• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Building Faith

Building Faith

A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary

  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Who We Are
    • Our Writers
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
    • Subscribe
  • ARTICLES
    • ARTICLES BY TOPIC
    • MOST RECENT ARTICLES
  • EN ESPAÑOL
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • Episcopal Teacher
    • Choosing Curriculum
    • Vacation Bible School
    • Signs of Life
    • Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John
    • 5 Marks of Love
    • Growing a Rule of Life
    • It’s Time To…
    • #AdventWord
  • SUPPORT US
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/Intergenerational/Holy Hikes with the Psalms

Holy Hikes with the Psalms

“Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” 1 Chronicles 16: 29

The Psalms are replete with natural imagery. The psalmist sings of everything from the glory of God to the loneliness of the individual soul in exile. With that inspiration, I have curated a list of lines from the Psalms which can be used to frame a hike or time spent in nature. I hope the verses will offer a holy lens that enriches both the time outdoors and the hiker’s relationship with scripture. There are two options – one for children and youth and one for adults.

Excerpts from A Holy Hike with Psalms for Children and Youth

“They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither.” Psalm 1:3

“My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.” Ps 17:5

“Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.” Ps. 61:2-3

Psalm ideas for Holy Hikes with Children and Youth

Excerpts from A Holy Hike with Psalms for Adults

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” Psalm 8:6

“For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.” Ps. 62:1-2

“Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord,” Ps. 98:7-8

Psalm ideas for Holy Hikes with Adults

Ways To Use The Verrses

  • Choose one psalm excerpt and carry it with you.  When during your hike does it speak the loudest?
  • Keep this list in mind:
    • trees and plants
    • the heavens
    • a path
    • wings
    • rocks
    • mountains and valleys
    • water
    • dust
    • thunderstorm
    • food
    • animals
  • When you are reminded of one of the words, rest and reflect with the psalm offered. How does the psalm change the way you feel?

 

Print PDF

April 13, 2020 By Noah Van Niel

Filed Under: Home Practices, Intergenerational, Prayer Tagged With: hiking, nature, outdoors

About Noah Van Niel

The Rev. Noah Van Niel is the Associate Rector at The Chapel of the Cross, in Chapel Hill North Carolina.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rebeka Fergusson-Lutz

    October 27, 2020 at 2:05 pm

    I love what you’ve prepared for adults, and I’d love to see what you’ve got for children and youth as well — but the link appears to be broken! =(

  2. Charlotte Hand Greeson

    October 29, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    Here’s the pdf:
    https://buildfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Holy-Hikes-Adults.pdf

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS

Subscribe to Building Faith

You’ll get new articles, plus free weekly updates in your inbox.

We respect your privacy. View our privacy policy here.

Search Our Site

Search by Topic

New Articles

Bible Study Ideas for the Easter Season and Pentecost

Easter is a wonderful time to dive into scriptures that inspire our deepest hopes, joys, and loves …

Continue Reading about Bible Study Ideas for the Easter Season and Pentecost

Meaningful Gifts for Various Occasions

Throughout the church year, many appropriate opportunities for gift-giving arise, including …

Continue Reading about Meaningful Gifts for Various Occasions

VBS and Summer Camp Curriculum Top Picks for 2023

Building Faith’s annual VBS curriculum review is here! If your community is gearing up for a summer …

Continue Reading about VBS and Summer Camp Curriculum Top Picks for 2023

Footer

Keep In touch

  • Email
  • Facebook

Upcoming Webinars

Eventbrite Registration

Building Faith

Lifelong Learning, Virginia Theological Seminary
3737 Seminary Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22304

Copyright © 2023 · Building Faith · A Ministry of Virginia Theological Seminary

Design by Blue+Pine Creative, Inc.

Subscribe to Building Faith

Get Articles and Resources by Email

Privacy Policy