The 26th UN Climate Conference (or COP26 for short) begins today in Glasgow and will go on until Nov. 12th. We are already seeing signs of climate breakdown. Parts of the world are under threat because of rising sea levels due to global warming. Severe extreme weather events are causing devastation, destroying lives, homes, lands and livelihoods, especially in the poorest parts of the world which are most at risk.
At COP21 in December 2015, the Paris Agreement was reached which committed countries to try to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and not to allow it to go above 2°C. Six years later, global temperature rises are on track to reach a catastrophic 3˚C.
Pope Francis, along with other religious leaders has called on those attending COP26 to renew their commitment to keep global temperatures below 1.5°C and to take action to make this possible. “We have inherited a garden: we must not leave a desert to our children,” the statement says.
We are asked to pray for the success of COP26 during these days.
Loving God,
We praise your name with all you have created.
You are present in the whole universe,
and in the smallest of creatures.
We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us
as stewards of your creation.
May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society.
Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions
for the poorest and most vulnerable,
and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son.
Amen
Prayer for the COP26 Climate Summit
Loving God,
We praise your name with all you have created.
You are present in the whole universe,
and in the smallest of creatures.
We acknowledge the responsibilities you have placed upon us
as stewards of your creation.
May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society.
Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions
for the poorest and most vulnerable,
and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home.
We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ your Son.
Amen
Sunday October 31st : 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intercessions related to COP26 and Care of Our Common Home
Priest: As the United Nations climate conference, COP26, begins in Glasgow, let us bring our prayers to God, who created the earth and all within it.
Reader: We pray for Pope Francis as he visits COP26 that his call for the care for our common home may illuminate the hearts and minds of all his fellow participants, and that God may grant them wisdom to make decisions which respect the earth and all that live in it. Lord, in your mercy…
Reader: We pray for the Church: may we speak and act together as we urgently work towards good stewardship of your creation and your presence in all living things. Lord, in your mercy…
Reader: We pray for the world; the interdependence of all living things; the beauty and flourishing of the planet plundered and misused for generations by human activity; may we all, through our actions, help repair the harm we have caused. Lord, in your mercy…
Reader: We pray for the peoples already facing droughts, floods and storms: that God may grant them strength and hope for the future as they work to adapt to the changing climate. Lord, in your mercy…
Reader: We pray for our parish and our local community: that through the grace of God we may examine our environmental impact and make choices for the common good. Lord, in your mercy…
Reader: We pray for our dead. We particularly remember those whose anniversaries are celebrated about this time and those recently deceased: (Names are added here…)
Priest: O God, who calls all people to justice and care for the earth, hear and grant these prayers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen