Living in the Spirit
August 14, 2022
Scripture Reading: Luke 12:49-56
He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? –Luke 12:54-56
Probably many of us have had our heads in the sand regarding climate change. Oh, I recycle my garbage that can be recycled, drive an energy-efficient small car, and adjust my thermostat to the most efficient level I can. That clearly is not enough. The signs of the impact of climate change are getting bigger and more serious but some of our leaders are unwilling to take the steps necessary to protect our fragile earth. We know much that can be done to slow down the onslaught before it is too late. How long have we been putting this off?
The climate is changing! Creation cries out!
Your people face flooding and fire and drought.
We see the great heat waves and storms at their worst.
We pray for the poor, Lord — for they suffer first.
We pray for the animals here in our midst
who cannot defend their own right to exist.
We pray for the mountains and forests and seas
that bear the harsh footprint of our human greed.
We thank you for people who treasure the Earth,
whose faith has long taught them its beauty and worth.
We thank you as well for the children and youth
who look to the future and speak out the truth.
We thank you, for leaders, courageous and brave,
who know that the Earth is worth fighting to save,
who care about justice and what they should do,
who listen to science and work hard for you.
You love this good Earth, and you sent us your Son!
May we love our neighbors — there’s work to be done.
May we, by your Spirit, do all in our power
to care for your Earth in this critical hour*.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for failing to care for the earth you created for us. Amen.
*The Climate is Changing hymn to the tune of ST. DENIO 11.11.11.11 (“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”) by Winfrey Gillette See at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/new-hymn-lyrics-support-efforts-to-counter-climate-change/
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.