Monday

1

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for the sick and infected: God, heal and help. Sustain bodies and spirits. Contain the spread of infection.

Tuesday

2

“If a mistaken understanding of our own principles has at times led us to justify mistreating nature, to exercise tyranny over creation, to engage in war, injustice and acts of violence, we believers should acknowledge that by so doing we were not faithful to the treasures of wisdom which we have been called to protect and preserve”

Pope Francis 

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for our vulnerable populations: God, protect our elderly and those suffering from chronic disease. Provide for the poor and those without financial means.

Wednesday

3

Eternal and life giving God
In diversity you enrich the unity of our existence.
Help us to live in harmony with the difference
and uniqueness of other creatures.
Deepen within us an awareness of our own place
within creation
that we may be stewards and servants of its variety
and beauty.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for the young and the strong: God, give them the necessary caution to keep them from unwittingly spreading this disease. Inspire them to help.

Thursday

4

O God,
Grant us a deeper sense of fellowship with all living things, our brothers and sisters to whom in common with us you have given this earth as home.
We recall with regret that in the past we have acted high-handedly and cruelling in exercising our dominion over them. Thus the voice of the earth which should have risen to you in song has turned into a groan of travail.
May we realise that all these creatures also live for themselves and for you, not for us alone. They too love the goodness of life as we do, and serve you better in their way than we do in ours living it.

Saint Basil of Caesarea (4^th century)

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for our Government – both National and Provincial God, help our elected officials as they allocate the necessary resources for combatting this pandemic.

Friday

5

World Environment Day

Theme “Biodiversity”

Biodiversity is the variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play.  A larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms.

A safe, healthy and sustainably managed environmental and natural resource base provides critical eco-system services that are a foundation for economic and social development. 

Biodiversity richness is one of South Africa’s important natural assets as it provides goods and services which are vital for human well-being.  Our rich species, ecosystems and natural heritage which form the very foundation of our economy and society, providing eco-system services such as food security, clean and secure water provision, flood attenuation, biomass energy and building material as well as a resource base for the sustainable development and growth of the tourism, bio-technology, pharmaceutical, bioenergy, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and indigenous knowledge based sectors of the economy are threatened by growing human population and their increasing demands on the environment, climate change and invasive alien species amongst others.

While we all can’t rush into the wild and beat up poachers, there are so many everyday actions that we can take to do our bit in the on-going challenge of Biodiversity Conservation – reducing plastic use is a good start, as is removing invasive alien species from our gardens and living a low-carbon and simpler lifestyle. 

List the ways that you, personally, can help in this hugely important issue.

Prayer

God of all creation, as we look at the environment, your divine power and immense love are ever present.  We thank you for the beautiful creation and abundant resources you have provided your children.  We ask for your help in revealing how we can be better stewards of your creation. Help us to use only the resources we need, never being selfish by taking more than necessary. Please give us the opportunity to appropriately share our wealth with those who are less fortunate instead of disposing of our surplus.  Help us to remember that the environment is home to all life and that we must take up the responsibility to ensure all life is respected. We thank you for this day and ask for your blessing on this journey. 
Amen. 

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for our scientific community, leading the charge to understand the disease and communicate its gravity: God, give them knowledge, wisdom, and a persuasive voice.

Saturday

6

We give thanks for all the blessings of this life and remember those less fortunate than ourselves. Help us, who have more than enough, to live more simply, that others may simply live. As we borrow the earth from our children, may we not take more than we can return.

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for the media, committed to providing up-to-date information: God, help them to communicate with appropriate seriousness without causing panic.

Sunday

7

Trinity Sunday

How majestic, O Lord, our Sovereign, is your name on earth and in the heavens. All creation is aglow and warm because of the work of your hands. Kindle in us not only a sense of wonder at these marvels; but arouse in us a deep sense of responsibility to care for what you have made and done. How majestic, O Triune God, is your name on earth and in the heavens.

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for consumers of media, looking to be well-informed: God, help us find the most helpful local information to equip us to be good neighbours.  Keep us from anxiety and panic, and enable us to implement the recommended strategies, even at a cost to ourselves.

