COP28 takes place from November 30th to December 12th in UAE. How can we respond?
As Christians we have a vital and extra dimension to our response – we can pray! Over the two weeks of COP28, whenever we see a climate-related news story, let’s offer a prayer for wise, caring, honest and effective outcomes from this gathering.
And as we pray let’s make changes to the way we live and seek to influence organisations and governments.
Prayers from Christian Aid
Prayer for affected communities
Almighty God, as floods, droughts, and wildfires wreck lives, homes, and livelihoods, our hearts break as we recognise the injustice at the heart of the climate crisis- it’s the communities who have done the least to cause it who are most affected. We pray that as these communities’ act to recover from climate disasters, and look to adapt to the changing conditions, you will provide protection for them as you did for Noah and his family. We pray that polluting corporations and nations will listen to the calls of affected communities and change their ways, so all your people may live a full life in peace, love, and prosperity.
Amen
Prayer for justice
Holy Spirit fill us anew with your presence, so that we may burn brightly for God’s glory. Aid us to hate evil and love goodness, so that we may disrupt the unfairness of our earthly world. Help our actions to let justice roll like a river, so God’s heavenly kingdom is built here on earth. Amen
Prayer for world leaders
Jesus Christ, you are the King of Kings, and in your name all things are possible. We pray for our earthly leaders. May they model your leadership of mercy, justice, and love. May their hearts break like yours when they see the destruction and pain that greed has caused to planet and your children. May they work together to seek solutions which benefit all of creation. Amen.
Prayer for collective action
Creator God, you created a world of community, richness, and love. But human greed has brought separation, destruction, and injustice. So, we pray for the opportunities and boldness to act together with others, to break down the barriers of our selfish desires. We pray our collective actions will be driven by wisdom and love, so that we your church will be agents for justice, as we seek a world fruitful for all of creation. In Jesus’ name, Amen