Toucan Prayer (Psalm 34:1-10)

Keel-Billed Toucan
Originally uploaded by Creation Care Study Program.

Written by: Phil, on a day that three toucans were sighted at Nabitunich

I will bless the Lord at all times. I will voice his praise early in the morning. You will hear my croaks in the evening blessing his name. It is right for a toucan to give him praise.

The Lord is a mighty ceiba in whose branches I find safety and rest. His foliage protects me from predators. He stands tall and strong against all threats.

Let all the rainforest animals hear my croak and be glad. Come and voice praises with me and together we will exalt his name.

I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. In my distress I called out to the Lord and he heard me. Although the harpy eagle soared overhead, it failed to see me. Although the ocelot padded by, it did not even notice me. Even when a human walked by, it decided to only look at me and do nothing more.

The Lord protected me from all my predators. Surrounded by his angels I was safe and sound.

Look to him, all of you. Let your absurdly long beaks let forth praise. Let your plumage glisten bright in the morning sun.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; as juicy as thrusting your beak into a ripe papaya or flicking a soft fig into the air and swallowing it in one gulp. The Lord is sweet and tasty, to be relished and enjoyed.

Fear the LORD, you his holy ones. Those who fear him have no wants. All their needs are met. The powerful young jaguars – swift to pounce on their unsuspecting prey – sometimes go hungry for lack of food. However, those who seek the LORD will have a safe perch, the company of friends, and enough food to stuff in your beak till it begins to burst.