Franciscan Prayer Walk for The Big One 21st – 24th April 2023, 5pm daily
These prayers mark our concern for God’s creation in light of the climate crisis and climate justice crisis. In 2019 Parliament declared an environment and climate emergency, but words are not enough. Four years on radical action is needed by those in power, for, in the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,“Humanity is on thin ice – and that ice is melting fast. Our world needs climate action on all fronts: everything, everywhere, all at once.”
We will stop to pray as we circumnavigate Parliament Square, calling on those with power for action. Each prayer will end with the phrase
Help us to respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
To which please respond: Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 1 The Mahatma Gandhi statue
Holy God,
we are not just individuals but the peoples of the world.
As Mahatma Gandhi stood up for the rights of the poor in his age, may we stand up for the rights of the poor in our age.
May we be united in tackling the climate crisis which unfairly affects those least responsible.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 2 The Supreme Court of Justice
Holy God,
In your ways we find the wisdom with which to shape our lives.
Inspire all who write and implement legislation that your wisdom may prevail and your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 3 United Nations Green
Holy God,
We give thanks for the hope that the United Nations gives us, for the hope that nations will work together for the wellbeing of all.
Empower all their meetings with energy and the power of possibility.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 4 between The Department of Education and Westminster School, Gt Smith Street
Holy God,
Life is an ongoing journey of learning. Help us to learn about the intricacies of your world, its interconnectedness and interdependencies, and make us willing to amend our way of life accordingly.
Bless all who teach and all who learn, that all our lives may be enriched.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 5 Church House
Holy God,
Spread across denominations and faiths, you call us all to be your people, your church.
Guide and inspire all in positions of authority in the churches to witness truthfully to your word and to lead by example in caring for your creation.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 6 by Marsham Street and Great Peter Street, The Home Office and other departments
Holy God,
We live in a world of systems that constrain and shape our daily lives, and which have the capacity to exert power to seek the common good.
Enrich all in power, those in the Civil Service and those elected, to desire what is good and life enhancing, and to shy away from self interest and self aggrandisement.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 7 Victoria Tower Gardens
Holy God,
We give thanks for green and blue spaces that remind us of the beauty of your creation.
Inspire us all to tend and care for what you have given to us, knowing that it is our mutual lifeline.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 8 Emmeline Pankhurst statue
Holy God,
We give thanks for all who have stood up for what is right, from your prophets of the biblical era, to the climate activists of our generation.
Imbue those who fight for justice with courage and patience, inspire them with your Spirit that the world may be transformed through the power of love.
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
Station 9 The Houses of Parliament
Holy God,
We give thanks for Parliament’s declaration of an environment and climate emergency in 2017 in response to the climate protests made that year. Now we pray that you will soften the hearts and attune the ears of those now in Parliament, to hear the cry of this year’s climate protests.
While there is yet a small window of opportunity, may they take action now!
Help us respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:
Everything, everywhere, all at once.
These prayers conclude with The Grace.
The Green Tau 