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Colossians 1: 16-17, 19-20
For by him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together…
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Week One – Floods and fire in Europe
In Spain wildfires have been causing frightening damage, particularly around Mojacar in Andalucia. Temperatures over 40 degrees are hotter than many people remember. Authorities have cut off water to ensure fire fighters have enough. Many homes and hotels have been destroyed. Similarly fires due to hot dry conditions in Collado Median have killed four firemen and injured two others as wind suddenly changed direction.
Flooding in Turkey to the city of Giresun. Three rivers have burst their banks resulting in floodwaters over a metre high. Several thousand are now homeless.
- Pray for wisdom and compassion for the authorities in Spain and other Mediterranean countries coping with wildfires
- Pray for the families of the firefighters who died protecting people’s homes, as they mourn their loved ones
- Pray for the Turkish authorities as they try to provide emergency housing to thousands of people
- Pray for European politicians: that they may make wise plans re future severe weather, and will realize the urgency of working together to respond to climate change
Week Two – Food supplies
Soaring world food prices last year (partly due to bio-fuels) caused food shortages in many countries. In response richer countries are buying up huge areas of land, mostly in Africa, to grow food for their citizens. For example, Saudi Arabia purchased half a million hectares in Tanzania; South Korea bought 700,000 hectares in Sudan. This year 20 million hectares has changed hands.
The UN says this increasing trend means poorer countries will struggle to grow enough food for their own people. Also intensive agriculture will cause long-term damage on fragile tropical soils.
- Pray for G8 and UN leaders to show leadership in exposing and preventing this trend
- Pray for governments of poorer countries to consider the long-term well-being of their people rather than short term profits
- Pray for a growing public awareness of this new colonialism so that there may be a global response
- Pray the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation can take a lead in improving food security in many countries facing potential food shortages.
Week Three – Climate Stewards and A Rocha supporters
Give thanks for Climate Stewards’ warm reception at the Korsvei Festival, Norway and for their generous support. Despite the economic downturn, fundraisers and donors have been able to keep the valuable work going in countries all around the world. Websites are being translated for countries including Norway, Sweden and Switzerland where support is growing.
- Pray for our volunteers all around the world, giving praise for their support
- Pray for Climate Stewards staff in Ghana managing all the new areas of woodland
- Pray for the developing Climate Stewards project in Peru where staff are working in difficult circumstances with limited resources
- Pray for real encouragement and satisfaction for all voluntary staff and fundraisers
- Give praise for all those (like you!) who use these prayers regularly and for the positive impact of their prayers.
Week Four – Copenhagen
Preparations race ahead for the vital climate change talks in Copenhagen this December. Poorer countries will not agree a deal unless richer countries – which caused most carbon emissions – increase aid and pay to protect forest and environmental reserves. Also UN Chief, Ban Ki-Moon, has called on China to show world leadership in limiting climate change.
This is a key time for Christians to unite in prayer for God’s world. Sunday October 4 has been agreed as a Day of Prayer for climate change. This is St Francis Day, the last Sunday of Creation Time (September 1 – October 4) and harvest festival in many churches. Get free resources from bit.ly/climateprayerday (and adapt the date if you want).
- Pray for leaders, political and religious, in China and India to show real understanding and leadership re climate change
- Pray that all around the world, government leaders will put working together for the common good above their own short-term interest
- Give praise that Sweden, EU President for six months, leads the world in responding to peak oil and climate change. Pray other Europeans will follow
- Pray many Christians will hold an ecumenical day of prayer in their own towns, and become more aware of how important their prayers are in the run-up to the talks in Copenhagen.
Prayer
God said, ‘Let the waters be gathered together,
and let dry land appear.’
We thank you for the beauty of the earth,
for the diversity of land and sea,
for the resources of the earth.
Give us the will to cherish this planet
and to use its riches for the good and welfare of all.
God of life: hear our prayer.
www.climateprayer.net
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