Midday Prayer during COP26

Thursday 4th November 2021

We come with faith: 

and we seek understanding.

We come with doubts: 

and we seek understanding.

We come with griefs: 

and we seek understanding.

Of our own hearts and misdesirings: 

we seek understanding.

Of your ways and will: 

we seek understanding.

For pre-empting the dangers of this present darkness: 

we seek understanding.

(From https://ourcommonprayer.org/2021/05/06/climate-emergency/)

Reading: Do not say to yourself, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” But remember the Lord your God, for the same it is who gives you power to get wealth, so that the Lord God may confirm the covenant that sworn to your ancestors, as he is doing today. Deuteronomy 8:17-18

On this the fourth day of COP26 the focus will be on energy – its use and it sources – so let us pray:- 

We pray for all the participants,

the decision-makers and the protestors,

the bureaucrats and the prayerful,

influencers and bankers,

shareholders and investors,

for producers and consumers.

May they recognise and understand 

the need to produce only clean energy,

to ensure fair and equal access for all,

and to use energy wisely and in moderation.

Loving and patient God,

may your will be done.

All: Amen.

If we are called us to beat swords into plough shares,  

we are also called to turn military jobs into green ones.

If we seek to establish peace,

we must generously offer both love and practical gifts. 

If we shift from passive to active travel, from cars to cycles,

we shall need cycle paths and secure shelters.

If we replace petrol engines with electric motors, 

we must also turn petrol stations into recharging points.

If we swop meats for a vegan diet, 

we must also turn beef farms into arable farms,

sheep fells into woodlands,

dairies into nut fromageries.

If we switch to green electricity,

our pension funds must invest in renewable energy.

If we green our pensions, 

surely we will green our banks too.

Creator God, help us to see the changes we must make,

Give us the wisdom to support them, 

the energy to achieve them 

and the joy to celebrate them.

Amen.