“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.” Corrie Ten Boom

God knew the importance of protecting the environment.  “God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflect our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, and, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” Gen 1: 28 (MSG). “I brought you to a garden land where you could eat lush fruit. But you barged in and polluted my land, trashed and defiled my dear land”. Jeremiah 2:7 (MSG)

It is clear that God has made us responsible for protecting the environment he created. It is equally clear that we have reneged on that responsibility. Witness the destruction of the rain forests, the pollution of the atmosphere with poisonous and hothouse gasses, the plastic pollution of our oceans, the relentless trophy hunting of wild animals and fish. Truly, we have “trashed and defiled” God’s land.

“Creator of the universe, we pray in gratitude and praise. You were there at the beginning of all things, shaping our world and preparing it for us. You have provided the mountains and the trees, the waters and the earth. Help us to be caretakers of your gifts, protecting the land from abuse, and ready to share with all in need. Show us how to use our science and technology in creative, not destructive ways. Deepen our awareness of our connectedness with all your creation, so that future generations will also enjoy every blessing. Amen.” ( Michael Gormly SSC)

We pray for:

• Government leaders throughout the world, that they may take responsibility for driving the anti-pollution laws and actions in their countries
• For industrialists, that they may do whatever they can to minimise the pollution their activities create
• For those involved in seeking and developing clean energy sources such as wind farms, solar energy, electric vehicles etc.
• For each one of us in our actions in caring for our part of the world.

We thank you

• For the many who have made it their task to fight for the environment
• For GreenPeace
• For the World Wildlife Fund
• For international accords such as the Paris Climate Agreement
• For the many interventions all over the earth, too many to mention.