Monday

8

World Oceans Day

2020 Theme: “Innovation for a Sustainable Ocean”

World Oceans Day provides an opportunity to honour, help protect, and conserve the ocean – our blue planet.  For 2020 World Oceans Day is growing the global movement to call on world leaders to protect 30% of our blue planet by 2030. This critical need is called 30×30. By safeguarding at least 30% of our ocean through a network of highly protected areas we can help ensure a healthy home for all which connects us all.  Aligned with this strategy, scientists will explore innovations across categories including technology, systems infrastructure, resource management, consumer products, and scientific exploration – and outline how these innovations can be applied, their potential impact, and the resources needed to transform them into long-lasting solutions.  A healthy world ocean is critical to our survival.

The ocean is important because it:

• Generates most of the oxygen we breathe
• Helps feed
• Regulates our climate
• Cleans the water we drink
• Offers a pharmacopoeia of medicines
• Provides limitless inspiration!

Now each of us can give back by becoming aware about World Oceans Day and protect the ocean for the future. It’s up to each one of us to help ensure that our ocean is healthy for future generations.

To celebrate this World Oceans Day, we can:

Change perspective – encourage us to think about what the ocean means to us and how crucial it is to conserve it for present and the future generations.

Learn – discover the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are all interconnected.

Change our ways – we are all linked to, and through, the ocean! By taking care of your backyard and helping in your community, you are acting as a caretaker of our ocean. Making small modifications to your everyday habits will make a difference, and involving your family, friends, and community will benefit our blue planet even more!

Celebrate – whether you live inland or on the coast, we are all connected to the ocean. Take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean, and then organize or participate in activities that celebrate our ocean.

Prayer:

O Lord, we pray that we will fully understand that we are all connected with our oceans, and that what we create can have lasting effects on all life.  We pray that our actions in its care will be pleasing to you.  Amen

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for those with mental health challenges who feel isolated, anxious, and helpless: God, provide them every necessary support.

Tuesday

9

In the beginning your Spirit swept over the face of the waters, and the oceans of the world proclaim your majesty and glory. May the expanse of the seas and the fury of the waves speak to us of your creative power. In your mercy protect all who work and travel on the sea, and preserve the teeming life of coral reef and ocean depth

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for the homeless, unable to practice the protocols of social distancing in the shelter system: Protect them from disease, and provide isolation shelters in all areas.

Wednesday

10

“The fundamental rights of [humanity] are, first: the right of habitation; second, the right to move freely; third, the right to the soil and subsoil, and to the use of it; fourth, the right of freedom of labour and of exchange; fifth, the right to justice; sixth, the right to live within a natural national organization; and seventh, the right to education. “

Albert Schweitzer

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for Christian missionaries throughout the world, especially in areas with high rates of infection: God, provide them with words of hope, and equip them to love and serve those around them.

Thursday

11

Daniel 3:64-87

 ⁶⁴ “Bless the Lord, all rain and dew;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁶⁵ Bless the Lord, all you winds;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁶⁶ Bless the Lord, fire and heat;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁶⁷ Bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁶⁸ Bless the Lord, dews and falling snow;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁶⁹ Bless the Lord, ice and cold;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷⁰ Bless the Lord, frosts and snows;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷¹ Bless the Lord, nights and days;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷² Bless the Lord, light and darkness;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷³ Bless the Lord, lightnings and clouds;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.

⁷⁴ “Let the earth bless the Lord;
    let it sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷⁵ Bless the Lord, mountains and hills;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷⁶ Bless the Lord, all that grows in the ground;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷⁷ Bless the Lord, you springs;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷⁸ Bless the Lord, seas and rivers;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁷⁹ Bless the Lord, you whales and all that swim in the waters;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸⁰ Bless the Lord, all birds of the air;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸¹ Bless the Lord, all wild animals and cattle;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.

⁸² “Bless the Lord, all people on earth;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸³ Bless the Lord, O Israel;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸⁴ Bless the Lord, you priests of the Lord;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸⁵ Bless the Lord, you servants of the Lord;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸⁶ Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the righteous;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.
⁸⁷ Bless the Lord, you who are holy and humble in heart;
    sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever.“

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for international travellers stuck in foreign countries: God, help them return home safely and quickly.

