Tag: The Big One

Prayers for Creation

28th April 2023

“You are My flock, the sheep of My pasture, My people, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.” Ezekiel 34:31

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 John 10:11-15

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

A response: 

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

In your gift is daily bread, sustenance for each day

From you comes wisdom and understanding –

the gift of peace.

The Lord desires green pasture and clear waters,

wooded hills that clap their hands, 

streams that overflow with joy –

a  world where all may rest in peace.

The Lord restores my soul, 

forgives my sins and heals my pain.
He renews my confidence so I too 

may renew broken relationships.

The Lord leads me in right paths.

He goes before us, leading by example 

and marking the way – 

on earth as in heaven.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, 

even though the news is of  floods and drought, 

fires and tempest, I am comforted 

for the Lord is my steadfast companion.

 I hear of evil  – of warfare and greed, 

of persecution and oppression; 

of self-interest and self-delusion 

 – yet I  fear not evil, for the Lord is our righteousness.

You prepare a table before me 

where bread and wine will satisfy my wants. 

In the face of adversity, 

You anoint me with the Holy Spirit.
    

The goodness and mercy of the Lord 

 shall stay with me all the days of my life,
for the Lord is my shepherd 

and I shall not want. 

Prayer:

Sovereign God, Shepherd of your people:

As we walked the pilgrimages of the Big One,

You were with us and we thank you.

As we sang and prayed for your guidance,

You were with us and we thank you.

As we stood alongside our brothers and sisters,

You were with us and we thank you.

As we called on those in authority to take action, 

You were with us and we thank you.

As the days unfold, keep within us the hope of change,

Soften the hearts of those in authority in industry, 

in government and in the churches,

that they may respond to the cry of the earth 

and the cry of the poor.

Amen. 

The Grace 

Counting on … day 1.103

27th April 2023

Reflecting further on The Big One and what it achieved, it showed the positive being that humans can be.

60,000 people gathered to show both their concern for the damage being done in the world and to share their belief that a better world is possible.

60,000 people filled the streets and there were no arrests, no reports of anger or abuse. Well trained and and caring stewards kept everyone self and well looked after.

60, 000 people met and showed respect for each other, welcoming the young and the old, the fit and the not so fit, people of all races and backgrounds, genders and faiths.

60, 000 cooperated, sharing the space and the experience with each other.

60,000 people were entertained and inspired and drew strength from each other’s commitment.

The Big One, for me, demonstrated that a better world is possible and that the counter-cultural characteristics that we read off in the Gospels, the Letters and the Book of Acts is out there for real – and not confined within the walls of the churches.

Counting on … day 1.102

26th April 2023

Why do we need events like The Big One?

Gatherings of scale such as the Big One do 5 things:-

  1. Shows the authorities the size of public opinion
  2. Encourages those taking part that they are not alone in their endeavours
  3. Encourages other to find out more and/or join in the campaign
  4. Gives participants and spectators stories to tell that further the campaign
  5. Brings together and builds links between groups with similar aims.

Counting on … day 1.101

25th April 2023

Today is the feast of St Mark. St Mark is often represented by the symbol of a lion – bounding into action – and with a fast paced gospel. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)

Having spent four days at The Big One when each day was a day of action, I feel reluctant to let go of that energy, that desire to make a difference. Can  faith  be that ongoing source of energy?

Prayers for Creation

21st April 2023

The following prayers form part of a prayer walk taking place each day at The Big One.

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.