World Day of Prayer for Creation
Pope Francis has called us to join the world in praying for the Care of Creation on Sept. 1. We can remind ourselves throughout the day; we can attend Mass at 5:15PM; we can use Pope Francis’ own beautiful prayer to the Trinity (below) for recitation and reflection. Our morning prayer can be that we learn more about what we are doing to Creation by our actions, that we pray for the wisdom and strength to do more of the good and less of the evil. Throughout the day we can discern the steps that are appropriate for us, that we consume less and be gentle with the earth. We can eat less and give alms to the poor, showing solidarity with those who have less and are most hurt by climate change.
A Christian prayer in union with creation
Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand; they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Son of God, Jesus,
through you all things were made. You were formed in the womb of Mary our Mother,
you became part of this earth, and you gazed upon this world with human eyes.
Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory.
Praise be to you!
Holy Spirit, by your light
you guide this world towards the Father’s love and accompany creation as it groans in travail.
You also dwell in our hearts and you inspire us to do what is good.
Praise be to you!
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you. Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made. Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight. Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference, that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live. The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you!
Amen.
Given in Rome at Saint Peter’s on 24 May, the Solemnity of Pentecost, in the year 2015, the third of my Pontificate.
See also further resources from
Catholic Climate Covenant.