Friday

12

SDG Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources

Targets:

• By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
• By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
• Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
• By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
• By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
• By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
• Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
• Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets

Many of these targets are way behind timelines in achieving them. 

Prayerfully consider ways in which you can change your lifestyle to positively impact human impact on our precious Oceans!

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for workers in a variety of industries facing layoffs and financial hardship: God, keep them from panic, and inspire your church to generously support them.

Saturday

13

We give thanks for the diversity of life in the seas and rivers of the world, for the grandeur of whales, the beauty of fish and the intricacy of coral reefs. Bless those who make their living from the sea, and help us to strike a wise balance between fishing for food and preserving the integrity of the marine environment

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for families with young children at home for the foreseeable future: God, help mothers and fathers to partner together creatively for the care and flourishing of their children. For single mothers and fathers, grow their networks of support.

Sunday

14

How wonderful, O Lord, are the works of your hands!
The heavens declare your glory; the arch of sky displays your handiwork.
In your love you have given us the power to behold the beauty of your world robed in all its splendour.
The sun and the stars, the valleys and hills, the rivers and lakes all disclose your presence.
The roaring breakers of the seas tell of your awesome might;
the beasts of the field and the birds of the air speak of your wondrous will.
In your goodness you have made us able to hear the music of the world.
You are in our midst. A divine voice sings through all creation.

But Lord, Creator and Saviour,
we have exploited earth for our selfish ends,
turned our backs on the cycles of life and forgotten we are your stewards.
Now soils become barren, air and water become unclean,
species disappear, and humans are diminished.
In penitence we come to you.

     Lord, have mercy.
     Christ, have mercy.
     Lord, have mercy.

(From Season of Creation:4)

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for parents who cannot stay home from work but must find care for their children: God, present them with creative solutions

Monday

15

Global Wind Day

Global Wind Day is a worldwide event that occurs annually on 15 June. It is a day for discovering wind, its power and the possibilities it holds to change our world. It is also a day for discovery of the work that has already begun by pioneers around the world. In more than 80 countries around the world, wind farms are in operation, generating energy from a clean and renewable source.

Thousands of individuals are involved in the production of energy from the wind, but for many people, wind energy is a mystery.

Pray today for all those who are researching and establishing clean and renewable energy from this remarkable power source.

Lord, my God, you are great indeed!
You spread out the heavens like a tent; setting the beams of your chambers upon the waters.
You make the clouds your chariot; traveling on the wings of the wind.
You make the winds your messengers; flaming fire, your ministers.
When you hide your face, they panic.
Take away their breath, they perish
and return to the dust.
Send forth your spirit, they are created and you renew the face of the earth.

Who has gone up to heaven and come down again –
who has cupped the wind in the hollow of the hand?
Who has bound up the waters in a cloak –
who has established all the ends of the earth?
For I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods.
Whatever the LORD desires He does in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all the depths.
It is He who raises storm clouds from the end of the earth, makes lightning for the rain, and brings forth wind from His storehouse.

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for parents who cannot stay home from work but must find care for their children: God, present them with creative solutions

Tuesday

16

Youth Day

Prayer for Nature by Thea  (12 years)

“God, thank you for the healing rain that washes the curving hills bright green. Thank you for the beams of sunlight that falls softly on my face. Thank you for butterflies and flowers, birds and fish, stars and trees, all of these beautiful things you created for us. I pray that all of your children see and wonder at these, and that the joy of these follows them through their lives now and forever. In your name I pray,
Amen.”

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for college and university students, whose courses of study are changing, whose placements are cancelled, whose graduation is uncertain: God, show them that while life is uncertain, their trust is in you.

Wednesday

17

World Desertification and Drought Day

2020 Desertification and Drought Day will focus on links between consumption and land

 “If we keep producing and consuming as usual, we will eat into the planet’s capacity to sustain life until there is nothing left but scraps. We all need to make better choices about what we eat and what we wear to help protect and restore the land.” – – Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification

Desertification and Drought Day, a United Nations observance day held on 17 June each year, will in 2020 focus on changing public attitudes to the leading driver of desertification and land degradation: humanity’s relentless production and consumption.

