An Earth Day Prayer
This past Sunday I was asked to share an Earth Day prayer during the zoom worship service of the Nicholasville Christian Church. Today I want to share that same prayer with you:
Almighty God, as we observe Earth Day once again this year we pause to acknowledge you as the Maker of heaven and earth. We celebrate both the beauty and the goodness of all that you have made. Everywhere we go, everywhere we look, we see the beauty of your creation. We see it right now in the budding trees, the blooming flowers, the clouds in the sky, the colorful birds you send to brighten our days. We see so much beauty in the mountains, the ocean, the forests, the plains, and even the deserts you have made. All this beauty is but a dim reflection of your own beauty. Thank you, God, for giving us a chance to see such beauty and may we be careful not to miss what is there to see.
Today we likewise affirm the goodness of your creation. You made the world in such a way to meet our needs. You gave us air to breathe, water to drink, food to sustain us, and companions to share our journey. When you finished your work you declared that it was very good. Today we make that same affirmation and offer you our praise and thanksgiving for the goodness of the earth.
With the Psalmist we also affirm that the heavens continue to declare your glory. That you have given us your creation as a second book by which we might come to know and understand you better. Please give us eyes to see and ears to hear what you desire to show us in the world around us.
Lord, on this special day we are reminded that we are a part of your creation and that you have given us the responsibility to be good stewards of the earth. Unfortunately, we have not been very good stewards. Today your creation suffers. We have polluted the water and air you provided to sustain us. We have destroyed many of the resources you gave us to nurture us. Our wanton ways have led to a reduction of needed forests and mountains. We have even eliminated many species you created in your love and wisdom. More and more we see that we are paying the price for our sins. Disease, climate change, droughts, fires, devastating storms can all be traced back to our recklessness. God, have mercy on us.
Please forgive us for not being more faithful stewards and help us to start doing a better job. May we never forget that the earth belongs to you and that we have a responsibility to do all we can to preserve and protect your good earth. May we realize that in caring for the earth we show our love both for you and others, even for those yet to be born.
In the end we pray with Jesus that your will might be done on earth just as it is done in heaven. It is in his name we offer this prayer. Amen.
Chuck