Prayer for Creation (said together)
All humankind is one vast family, This world, our home.
We sleep beneath one roof, the starry sky.
We warm ourselves before one hearth, the blazing sun.
Upon one soil we stand, and breathe one air,
and drink one water, and walk the night beneath one luminescent moon.
The children of the Universe are we, family of one blood,
Members in one worldwide family, this Earth, our home.
Interfaith Earth Day worship -- National Cathedral, Washington, DC.
The 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22nd (Wednesday) was going to be a big deal, celebrated in many ways by many groups, including faith communities. The coronavirus pandemic altered these plans immeasurably, around the planet. "Me in my small corner" was scheduled to lead worship at Trenton UC yesterday in keeping with this celebration. Instead I offered some thoughts online and we cycled along the Belleville waterfront to give thanks to God, the Creator.
Somehow the National Cathedral in Washington DC managed to offer a multi-faith service yesterday afternoon to honour Earth Day. It appears that most faith groups participated, which is wonderful. Through the decades Christians have become increasing aware of the importance of honouring the planet which God brought into being. We have also discovered that this is vital to other religious traditions, which shouldn't surprise us.
It is as important as ever to address the climate crisis which could result in a level of chaos for humanity which far exceeds what we are experiencing because of COVID-19. And it is essential for people of faith and good will everywhere to give thanks for our planetary home and live with purposeful hope for the benefit of all creatures.
Here is the order of worship for the service at the National Cathedral which began with an Indigenous blessing for the land and the singing of We’ve got the whole world in our hands
https://cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/0419-EarthDay-Interfaith.pdf
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