For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [the God of Jacob] shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more… [Micah 4:2c-3]
Lord, our God, the whole world tells the greatness of your name. Your glory reaches beyond the stars…I see your handiwork in the heavens: The moon and stars you set in place…O Lord our God, the whole world tells of the greatness of your name. [Psalm 8:1, 3, 4]**
Look
at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and
yet your heavenly Father feeds them…And can any of you by worrying add a single
hour to your span of life?... Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they
neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was
not clothed like one of these. [Matthew 6:26, 27, 28b-29]
LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ O Lord our God of all that is, rid us of our self-important arrogance, and grant us the humility to understand our true place in, and responsibilities for Your full Creation. Turn us toward those from whom we have the most to learn, fill us with respect and care for every living creature and life form, and remind us to be a voice and champion for the protection and preservation of this, our sacred and holy Gaia, Mother Earth.
O God, Mother and Father of Creation
RESPONSE: We bless You by our faith in action
~ O Lord our God of all that is, instill within all who lead the Governments of our Planet, our Nation, and our Community, the urgency to beat our modern-day swords and spears of violence into plowshares and pruning hooks for peace. Guide those who hold and support political office toward positive management and policies for the eco-systems and environments that sustain the life, health, and existence of your people and creatures everywhere. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
~ O Lord our God of all that is, surround the hearts of all who live with chronic illness, or critical need, with Your peace and healing; and endurance for those who give them care. We now join our hearts together to pray for those in need… add your own petitions
O God, Mother and Father of Creation
We
bless You by our faith in action
~ O Lord our God of all that is, keep us in the knowledge that love never dies and that those we have sent ahead, have new life in the holy grandeur of Your Eternal Kingdom. We pray especially for… add your own petitions
O God, Mother and Father of Creation
We
bless You by our faith in action
~ O Lord our God of all that is, we pause in this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and memorials…
O God, Mother and Father of Creation
We
bless You by our faith in action
The Celebrant adds: Lord God, Feeder of birds, Clothier of the lilies and grass of the fields, awaken us each day to strive first for your Kingdom and your righteousness. Calm our worry and grant us renewed desire to restore and cherish Your precious gift of this living, breathing planet, the literal ground of every earthly being. Kindle our fervor to actively engage in and assure its health, as it continues to sustain all forms of your creation here and beyond, now and always. We ask through Jesus, our Teacher and Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, the Divine and Limitless Energy of our souls; who together with You are One God, forever and ever. Amen.
What is humankind that you remember them, the human race that you care for them?
***Twice the Size of Texas Ocean Garbage/Plastics
Island: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240115-visualising-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch