In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being…And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. [John 1:1-3, 14a]
Professor Wangari
Maathai, [1940-2011], from whom this
Tradition was received, was a Kenyan environmental and political activist,
Member of Parliament as Assistant Minister for Environment and Natural
Resources, was educated in the United States and in Kenya. In 2004, she
was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She was honored
for "her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace". Professor
Maathai described the Book of Genesis as "the book for
environmentalists." "If we had been created on Tuesday," she
said, "There would have been nowhere for us to stand! God, with infinite
wisdom, waited until the last day!"
As is the tradition, we begin this Season at the Beginning.
So, Let Us Begin…
Leader: ~ God of The Beginning, the Now, and the Always, you are the Light that shines in the darkness, the Light of all people and of all life on our Earth, and in the vastness of the known and the unknown beyond. Guide us to know, through your infinite Word, Christ Jesus, that our purpose in this life is to praise, love, and serve You in all that we do to care for each other, ourselves, and every part of Your Creation.
~
God of The Beginning, the Now, and the Always, open the eyes of the souls in
all who hold political authority on and over the land and sea and in the air
across your diverse Creation. Guide them to see you in every human face, every
grain of sand, every field and star and ocean, and especially in themselves.
Fill them with the desire to govern in all good faith, justly, and
humbly. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
~
God of The Beginning, the Now, and the Always, grant healing to the spirits of
those laid low by illness or life circumstance, and grant resilience for all
who give them care. We now join our hearts to pray for those in need… add
your own petitions
~
God of The Beginning, the Now, and the Always, may echoes of sweet memories
quell the pain of earth-bound grief, as the souls of those who have left this
life, now soar in the peace and glory of new life in Christ. We pray especially
for… add your own petitions
~
God of The Beginning, the Now, and the Always, we pause in
this moment to offer You our other heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions,
petitions, and memorials, aloud or silently… add your own petitions
Faithful, Loving God
We
praise and thank you in every day
~
God of The Beginning, the Now, and the Always, we give You thanks for Your
anointed and faith-filled servants who lead us in Your Church, who re-awaken
our wonder, teach us how to praise Your Name, and show us the way to our true
place with you. We pray especially for: add your own petitions
Faithful, Loving God
We
praise and thank you in every day
The
Celebrant adds: Most
Holy God, Divine Architect of all Creation, release us from our selfish
diversions and divisions, and turn us toward patient hope, never-ending praise
of you, endless thanksgiving, and selfless service. Guide us to
faithful action to increase the health of the land, the sea, the air, all
humanity, every living creature, and all that is planted in this Earth, given
to us by Your enduring love and abundant mercy. We ask through Jesus, our
Merciful Healer; and the Holy Spirit, Your Sacred Breath within us; who
together with You, are our One Almighty and Ever-Living God, now and
forever. Amen.
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