Here’s a thoughtful prayer litany for Earth Day (April 22, 2012), or any other occasion when creation is the focus. It was written by Revs. Bruce and Carolyn Gillette. They write:
“The following litany was written to recognize the connections between Luke 11:1-13 (Jesus' teaching on prayer), the worst environmental disaster in the United States history (oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico), and the need for all of us to make changes now to lessen the growing global environmental disaster known as Climate Change.”
A Litany of Confession
(based on Matthew 6:9-13)
Loving God, we remember that Jesus taught us to pray saying, "Our Father…"
You created us, you made this world, and you called your creation very good. Yet often we forget that you are our loving Parent who continues to bless your world.
Jesus told us that you are "…in heaven…"
You created us, you made this world, and you called your creation very good. Yet often we forget that you are our loving Parent who continues to bless your world.
Jesus told us that you are "…in heaven…"
Yet we fail to live in awe of you. We take you for granted, and we don't see the awesome beauty of the world you have made.
We pray, "Hallowed be your name…"
We confess that our reverence for you does not always lead us to care reverently for your earth, sky and sea.
We pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…"
We confess that we often put our own interests first-exploiting your creation, and living for our own convenience and self-interest.
We pray, "Give us today our daily bread."
We confess that we consume more than our share of the world's resources, while billions go hungry every day and your whole creation suffers.
We pray, "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."
We confess that we see these words only in spiritual terms, while the Bible is filled with teachings about economic justice and creation care.
We pray, "Save us from the time of trial."
Help us to resist the temptations of spending more, using more, acquiring more, and wasting more.
We pray, "Deliver us from evil…"
Free us from greed and self-centeredness that separate us from you and others.
We pray, "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever."
Help us to know that in caring for your wonderful world, we are working for your kingdom, being good stewards of your creative power, and giving you glory.
We pray, "Amen."
We end our prayers with "Amen," a word that means "let it be so." We know we can be faithful disciples by your grace. Amen!
We pray, "Hallowed be your name…"
We confess that our reverence for you does not always lead us to care reverently for your earth, sky and sea.
We pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…"
We confess that we often put our own interests first-exploiting your creation, and living for our own convenience and self-interest.
We pray, "Give us today our daily bread."
We confess that we consume more than our share of the world's resources, while billions go hungry every day and your whole creation suffers.
We pray, "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us."
We confess that we see these words only in spiritual terms, while the Bible is filled with teachings about economic justice and creation care.
We pray, "Save us from the time of trial."
Help us to resist the temptations of spending more, using more, acquiring more, and wasting more.
We pray, "Deliver us from evil…"
Free us from greed and self-centeredness that separate us from you and others.
We pray, "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever."
Help us to know that in caring for your wonderful world, we are working for your kingdom, being good stewards of your creative power, and giving you glory.
We pray, "Amen."
We end our prayers with "Amen," a word that means "let it be so." We know we can be faithful disciples by your grace. Amen!
— written by Revs. Bruce and Carolyn Gillette, pastors at the Limestone Presbyterian Church.
For more worship resources related to creation, click on Creation care in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
