PRAYER AT HOME FOR SEPTEMBER 23 CLIMATE RALLY (Rev. Margaret Sagar)

Dear God, Creator, Christ and Spirit, today in Halifax and throughout the world school children are rallying with others who yearn for a safer future for Earth and for all forms of life. 

I cannot physically join them but I can take this time to pray. By the power of your Spirit may my prayer sustain them in their actions; may my prayer inspire the hearts and minds of all who have power in this world-financiers, politicians, and corporate leaders- so that they will act upon these urgent demands. 

May those with power listen to the voices of creation and put the future of Earth ahead of greed and selfish ambition; may I too listen and prepare myself for the sacrifices that I and my family may have to take to ensure a safe future for all your  Creation; so now (I light this candle and) offer this prayer:

(From Season of Creation resources)

Creator of All,  
from your communion of love your Word went forth to
create a symphony of life that sings your praise.

By your Holy Wisdom you made the Earth to bring forth a 
diversity of creatures who praise you in their being. You
called human beings to till and keep your garden. But we
turn in on ourselves and away from our co-creatures.

We fail to listen to the cries of the poor and the needs of the 
most vulnerable. We silence the voices of those who hold
the traditions that teach us to care for the Earth. We close our
ears to your creative, reconciling and sustaining Word that
calls to us through the Scriptures.

Creation cries out as forests crackle, and animals alike flee
the fires of injustice that we have lit by our unwillingness to
listen.

In this Season of Creation, we pray that you would call to us,
as from the burning bush, with the sustaining fire of your
Spirit. Turn us from our inward gaze. Teach us to contemplate
Your creation, and listen for the voice of each creature
declaring your glory.

Give us hearts to listen, enlighten us with your grace, and fill
us with the hope to quench the fires of injustice with the light
of your healing love that sustains our common home.

Guide us and all who have power in this world to create 
with you a safer future for our children and seven generations to come.
In the name of the One who came to proclaim good news to all creation,
Jesus Christ. Amen.