As he advocated for the establishment of Yosemite National Park, conservationist John Muir declared that, “no temple made with hands can compare with Yosemite. Every rock in its wall seems to glow with life.”

Not just Yosemite. Our national parks have often been referred to as living temples formed by God over millions of years, places where many renew and deepen their faith. In one way or another, visitors often echo the words of the psalmist: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

In his book America’s Best Idea—A Photographic Journey Through Our National Parks, Edwin Bernbaum wrote, “By coming to national parks, many seek to transcend the superficial distractions that clutter daily life and experience something of deeper, enduring value.”

The U.S. National Park Service turns 100 next month, and in honor of its centennial we’d like to hear about a moment in which your faith was deepened or renewed in any of the national parks.

Please email your story of less than 300 words to stan.friedman@covchurch.org by August 1. We also encourage you to send several photographs with your submission.