As populations become larger, wealthier and more urban, there is far greater demand for land to provide food, animal feed and fibre for clothing. Meanwhile, the health and productivity of existing arable land is declining, worsened by climate change.

To have enough productive land to meet the demands of ten billion people by 2050, lifestyles need to change. Desertification and Drought Day, running under the slogan “Food. Feed. Fibre.” seeks to educate individuals on how to reduce their personal impact.

Food, feed and fibre must also compete with expanding cities and the fuel industry. The end result is that land is being converted and degraded at unstainable rates, damaging production, ecosystems and biodiversity

• Today, more than two billion hectares of previously productive land is degraded
• Over 70 per cent of natural ecosystems have been transformed. By 2050, this could hit 90 per cent
• By 2030, food production will require an additional 300 million hectares of land
• By 2030, the fashion industry is predicted to use 35 per cent more land – over 115 million hectares, equivalent to the size of Colombia

Food, feed, fibre is also contributing to climate change, with around a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions coming from agriculture, forestry and other land use. Clothing and footwear production causes 8 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, a figure predicted to rise almost 50 per cent by 2030.

With changes in consumer and corporate behaviour, and the adoption of more efficient planning and sustainable practices, there could be enough land to meet the demand. If every consumer were to buy products that do not degrade the land, suppliers would cut back the flow of these products and send a powerful signal to producers and policymakers.

Changes in diet and behaviours – such as cutting food waste, buying from local markets and swapping clothes instead of always buying new – can free up land for other uses and lower carbon emissions. Dietary change alone can free up between 80 and 240 million hectares of land.

Prayer:
Lord God, we pray that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move in the hearts of men and women and among those who govern the nations that the barriers of fear, suspicion and hatred which separate us may crumble, and the body of humankind may be healed of its divisions and be united in addressing the serious problems of resource depletion, overpopulation and climate change all of which problems lead to the desertification of our land and ultimately food insecurity.  Lead us to truth and action.
In Jesus name we pray
Amen

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for those in need of regular therapies and treatments that must now be postponed: God, help them to stay patient and positive.

Thursday

18

Lament for Drought, Deforestation and Flood

Deforestation is brought about by humans, and drought and flood have been seen as “natural” disasters. But climate change is accelerated by deforestation, and drought and flood are expected to become more frequent and more severe in many parts of the world as a result.

Drought turns farmland to dustbowl,
drains rivers, lays bare the soil.
Gardens wither, livestock die,
people lose heart, communities crumble.

How long, O Lord, how long?
Refresh the parched and thirsty earth.
Revive our flagging spirits.
When will you give us the water of life?

Deforestation shreds the landscape,
leaches soil, poisons rivers.
Smoke hangs in the air, rainfall patterns change,
birds and animals lose their habitat, cultures and people die.

How long, O Lord, how long?
Rebuke the greed for land.
Regenerate the stricken forests.
When will the trees clap their hands at your salvation?

Floods wash away soil, flatten crops, ruin homes.
Drinking water fails, disease spreads, fear clings,
livelihoods lie buried in mud,
animals and people drown.

How long, O Lord, how long?
Restore the soaked and tattered land.
Relieve the suffering people.
Are you not our strong rock and refuge?

The Anglican Church of Australia

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for business leaders making difficult decisions that affect the lives of their employees: God, give these women and men wisdom, and help them to lead self-sacrificially.

Friday

19

So Will I (100 Billion X)

God of creation
There at the start
Before the beginning of time
With no point of reference
You spoke to the dark
And fleshed out the wonder of light

And as You speak
A hundred billion galaxies are born
In the vapour of Your breath the planets form
If the stars were made to worship so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve made
Every burning star
A signal fire of grace
If creation sings Your praises so will I

God of Your promise
You don’t speak in vain
No syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science
Follow the sound of Your voice

And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You say
Every painted sky
A canvas of Your grace
If creation still obeys You so will I

