World Day of Prayer for Creation
Friday 1 September marks the beginning of the month-long Season of Creation. May the Holy Spirit move our whole Church to speak out with and for communities and creatures most impacted by the ecological crisis, joining the mighty river of justice and peace.
The theme for 2023 is “Let Justice and Peace flow like a river.” Inspired by the prophet Amos who cries out “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24) and so we are called to join the river of justice and peace, to take up climate and ecological justice, and to speak out with and for communities most impacted by climate injustice and the loss of biodiversity.
Friday 1 September: Celebration of the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
The pope’s message is an invitation for us all to join the “mighty river” of prayer and action for our common home. He invites us to “heed our call to stand with the victims of environmental and climate injustice, and to put an end to the senseless war against creation.” Pope Francis proposes to “transform our hearts, our lifestyles, and the public policies ruling our societies” we are urged to live the ecological conversion that consists in renewing "our relationship with creation so that we no longer see it as an object to be exploited but cherish it instead as a sacred gift from our Creator."
Readings for Friday Sept 1, the 21st week in Ordinary time
1 Thes 4:1-8 This is the will of God, your holiness in life.
Psalm 97:1,2b,5-6,10,11-12. R. Let the just rejoice in the Lord!
Alleluia, alleluia. Be vigilant at all times and pray, that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man. Alleluia!
Mt 25:1-13. Stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Prayer card
The Season of Creation 2023 Prayer card addresses the Creator of All. HERE
Online Prayer service
Suggestions for joining an online Ecumenical Prayer Service are outlined on p22 of the Celebration Guide book. HERE
Prayer of Thanks
Lord God,
We thank you for the gift of life.
We thank and praise you for the mystery of creation.
We know that you are in us,
And we in you.
Guide us, therefore,
In our efforts
To hand on the earth to future generations,
So that others can seek to understand
Your will and purpose in the world,
Bring your love to perfection
And magnify your holy name.
Help us overcome godlessness with love.
Help us support and protect
the victims of climate change everywhere
Those who’ve lost
their homes or livelihoods
to the ravages of famine, fire and flood.
Teach us to live in peace
And harmony with all creation.
Amen.
Let Justice and Peace flow like a River