A prayer of intercession for Earth Day: God in Creation

On behalf of the Catholic Health Association of the United States, we are pleased to share the following prayer of intercession for Earth Day:

Let us pray to God, for all Creation.

O God, you have created the universe by your eternal Word, 

and have blessed humankind in making us stewards of the earth. 

We pray for your world, 

   that we may share and conserve its resources, 

   and live in reverence for the creation 

   and in harmony with one another. 

Lord of creation, 

in your mercy, hear us.

You have given the human race a rich land, 

   a land of streams and springs, 

   wheat and barley, 

   vines and oil and honey. 

We have made by sin a world of suffering and sorrow. 

We pray for those who bear the weight of affliction, 

that they may come to share the life of wholeness and plenty. 

Lord of creation, 

in your mercy, hear us.

In Christ you call us to a new way of life, 

loving our neighbours before ourselves. 

Help us to treat with care and respect the world as it is 

as we live in hope and anticipation of the world as it will be 

when your kingdom comes and your will is done. 

Thank you for those, living and departed, 

who have shown a true respect for your creation … 

Help us to follow in their footsteps, 

until, with them, we see you face to face, 

where all is made new in Christ our Lord.

Merciful Creator, 

accept these prayers 

for the sake of your Son 

our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

Amen.

— from New Patterns for Worship, copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2002.  From the Church of England's Common Worship website.