Prayers for Creation

20th January 2023

Trust in the Lord and be doing good; dwell in the land and be nourished with truth.
 Let your delight be in the Lord and he will give you your heart’s desire.
Psalm 37:3-4

You Lord are the bread of life;

feed us with your wisdom.

Our meat is to do the Father’s  will;

guide us in all we do

Whenever we eat or drink

Let it be to the glory of God.

A reading from Matthew 25: 34-36 (The Message)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’” 

A canticle:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour; •
he has looked with favour on his lowly servant.

Praise to you O God, for the rich creation of this world 

for which you have created humans to be the gardeners.

From this day all generations will call me blessed; •
the Almighty has done great things for me
and holy is his name.

You have blessed us with fruit bearing trees and plants, 

ensuring food throughout the seasons.

He has mercy on those who fear him, •
from generation to generation.

Your wisdom guides those who, in each generation, 

are honest and humble enough to seek it.

He has shown strength with his arm •
and has scattered the proud in their conceit,

Yet each generation sees the damage 

caused when there are those who disdain your will. 

Casting down the mighty from their thrones •
and lifting up the lowly.

Raise the spirits of those who work at the grassroots, 

give them strength to overcome the deceits of big business.

He has filled the hungry with good things •
and sent the rich away empty.

Bless the work of food banks and charities that feed the hunger, 

and teach those with wealth to be sacrificial in their giving.

He has come to the aid of his servant Israel, •
to remember his promise of mercy,

Help nations and communities to work together

for justice and for peace. 

The promise made to our ancestors, •
to Abraham and his children for ever.

May generations to come reap the harvest,

not of our greed, but of your grace .

Amen.

Trust in the Lord and be doing good; dwell in the land and be nourished with truth.
 Let your delight be in the Lord and he will give you your heart’s desire.
Psalm 37:3-4