April 22, 2006
A Call to Prayer:
The earth is at the same time mother,
She is mother of all that is natural, mother of all that is human.
She is the mother of all, for contained in her are the seeds of all.
The earth of humankind contains all moistness, all verdancy, all germinating power.
It is in so many ways fruitful.
All creation comes from it. Yet it forms not only the basic raw material for humankind, but also the substance of the incarnation of God's son.
— Hildegard of Bingen
(This prayer was used for Earth Day, 1990
From Interfaith Declarations and Worship Observance Resources; The North American Conference on Religion and Ecology; 5 Thomas Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005)
Antiphon: Mountains and hills will break into joyful cries before you and all the trees of the countryside clap their hands. (Is.55:12b)
Psalm148
Praise God all you heavens,
sun and moon, all stars of light,
all waters above the heavens,
let the glory of praise resound.
All loveliness comes from God
who made creation never to pass away.
Praise God, all the earth,
sea creatures and all waters,
lightning and hail, snow and mist,
stormy winds and rain,
all who fulfill God's word,
let the glory of praise resound.
All hills and mountain peaks,
valleys and plains, orchards and forests,
beasts, wild and tame,
all reptiles and birds on the wing,
let the glory of praise resound.
Leaders of the earth and every nation,
young women and men,
the elders with the young,
all you who live on the earth,
let the glory of praise resound.
Let God be praised!
Let God alone be praised!
The splendor of God's holy name
reaches beyond earth and sky.
God is the strength of all the faithful,
of all who draw near.
Hearts will be comforted,
spirits renewed.
To the God of Blessing,
let the glory of praise resound.
Reflective Reading:
A reading from Walking With God In a Fragile World by William Sloane Coffin
In our tormented and endangered world, few things, I imagine, could be more pleasing to God than for people of all faiths to join together in pledging allegiance to the earth and to the flora and fauna and human life that is supports; one planet, indivisible with clean air, soil, and water, with liberty, and justice and peace for all.
Antiphon: Mountains and hills will break into joyful cries before you and all the trees of the countryside clap their hands (Is.55:12b)
Doxology:
Praise God, Three in One,
both now and forever,
the God who is, who was, and is to come
at the end of the ages. Amen.
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1
Prayer of Jesus (Our Father)
Prayer:
You have given us the earth, the sky and the seas.
Show us the way to care for the earth, not just for today but for ages to come.
Let no plan or work of ours damage or destroy the beauty of your creation.
Send forth your spirit to direct s, to care for the earth and all creation. Amen