Prayer for the World September 3, 2025

Season of Creation, Peace with Creation

Introduction

Each year, since the publication of the Encyclical Laudato Si’ (LS, 24 May 2015) the first day of September is celebrated by the Chrisitan family as the World Day of Prayer for Creation and the beginning of the Season of Creation, which concludes on the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi on the fourth of October.  During this period, Christians worldwide renew their faith in the God of Creation and join in prayer and work for the care of our common home. Pope Francis, September 2020

The 2025 Season of Creation theme is "Peace with Creation", which calls for justice and reconciliation to restore harmony between people, communities, and the planet. 

Song:  On Holy Ground by Donna Pena and Marty Haugen

https://youtu.be/GxWZjNQjaQM?si=bG2o0-Gpp9oequhY 

The heavens embrace the earth, then they sing of the new birth.

The earth echoes and resounds, that we are on holy ground.

(Refrain) Do you believe in freedom?  (Yes, we do, Lord!) Do you believe in justice? (Justice for all!)  Y en la nuva vida?  (En tu Espiritu!)   Quien es su liberacion?  (Tu, Senor!)

Abran se los cielos, en el nombre de Cristo Dios. 

Transformen la tierra cautiva, a la tierra con Libertad.  (Refrain)

Let heaven and earth sing praise, to the one who from death is raised.

Let hearts utter words profound, in proclaiming this holy ground.  (Refrain)

For Reflection

Environmental Justice—implicitly proclaimed by the prophets—can no longer be regarded as an abstract concept or a distant goal.  It is an urgent need that involves much more than simply protecting the environment.  For it is a matter of justice—social, economic and human.  For believers it is also a duty born of faith, since the universe reflects the face of Jesus Christ, in whom all things were created and redeemed.  In a world where the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters are the first to suffer the devastating effects of climate change, deforestation and pollution, care for creation becomes an expression of our faith and humanity.           — Pope Leo XIV

Quiet Reflection

Prayers of Intercession—our response is “God, in your justice, hear our prayer.”

Give us a deep sense of gratitude for all Creation, especially for our Planet Earth, we pray:

Unite us in efforts to reuse, to reduce waste and recycle, we pray:

Protect all living creatures on land, in the waters and in the air, we pray:

Give peace and security to migrants, immigrants and refugees, we pray:

Inspire legislators to pass laws to protect men, women and children from gun violence, we pray: 

Generous God, thank you for the gift of your Creation which cotinues every moment by the power and energy of your love.  We especially thank you for the gift of Mother Earth.  We pray for healing of our Earth and for thos who suffer because of the harm we have done to her.  Help us to appreciate the gifts of air, land and water and to turn away from anything that pollutes or destroys these precious gifts.  This we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Quiet Reflection

Closing Song