The earth is a very fragile place, and yet it is our home, our only home. In the past century in particular, humanity has been terribly severe on the earth making unreasonable demands on it, and now the earth along with its life and ecosystems are struggling to cope. The irony is that humanity depends on a healthy earth in order to survive. The first to suffer are always the poor and most vulnerable, and so we need to take stock, reduce our demands, and live more simply, or as Jesus asked of his followers, more lightly on the earth. Below are some prayers to help get us started:
Lord, grant us the wisdom to care for the earth and till it.
Help us to act now for the good of future generations
and all your creatures.
Help us to become instruments of a new creation,
founded on the covenant of your love.
Amen.
- from The Cry of the Earth
Holy Spirit we need help!
Our planetary home is hurting;
global warming and climate change
with millions of humans uprooted,
and fish, flower and fauna
facing dire extinction.
Holy Spirit hear us!
We stewards of creation
plead human need for counsel
before using our God given gifts
communally with many others
to repair the harm of our greed
with faith in your guidance.
Holy Spirit help us!
We are too ego bent
to one colour of the spectrum,
our need is urgent for inspiration
so truths of our baptismal faith
rend our stubborn hearts
to solidarity of intent.
Holy Spirit inspire us!
We await clergys’ help
ordained to pilot our prayers
within our sacramental sanctuaries
sustaining our own lay callings
for social and eco-justice;
help heal our home.
Holy Spirit guide us!
from Lamplighters’ Forum
- St. Francis