World in Prayer: Earth Day edition

This was my week to write the prayers for World in Prayer. As you'll see, my mind was full of earthly things.

Here they are:

This Earth Day weekend, let us offer our prayers to the Lord for the earth and all that is in it, the world and all that dwells therein.

For the waters: seas and oceans, rivers and lakes. For all creatures who live in them. For those who travel upon them. For those who study and care for them.

Let us pray to the Lord,
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the lands: its valleys and mountains, deserts and fields. For all animals who live upon the earth. For plants and growing things. For cities, towns and all human habitations.

Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For the air: for clouds and wind and weather. For birds and all winged creatures. For all who travel through the skies.

Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For those whose livelihoods were lost due to volcanic activity on the other side of the earth. For those whose lives have turned upside down due to earthquake, hurricane or flood.

Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For forgiveness for our carelessness with the Lord’s creation. For those living things hurt by pollution, defoliation or waste.

Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For wisdom in policy and foresight in planning. For eyes to see with compassion the world the Lord has made.

Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, hear our prayer.

For you, O Lord, are the God of all creation. You saw everything you made and called it good. May we be faithful stewards of your creation, rejoicing in its bounty and caring for it with love, this day and always.

Amen.