PRAYER FOR COP30
Creator of all, this earth and all living creatures,
We pray for all those gathered for COP 30;
Scientist and policy makers,
First Nations peoples and Island Leaders,
Government officials and climate warriors,
Faith communities and youth advocates.
As leaders and delegates gather in Belem, Brazil, for COP 30, we hold before you this beautiful interwoven fragile world, your sanctuary…your world, not ours. We pray for leaders who will stand up in the face of the climate emergency and speak out against those who wish to exploit and damage the earth.
Loving God
hear our prayer
We remember those whose homes are slipping beneath rising seas,
Whose crops fail under drought and flooding,
Whose forests burn again and again, whose rives dry,
Whose lives and a way of living is under a threat.
We particularly pray for those who are marginalised and suffering due to
changes in the climate particularly our brothers and sisters in the Pacific.
As negotiations take place and decisions are made, as targets are measured and timelines argued, help us to do our bit so that our prayers lead to concrete actions. For you call us not to be spectators but active participants in your renewing work.
Remind us Loving God that you still speak
Out of the depths, the earth still sings.
The rivers run their course, the dawn knows it’s time,
and the stars keep their watch.
You have planted our feet on the earth,
Connecting us to all living things.
You reveal yourself in and through creation.
May we remember that we belong to this vast and holy creation
called not to control, but to care;
not to possess, but work together with you
that all your creation may praise you our Maker.
Loving God
hear our prayer
May You, the Holy One who laid earth’s foundations
set our hearts firm in love,
our steps steady in justice,
and our hope deep as the ocean’s floor. Amen
Written by Rev Hee Won Chang (Uniting Church in Australia)