24th October 2026
They have turned back to the iniquities of their ancestors of old, who refused to heed my words; they have gone after other gods to serve them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken the covenant that I made with their ancestors. Jeremiah 11:10
You Lord, are the source of all good things:
We praise you.
You call us to tend and care for your creation:
May we strive to do your will.
You have made us as brothers and sisters with all that lives:
May we live together in peace.
A reading from 1 Kings 19:9b-10
Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’ He answered, ‘I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.’
How long O Lord, how long?
Temperatures are rising, the climate is changing.
The scientists tell us why, and the meteorologist forecast danger –
But politicians close their ears and oil giants close their eyes.
None will turn and repent.
How long O Lord, how long?
Temperatures are rising, the climate is changing.
Harvests fail and farmers struggle –
rising costs of fertiliser whilst drought diminishes yield.
But politicians close their ears and supermarkets close their eyes.
None will turn and repent.
How long O Lord, how long?
Temperatures are rising, the climate is changing.
The Earth struggles and planetary boundaries are strained –
deforestation and biodiversity loss accelerate.
But politicians close their ears and we consumers close our eyes.
None will turn and repent.
How long O Lord, how long?
Temperatures are rising, the climate changing.
The poor struggle as bills rise and pay looses its value.
The vulnerable are overwhelmed and support dwindles.
But politicians close their ears and big tech companies close their eyes.
None will turn and repent.
How long O Lord, how long?
O Lord,
in a world where change for the better seems impossible,
where protest is silenced and justice is denied,
how do we find the courage and energy to continue?
O Lord,
in a world where change for the better seems impossible,
where our cries are blanked, our concerns ignored,
how do we find the opportunities to speak truth to power,
the means to provide healing and care?
Ever loving and merciful God,
enfold us in your love,
fill us with your Spirit,
and surround us with companions.
Help us to hear your words of wisdom,
to see your path of salvation,
and to know Jesus as our constant guide.
Amen.
