CLimate Prayers Week ONE: Hope after Copenhagen?

192 countries met in Copenhagen last month to agree how to work together against climate change. 120 heads of state came – the biggest international summit ever. But politics got in the way.

The rich, the developing giants, the least developed, and the small island states couldn't agree. Then at the last minute the USA, China, South Africa, Brazil and India announced the ‘Copenhagen Accord’ – a non-binding intention to do something about the climate. The conference unenthusiastically voted to ‘note’ the limited deal.

Many people came to Copenhagen with high hopes, but left in frustration. Meanwhile the threat of a changing climate remains. So how should we pray for the year ahead?

Pray countries turn the ‘Copenhagen Accord’ into a climate-saving agreement by making binding commitments

Pray national leaders can balance national priorities and global responsibilities. Such as Barack Obama (US), Wen Jiabao (China), Lula (Brazil), Gordon Brown (UK), and Kevin Rudd (Australia)

Jesus said the Kingdom of God is like a tiny amount of yeast that lifts the whole loaf. Pray the churches will fulfil their God-given role in bringing in God’s kingdom.

Paul calls us to 'never stop praying' (1 Thessalonians 5:17), so preserver in prayer with us for our planet and our leaders, despite the disappointing outcome of the summit. Let's pray that politics would no longer be a barrier to action on climate change.