April 22, 2023
An Earth Day Sunday celebration at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church in Louisville. Photo credit: Rebecca Barnes.
In the first quarter of this year, we have experienced some severe weather occurrences in most parts of our country — fire, flooding, drought, wind and snow. Globally, the same is true. It is no longer far from most of our minds how we are connected to, and dependent on, the earth.
From power outages to destruction of homes to loss of life, we feel much more regular impacts these days of the “global weirding” that has been used as a nickname for climate change. Young people’s climate anxiety is in the news. Ongoing disaster recovery continues even as a new hurricane season approaches.
We pray: God, in your mercy.
We also recognize in Scripture that God has put us in a special relationship to the earth and has instructed us to care for it. Thus, we also must call on ourselves and one another: have mercy.
How much will we continue to ask vulnerable populations, future generations and the earth itself to withstand — just so that we can continue to live the way we want? Our prayers to our Creator implicate us, particularly those of us with privilege. For us to have mercy, to promote healing, and to bring forth justice means deep changes in the ways we think, live, consume, and relate to others and the earth itself. How can we prayerfully embody our commitment to enact God’s love for the cosmos?
We can reject the notion that success is unfettered economic growth at the cost of social and ecological injustice. We can reject the ease and convenience of disposable goods. We can step aside from the pursuit of luxury pleasures that negatively impact others. We can restore native habitats, grow our own food and support local farmers, plant trees, build new and respectful relationships with those most impacted by environmental ills, and invest positively in sustainable, equitable and renewable development.
For ideas to engage in climate education and action and/or to contribute to the Tree Fund, go to pcusa.org/climate.
Rebecca Barnes, Presbyterian Hunger Program, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Daily Readings
Today’s Focus: Earth Day
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Dwayne Batcho, Production Clerk II, Presbyterian Distribution Center, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Doug Batezel, Vice President, Information Technology, Board of Pensions
Let us pray
Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer of the cosmos, may we draw ever closer to your vision for this world and our proper role in it. Help us to value, enjoy, rest and delight in your Creation even as we confess and work to repair the harm caused. In Christ who showed us the way. Amen.