often battered by the trials of life, yet held firm by Christ, our sure foundation. The tree’s loss of leaves may feel like a season of barrenness, but even in this, God is at work. Consider the words of Jesus: *"I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing"* (John 15:5). Your care for this tree is a picture of how God tends to us—pruning, nourishing, and restoring us for His glory.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts lifted in trust, asking for Your healing touch upon this elm tree. You are the God who spoke life into existence, who caused the dry bones to rise (Ezekiel 37:1-14), and who turns deserts into gardens. Lord, we ask that You would breathe restoration into this tree—heal the sore on its trunk, strengthen its roots, and renew its leaves. Let it stand as a testament to Your power and goodness, a shade for the weary and a beauty for all to see. We pray that just as You care for the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-30), You would sustain this tree by Your mighty hand.
We also ask, Lord, that You would speak to our sister’s heart through this season. If there is a lesson of trust, patience, or surrender You wish to teach her, let her ears be open to Your voice. Remind her that even when things seem beyond hope, You are the God of the impossible. Strengthen her faith to believe that what is dead in the natural can be revived by Your Spirit, just as You raised Christ from the grave.
May this tree, if it is Your will to restore it, bring glory to Your name and serve as a reminder to all who see it that our God is a God of redemption. And if it is Your will to take it, we pray You would give our sister peace and the assurance that You work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). Let her trust in You deepen, knowing that You are sovereign over every leaf that falls and every tree that stands.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who holds all creation together by the word of His power (Colossians 1:17). Amen.
Finally, we leave you with this encouragement: *"Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness"* (Isaiah 41:10). Whether this tree is restored or not, know that God is with you, and His plans for you are good. Keep tending to it as an act of worship, and trust Him with the outcome.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
