Caring for Creation - A Journey of Hope
In a prayer service centered around caring for creation and fostering hope, participants are encouraged to reflect on God's presence in nature, the importance of trusting in His plan during challenging times, and taking actions to show trust and stewardship. Through readings, songs, prayers, and personal reflections, the connection between faith, nature, and hope is highlighted, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the Earth and a commitment to preserving its beauty for future generations.
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Presentation Transcript
January Prayer Service By Caring for Creation We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us. Letter on the Jubilee Year of Hope, February 11, 2022
Suggested Opening Songs Tend the Ground by Curtis Stephan Breaking Bread, Vol 39, #615 Tend the Ground Curtis Stephan (Official Lyric Video) For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter CBW III, #531 For the Beauty of the Earth Michelle Swift (Hymn with Lyrics, Contemporary) Sing Out, Earth and Skies! by Marty Haugen CBW III, #545 Sing Out, Earth and Skies! What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong (Official Video)
Opening Prayer O Lord, We honor you and praise you for the gift of life and the awesome responsibility you have given us to be good stewards of this earth, our home. May we be ever mindful of the fragility and interconnectedness of all creation. Help us to be wise in our use of resources. Guide us to live in harmony with all creatures and preserve the beauty and goodness of the earth for ourselves and for all generations to come. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Excerpted from https://www.chausa.org/prayers/cha-prayer-library/prayer/earth-day-prayer-2016---psalm-8)
Reading: Job 12:7-10, 13 A reading from the Book of Job. Ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these, does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand, is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being With God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding. The Word of the Lord. R. Thanks be to God.
Questions for Personal Reflection God calls us to journey together so that we can help each other grow in faith and love. Each one of us has unique gifts to share that are essential to the mission God has entrusted to our community. This reading reminds us that our natural world, the birds, animals, earth and sea reveal God s steadfast presence among us. Through creation we are reminded of our deep connection to God and all of creation. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to care for and recognize the sacredness of creation and trust in God's wisdom and guidance as we journey together. Reflecting on God s power and wisdom and His presence in nature How do you experience God s presence in nature and how does nature inspire hope in you (a blooming flower, changing seasons, a beautiful sunrise/sunset)? Reflecting on hope in difficult times A key message of this reading from the Book of Job is that everything in creation is held in God s hands. How can this understanding help you trust in God during challenging times and help us face each day with courage and hope? Reflecting on trusting in God s plan With God are wisdom and strength; he has counsel and understanding. This verse inspires us to turn to God for wisdom and strength as we navigate our own personal journeys/pilgrimages of hope. What actions can you take to demonstrate your trust in God s plan for you?
Reading and Guided Reflection Questions From Pope Francis Encyclical Letter, Laudato Si 244. In the meantime, we come together to take charge of this home which has been entrusted to us, knowing that all the good which exists here will be taken up into the heavenly feast. In union with all creatures, we journey through this land seeking God, for if the world has a beginning and if it has been created, we must enquire who gave it this beginning, and who was its Creator. Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope. 245. God, who calls us to generous commitment and to give him our all, offers us the light and the strength needed to continue on our way. In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present. He does not abandon us, he does not leave us alone, for he has united himself definitively to our earth, and his love constantly impels us to find new ways forward. Praise be to him! In Laudato Si, Pope Francis reminds us of the gifts of this beautiful world that God created and entrusted to us. As Pilgrims of Hope, we have a responsibility to work together to care for and protect it and all people who are part of creation. Reflecting on our care for creation/our relationship with creation In what ways can we respond to this call and act as stewards of the earth, respecting and taking care of the gifts God has given us? Reflecting on concrete action What are some concrete actions we can take in order to: Joyfully praise God and God s creation? Respectfully educate others toward integral ecology? Promote community involvement and action to care for the earth? Reflecting as Pilgrims of Hope In the above excerpt from Laudato Si, Pope Francis reminds us not to let our concerns and worries about the planet remove the joy of our hope. Why do you think he emphasizes this? What are some ways you can help others to hold onto the joy of their hope amidst challenges related to caring for creation? What do you think Pope Francis means when he says, Let us sing as we go? Does this phrase evoke any images or emotions in you? How does this phrase epitomize being a Pilgrim of Hope?
Prayer of the Faithful The response is: R. Lord, hear our prayer. For the Church, that God s love be rooted in the leadership of Pope Francis, all the bishops and the ministry of our priests, and teachers, as we are all called to be protectors of the Earth. We pray to the Lord. R. For world leaders, that they may make wise decisions to protect the environment for the wellbeing of future generations. R. For the waters of the world, that they may be restored to health and filled with bountiful life. R. For our brothers and sisters around the world who have been directly impacted by the effects of pollution, global warming, environmental destruction, that they may find hope and healing. R. For all human beings, that we may recognize our shared responsibility to care for the earth and act with respect for creation. R. For all the intentions we hold in the silence of our hearts. R.
Closing Prayer A prayer for our Earth (from Laudato Si) All powerful God, You are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, Help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen.
Suggested Closing Songs How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg CBW III, #554 How Great Thou Art (Until That Day) Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin, Hillary Scott, TAYA & Friends Go Make a Difference by Steve Angrisano Gather Hymnal, #664 Go Make a Difference (Lyrics) Canticle of the Sun by Mary Haugen CBW III, #542 CANTICLE OF THE SUN Prayer of Saint Francis (Words) Sing a New Song by Dan Schutte CBW III, #563 Sing a New Song