If the stars were made to worship so will I
If the mountains bow in reverence so will I
If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I
For if everything exists to lift You high so will I
If the wind goes where You send it so will I
If the rocks cry out in silence so will I
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times

God of salvation
You chased down my heart
Through all of my failure and pride
On a hill You created
The light of the world
Abandoned in darkness to die

And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You so will I
I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done
Every part designed in a work of art called love
If You gladly chose surrender so will I
I can see Your heart
Eight billion different ways
Every precious one
A child You died to save
If You gave Your life to love them so will I

Like You would again a hundred billion times
But what measure could amount to Your desire
You’re the One who never leaves the one behind

Words and Music by Joel Houston Benjamin Hastings & Michael Fatkin

© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI: 7084123

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDIuedrKMVbFk&v=IuedrKMVbFk&feature=emb_rel_end

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for priest, ministers and church leaders faced with the challenges of social distancing: God, help them to creatively imagine how to pastor their congregants and love their cities well.

Saturday

20

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for Christians in every neighbourhood, community, and city: May your Holy Spirit inspire us to pray, to give, to love, to serve, and to proclaim the gospel, that the name of Jesus Christ might be glorified around the world.

Sunday

21

World Giraffe Day

World Giraffe Day celebrates the longest-necked animal on the longest day or night (depending on which hemisphere you live!) of the year – 21 June – every year!

They are the great sentinels of the plains, towering ambassadors who root the earth to the sky like no other creature on earth.  They are the greatest antelope on earth and tower over existence with a dancer’s walk. The lion has its ferocity, the elephant its power, and the giraffe, its stride. The giraffe tempers Africa with steps of magnificent nonchalance and alertness befitting its height.

But today the grace and poise the giraffe embodies is menaced all over Africa. Giraffes are dying at an alarming rate and could face extinction if the trend doesn’t reverse, according to a new conservation report on animal populations worldwide.

In 2019, the giraffe was re-classified from “least concern” to “vulnerable”, meaning it is “facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future” because of steep population decline.

In the past 30 years, the global giraffe population has declined between 36 percent and 40 percent.  The growing human population is having a negative impact on many giraffe subpopulations. Illegal hunting, habitat loss and changes through expanding agriculture and mining, increasing human-wildlife conflict, and civil unrest are all pushing the species towards extinction. Of the nine subspecies of giraffe, three have increasing populations, whilst five have decreasing populations and only one is stable (southern Africa).

The IUCN currently recognises only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies. However, a 2007 study on the genetics of giraffes, suggested they were six species: the West African, Rothschild’s, reticulated, Masai, Angolan, and South African giraffe.

South Africa has a robust giraffe population at the present time but will need to be closely monitored to ensure that our southern population doesn’t follow the demise of their northern cousins.  It is up to all of us to protect them.

I pray to the Giraffe God that human beings will come to see ourselves as creatures among creatures on a small but beautiful planet, home to so many brilliant forms of life.  I pray that will understand ourselves not merely as stewards or caretakers, but as disciples and acolytes, mentored by the wisdom of other animals and the more-than-human world.  I pray that we will find the humility to say: “Welcome fellow traveller; come, let us learn from you.”   Only then will we be worthy of the love into which we are called.

Jay McDaniel
Open Horizons

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for the church, struggling with faith in the midst of global suffering: God, we believe in your willingness to heal and your power to do so. Help our unbelief.

Monday

22

Conversations with Nature

Although creation may be “wordless,” we can still dialogue with it as St. Francis did. Bill Plotkin suggests a practice of “talking across the species boundaries” in his book Soulcraft that expands upon on contemplative practice of presence to Presence within an ordinary object.

Go wandering [in nature or in your garden]. Bring your journal. . . . Wander aimlessly until you feel called by something that draws your attention, by way of an attraction, a curiosity, an allurement, a repulsion, a fear. . . . Whatever it is, sit and observe it closely for a good length of time. Interact with your senses, offer your full visual and aural attention to the Other. Record in your journal what you observe.

Then introduce yourself, out loud – yes, out loud. . . . Tell this being about yourself. . . . Tell the truth, your deepest, most intimate truth. In addition to ordinary human language, you might choose to speak with song, poetry . . . movement, gesture, dance. Then, using the same speech options, tell that being everything about it you have noticed. . . . Keep communicating no matter what . . . until it interrupts you.

