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How often do we thank the Lord for the beautiful creation of which we are a part, or pray for the grace to become more caring towards His creation? Creation care is part of the Great Commission. The fall of man came with it a rebellious heart, but God’s rescue mission and redemption is for the whole of creation. the integral part of our mission, our God given great commission, includes the caring the whole of God’s creation, not just people. Neglect of one side of this whole and undivided togetherness affects the other. This is why ecological concern and action is a fully legitimate part of the mission of God’s People. We are continually being reformed, equipped and transformed by the Holy Spirit to bring back the goodness in God’s creation. Our whole existence is a series of momentary actions and so we must consider individual moments of ethical reflection within this lifelong whole. So,

• Let us pray with thanksgiving for God’s loving care and abundant provision for all His children

• Let us pray with thanksgiving for the world God has entrusted to our care, its beauty and the interconnectedness of all living things

• Let us pray that we may take our responsibility as earth’s stewards seriously and bring the whole created order to His just and gentle rule

• Let us rejoice that we are completely accepted and known by God who is in us and around us.

• Let us pray for all peoples of faith, that recognising our differences, we may work together for the common good

God of the universe,

We thank You for Your many good gifts –

For the beauty of Creation and its rich and varied fruits,

For clean water and fresh air, for food and shelter, animals and plants.

Forgive us for the times we have taken the earth’s resources

for granted

And wasted what You have given us.

Transform our hearts and minds

So that we would learn to care and share,

To touch the earth with gentleness and with love,

Respecting all living things.

We pray for all those who suffer as a result of our waste,

greed and indifference,

And we pray that the day would come when everyone has enough

food and clean water.

Help us to respect the rights of all people and all species

And help us to willingly share your gifts

Today and always. Amen.

– Fiona Murdoch, Eco-Congregation Ireland

Self-giving God, who in Christ gave yourself for our salvation, thank you that you call us into your mission for the world.

Inspire us, who are partners in the gospel, to follow in your steps, in the way that leads to fullness of life in you, Amen

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayers.

Your brother in Christ,

Nnamdi Maduka