September 1, 2017

Participants gather for an interfaith prayer vigil on climate change in Lima, Peru. (Photo by Joe Tobiason)

Presbyterians join with Christians all around the globe today to pray for all of God’s creation. Instituted by the World Council of Churches in 2015, the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is observed on Sept. 1. On this day, Christians worldwide are encouraged to set aside time to pray for all of God’s people and for all of creation.

In addition to prayer, Presbyterians are taking action to care for God’s creation in their personal and congregational life. Certified Earth Care Congregations in the PC(USA) have taken steps to recycle, compost, plant gardens, add solar panels, clean up local streams, lift up scriptural themes about God’s creation and study earth care concerns in Christian education. Presbyterians also are limiting their personal carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy and conserving resources in general at home, work and school. How is God calling you to expand your witness and to respond to God’s grace through your own actions?

For more information, including worship and prayer suggestions, go to:

https://www.presbyterianmission.org/eco-journey/2017/07/10/world-day-of-prayer/

Rebecca Barnes, Presbyterian Hunger Program

Today’s Focus:  World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Melody Medley, PMA                                                                                        
Kathy Melvin, PMA

Let us pray:

Holy and gracious God, you create, redeem and sustain this world. You call it good, and indeed it is. Help us to enjoy creation as you enjoy it and to glorify you through our efforts to care better for it. We know we have fallen short of the invitation you make to humankind to serve and preserve this garden, and we ask for your Spirit to accompany us as we work to embody that call. May your power, presence and love be felt throughout all creation and in all people and all creatures. May we be part of witnessing to your love, throughout the earth. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 88; 148
First Reading 1 Kings 5:1-6:1, 6:7
Second Reading Acts 28:1-16
Gospel Reading Mark 14:27-42
Evening Psalms 6; 20