Then stop and listen. Listen with your ears, eyes, nose, skin, intuition, feeling, and imagination. . . . In your journal, record and/or draw what happens. Offer the Other your gratitude and a gift . . . a song, a dance, a lock of hair, praise . . . some water. . . .

Enter your conversations with the Others with the intention of learning about them and developing a relationship, but don’t be surprised if you thereby discover more about yourself.

And, I would add, more about God who created them.

Gateway to Silence:
Brother Sun, Sister Moon, help me see God in all things.

From Richard Rohr’s daily meditations
www.cac.org

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for those who have turned to faith in Jesus for the very first time during this pandemic: God, help our new brothers and sisters grow in the grace and knowledge of our Saviour.

Tuesday

23

God of creation, the earth is yours with all its beauty and goodness,
its rich and overflowing provision.
But we have claimed it for our own,
plundered its beauty for profit, grabbed its resources for ourselves.
God of creation, forgive us.
May we no longer abuse your trust,
but care gently and with justice for your earth.
Amen

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for first responders and frontline health care workers, especially in epicentres of infection: God, reinforce their ranks and strengthen them with supernatural energy.

Wednesday

24

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for those who don’t know Jesus yet but find their hearts stirred by spiritual curiosities and eternal longings: God, in your kindness, lead many to repentance and obedient faith in your Son.

Thursday

25

Deuteronomy 32:11

 ‘Like an eagle that stirs up its nest, that hovers over its young, so the LORD spread out his wings and took him, He lifted him up on his pinions.’

• A nest is a perfect place for a baby eagle to be born.
  But once the eagle has grown, it is destined for the heights of the heavens.
• Don’t settle for earth’s bare rock or for the few sticks you have gathered.
• The Lord has so much more in store for you, so spread your wings and fly.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for bringing me to this point and for providing for me up until this point. I now recognise that You had far more prepared for me and I choose to fly with You. Amen.

Pastor Andrew Roebert
Alive To God

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for companies with the ability (and the mandate) to manufacture much-needed protective equipment for our frontline health care workers: God, establish the work of their hands.

Friday

26

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for transit workers, police officers, and other public servants working tirelessly, often without adequate protection: God, give them stamina every day and keep them from falling ill.

Saturday

27

“Seeing the sun, the moon and the stars, I said to myself, ‘Who could be the Master of these beautiful things?’ I felt a great desire to see him, to know him and to pay him homage.”

Josephine Bakhita

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for nursing homes, rehabilitation centres, and other long-term care facilities: God, encourage the lonely residents and strengthen the staff members who help them. Prevent further spread of infection, and comfort families who can no longer visit their loved ones.

Sunday

28

Father, we praise you with all your creatures.
They came forth from your all-powerful hand;
they are yours, filled with your presence and your tender love.
Praise be to you!
Teach us to contemplate you in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness for every being that you have made.
Give us the grace to feel profoundly joined to everything that is.
God of love, show us our place in this world
as channels of your love for all the creatures of this earth,
for not one of them is forgotten in your sight.
Enlighten those who possess power and money
that they may avoid the sin of indifference,
that they may love the common good, advance the weak,
and care for this world in which we live.
The poor and the earth are crying out.
O Lord, seize us with your power and light,
help us to protect all life,
to prepare for a better future,
for the coming of your Kingdom
of justice, peace, love and beauty
Praise be to You.

Pope Francis,
Laudato Si

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for the incarcerated, who are particularly vulnerable to the spread of this virus: God, give wisdom to prison officials. Protect inmates and staff from both violence and illness. Deliver them all from fear.

Monday

29

“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received – only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.”

St Francis of Assisi 

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for countries in the developing world: God, contain the spread of infection in our world’s most densely populated and poorest cities. Spare countries already burdened with disease and chronic poor health.

Tuesday

30

COVID-19 Pandemic – Today we pray for women and children in abusive situations: God, restrain those who commit harm. Provide protection and rescue for victims and comfort them in their vulnerability.