Gratitude for the Care of Creation
Republished from Praying Nature -- "A resource for people & communities whose lives are inspired by St. Francis' brotherly love for God's creation."
Prayers of Gratitude & Care for God's Creation
How often do we thank the Lord for the beautiful creation of which we are a part, or pray for the grace to become more caring towards His creation? Below are such prayers of care and gratitude.
Christ within us,
Light above us,
Earth beneath us,
Love surrounds us.
- from EcoCongregation Ireland
Whenever we fail to care for our brothers and sisters in creation, the way is opened to destruction, and hearts are hardened .... Lord, grantthat all who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill - grant that we all be “protectors” of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.
- based on a plea from Pope Francis
Caring for Creation
Most High, good Lord,
You revealed to St. Francis
that You are Father of all creation and
that all creatures are related as brothers and sisters.
Praised be You, my Lord,
with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun who is the day,
and through whom You give us light.
Praised be You, my Lord,
through Sister Moon and the stars,
Brother Wind,
Sister Water
and Brother Fire.
And praised be You, my Lord,
through our Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains and governs us,
and produces varied fruit
with coloured flowers and herbs.
Grant us, Lord,
the grace to see Your beauty and likeness
in created things
that we may follow St. Francis
in showing care for creation.
Amen.
- adapted by Br. Cathal Duddy ofm
from "The Canticle of the Creatures" by St. Francis of Assisi
A Prayer of Gratitude for Creation
God of the universe,
We thank You for Your many good gifts -
For the beauty of Creation and its rich and varied fruits,
For clean water and fresh air, for food and shelter, animals and plants.
Forgive us for the times we have taken the earth's resources
for granted
And wasted what You have given us.
Transform our hearts and minds
So that we would learn to care and share,
To touch the earth with gentleness and with love,
Respecting all living things.
We pray for all those who suffer as a result of our waste,
greed and indifference,
And we pray that the day would come when everyone has enough
food and clean water.
Help us to respect the rights of all people and all species
And help us to willingly share your gifts
Today and always. Amen.
- Fiona Murdoch, Eco-Congregation Ireland
Creation Prayer
God our Father, you created the world and sent your own Son to live among us, made of the same stuff, breathing the same air, marvelling at sunrise and sunset just as we do. Help us to participate in the life around and within us as your life, as you living in us and we living in you and in each other. God of love and life, restore us to your peace, renew us through your power and teach us to love all that you have created and to care for the earth as your gift and our home.
- The Earth Community: In Christ through the Integrity of Creation
