We asked the climate change team at Common Grace, a movement of Christians passionate about Jesus and Justice, to write a prayer for the day. You can also read Pope Francis’ prayer below.

A prayer, from Common Grace

Creator God,
All praise and thanks for an earth to share and enjoy filled with wonder, beauty and abundance!
For fruit and frogs, rain and rainbow lorikeets, sunshine and sharks, may your name be glorified by all that you have made.

Yet your good world is groaning, our common home is being spoiled, the voices of our co-worshippers are being silenced.
The air is polluted, the land is despoiled, the oceans are rising.

Forgive us: forgive our apathy, have mercy upon our greed, be gracious despite our selfish pride.
Draw us again to Jesus, that we may learn true humility, true humanity, true honouring of our Creator.
By the power of his cross, free us from the guilt that refuses to look.
By the power of his resurrection, free us from the fear that paralyses.

Grant us strength to open our eyes to the suffering of the poor. May our hearts be broken by the breaking of our neighbour’s lives.
Grant us wisdom to walk lightly, resisting the toxic idolatry of consumerism.
Grant us courage to confront and transform all that undermines justice, peace and the common good.
Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that we may live.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Pope Francis’ prayer at the end of his climate change encyclical, Laudato Si’: On care for our common home:

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.