Prayers of the People/Intercession on Creation Care/The Environment
O God, grant us a deeper sense of care and responsibility with all living things,
our little brothers and sisters, to whom in common with us
You have given this earth as home.
We recall with regret that in the past we have acted shamefully and cruelly in exercising our domain over them, which should have risen to you in song, has turned into a groan of suffering.
Teach us that all these creatures also live for themselves and for you, not for us alone. They too love the sweetness of life, as we do and serve you better in their way than we do in ours. Amen.
Basil the Great, Adapted
Almighty God–Father, Son and Holy Spirit: You tell us to pray with thanksgiving…and we do; giving thanks for Your daily provision and care, for the birth of a child, for new jobs and new friends, for wedding anniversaries, for friendships rekindled and those which have endured. We especially thank You for…. You teach us to pray not only for ourselves but for people everywhere; so, hear us as we pray for others, in the name of Jesus Christ. We live in dangerous times that fill us with anxiety. We worry about the spread of disease. We are aware of continuing wildfires; earthquakes that have struck vulnerable parts of our world; and we ask you to give aid to those in desperate need of the essentials—food, water, shelter, clothing. We hear the sounds of war and saber-rattling in other places and it all makes us nervous.
Even so, Jesus, we know and trust that You are still on the throne of the universe as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As Prince of Peace, please lead all nations in the way of justice and goodwill. Direct those who govern, that they may rule fairly, maintain order, increase understanding, uphold those in need, and defend oppressed people; so that this world may claim Your rule and know true peace.
Awaken all people to the danger we’ve inflicted upon the earth. Implant in each a reverence for all You have made that we may preserve the delicate balance of creation for all coming generations. Inspire the whole church with Your power, unity, and peace. Grant that all who trust You may obey your Word, and live together in love.
Give grace to all who proclaim the gospel through Word and Sacrament and deeds of mercy, that by their teaching and example they may reveal Your love for all people. And in this congregation, we thank You for all who serve so faithfully, for the mutual love and care shown for one another and for the community. We especially ask that You please comfort and relieve all who are in trouble . . .sorrow . . . poverty . . . sickness . . . grief . . .We pray especially for ….
We also lift up to you others known to us, whom we name before you in silence. . . .(a brief moment of silence to be observed)…Heal them in body, mind, or circumstance, working in them, by your grace, wonders beyond all they may dream or hope.
Bring to our remembrance, as well, all those who, having served You on earth, now sing Your praises eternally. Comfort and sustain those who have known loss, and experience grief. May their endurance give us courage and their faithfulness give us hope now and always. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Right Use of God’s Gifts
Almighty God, whose loving hand hath given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor thee with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of thy bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)
Prayer for the Conservation of Natural Resources
Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church (1979)