Climate Prayers address change!
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Isaiah 40:31
But those who trust the LORD will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired.
Week One – Hope amid the heat
Globally 2010 has been the hottest year on record, despite a cold winter in some places. 18 countries have recorded their highest ever temperatures. http://pryr.info/record-heat
There has also been a lot of extreme weather. Last month Pakistan’s floods became officially the ‘worst disaster in UN history’. Russia’s heatwave was ‘the worst in 1000 years’. China suffered its worst floods in more than a decade. West Africa faces hunger as floods followed long drought. Parts of Canada and the US experienced record heat. In Europe there were flash floods. http://pryr.info/extreme-weather
These events match the predictions of human-caused climate change, but using them to scare people into action will fail. As Christians we can hold out the hope of a better, fairer, more fulfilling way of living which also takes good care of God’s creation.
- Pray that all those who are suffering will be brought relief
- Pray that people will give generously who can
- Pray that those who dismiss the dangers of climate change will think again
- Pray that Christians will experience and share the hope of a more fulfilling way of life that is less damaging to God’s creation
Week Two – Russia
Russia’s climate is famously cold. Also Russia is an energy superpower. It is the world’s biggest exporter of energy, supplying 25% of Europe’s oil and 40% of its natural gas.
So for two strong reasons Russia has resisted action against global warming. It wants to go on selling fossil fuels. And it hoped 2 degrees of warming would improve its agriculture. Prime Minister Putin even joked they would need fewer fur coats.
But this year’s unprecedented two-month heatwave (http://pryr.info/russia-heat) may prompt a rethink. In the first half of August temperatures in Moscow were an amazing 15°C above normal. Drought, wild fires and poor air quality caused thousands of deaths, a 33% collapse in wheat crops and a ban on wheat exports. The cost is estimated at $14 billion. It seems global warming will be risky wherever we live.
- Give thanks that the Russian heatwave has ended.
- Pray those who have suffered from the heat will be comforted and restored.
- Pray Russia will use its fossil fuel reserves responsibly not just for its own quick profit.
- Pray Russia’s leaders will work with the rest of the world to reduce climate change and limit its impacts, especially on the poor.
Week Three – Results of irregular rain in West Africa
The people of West Africa are poor and live by growing their own food. They are absolutely dependent on regular rain.
In 2009 there was drought, so crops were poor. This August the seasonal rainfall was unusually heavy which caused extensive flooding. Thousands of homes and farms were destroyed. Crops that had survived the drought were wiped out by floods.
The immediate result is hunger. There are also reports of cholera spread by contaminated water. Aid cannot reach those who need it as roads are washed away.
By 24 August in the Niger’s capital, Niamey, the Niger River rose to its highest level in 80 years. Other countries affected include Burkina Faso, Chad, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Cameroon.
Irregular and heavy rain is one of the expected consequences of climate change.
- Pray for those who have survived the drought and floods but who are left with nothing, that they will have daily bread.
- Pray we will recognise the hungry in Africa as our neighbours who Jesus told us to love.
- Pray the rich countries of the world will act to limit climate change.
Week Four – Nehemiah and climate change?
Nehemiah 3 describes the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. All kinds of unlikely people lent a hand, including priests, goldsmiths and makers of perfumes. Many people said it was impossible, but they did it.
Climate change is an even bigger challenge. Tackling it will need all of us to do our bit. One group we should particularly celebrate are the inventors (http://pryr.info/useful-inventions). Their practical creativity will help build a way of living that is fulfilling as well as sustainable.
Recent inventions to catch the eye include a smart bike from Apple, a diesel hybrid car, a solar-powered charging station for electric vehicles, and a house that generates five times more energy than it uses. Brilliant (probably…).
- Pray for creative minds to engage with the technical challenges of climate change.
- Pray for new technologies to support a way of living which is fulfilling, fair and sustainable.
- Pray for entrepreneurs to create businesses which produce useful goods and service and provide employment without damaging creation.
Final prayer
Our father in heaven, we see many who suffer and much damage done because we have not cared properly for your creation. Forgive us for our carelessness and teach us to live in a way that shows our love for you and for our neighbours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
