5th May 2023
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6: 28b,29
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 Proverbs 3:13-15
Happy are those who find wisdom,
and those who get understanding,
for her income is better than silver,
and her revenue better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Response:
If with wisdom we tend the earth,
if with an understanding of creation
we shape our daily lives,
then daisies will be our silver.
If with wisdom we tend the earth,
if with an understanding of creation
we choose to measure wealth,
then buttercups will be our gold.
If with wisdom we tend the earth,
if with an understanding of creation
we value streams and rivers,
then raindrops will be our diamonds.
If with wisdom we tend the earth,
if with an understanding of creation,
we protect trees and forests
then leaves will be our emeralds.
If with wisdom we tend the earth,
if with an understanding of creation
we cherish insects and pollinators,
then roses will be our rubies.
If with wisdom we tend the earth,
if with an understanding of creation,
we love our fellow creatures,
then fullness of life will be our everlasting treasure.
(With thanks to Jan Struther’s for the hymn ‘Daises are our sliver’.)
Ever patient God,
forgive us when we focus on the the work of our hands
and disregard yours.
Forgive us when we think we know all the answers
and yet ignore yours.
Forgive us when we value human approbation
more highly than yours.
Forgive us when we hoard monetary wealth
and neglect the wealth that comes from serving you.
Forgive us when our desire for more takes away
what we might rightly have shared with the rest of your creation.
In your loving mercy,
hear us and pardon us.
Amen.
Creator God, source of wisdom and understanding
inspire us to discover the true treasures of life on earth.
Open our eyes to see the full glory of what you have created.
Guide us not to be selfish,
neither keeping that wealth for ourselves
nor squandering it.
Remind us to be grateful, giving thanks and praise
for the treasure trove you have provided.
Grow in us a caring and responsive attitude
for the well being of creation –
its different plants and creatures,
birds and insects,
our brothers and sisters.
Amen.
The Grace
The Green Tau 