As the group of 20 (G20) leaders of the richest nations get ready to meet together in Brisbane, Australia on 16th November 2014, the Anglican Alliance is calling for dedicated prayer to ensure the decisions made are for the benefit of all and improve the lives of the most vulnerable.
The G20 is the premier forum for its members’ international economic cooperation and decision-making. This year they will discuss to discuss ways to strengthen the global economy and implement the key economic reforms that are needed in each member economy.
God of cool breezes and warm sun.God of oceans, rivers and streams.God of green growth, and nourishing food, feed us by your grace to make wise decisions for all creation.(Prayer from the Diocese of Perth, Australia)
Oceans of Justice
Since the beginning of the year the Anglican Alliance has been supporting churches and agencies across the Pacific who are petitioning the Australian government, the hosts of the G20 this year, to put climate change on the agenda.
With the petition submitted and the final preparations being put in place, all we can do is hope and pray that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard.
Together, across the Anglican Communion, in every region, we will pray for good leadership, wisdom and justice to be at the heart of the G20 meeting this year, and for action for those suffering every day the devastating effects of climate change.
Earlier this year the Diocese of Perth held an event to pray and take action for the Oceans of Justice campaign. Some of their prayers can be seen at the end of this article – you can use these to guide you as you pray for the G20 and for our world.
Operation Noah
We will also take part in Operation Noah, with the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, which is an initiative to mobilise Christians to fast, pray or hold a vigil on the 1st day of every month. An event to launch the year of prayer will be held on Saturday 1st November 2014 with services in London, Brighton, Lancaster, Coventry and Oxford – other venues are very likely to be added. Operation Noah are hosting the central launch service at St John’s Waterloo in London, UK.
EXPOSED
The EXPOSED campaign against corruption is also encouraging people to pray for decisions of the G20 that will tackle corrupt behaviour.
They have ten days of prayer planned in November to cover the events happening for EXPOSED in Brisbane. The prayers will begin on Friday 7th November 2014 as a weekend of worship begins, and will finish ten days later on the final day of the G20 Summit.
Each day has a different focus to correspond with what is happening in Brisbane. There is a quote from a Christian leader, a Bible verse and a prayer. More details will be on the EXPOSED website at http://www.exposedcampaign.com
Join us in prayer and see God’s justice reign at the G20.
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Prayers from the Diocese of Perth
Loving Father,
May your presence be felt by those affected by our destruction of your creation. May we learn from our mistakes and take action to care for your universe. We thank you for your spirit that blows through the world.
God of unbounding grace,
We pray for all those being impacted by climate change. Be with them Lord in their trouble and distress. May they have hope in you and your people that care for your world and want to make a difference.
Heavenly Father,
We give you thanks for the beauty of your creation. Be with all those who are experiencing the effects of climate change, comfort and protect them. Teach us to be good stewards of this world. That we would not forget each other, that we could come to know each other. That we might grow and change as we need to, and forgive each other’s weaknesses. We are all in this together.
God,
Have mercy on those who suffer from our consumption and rapacity. Forgive us for careless stewardship. Stir up a spirit of reverence for what you created and sustain.
Lord,
May peace and hope undergird those whose world is changing around them in ways they cannot control or understand. Let their trust be in you to keep and provide all their needs.
May the Lord,
Bless and keep those who struggle with the impact of climate change on their lives. Give us wisdom to care for our planet.
Loving God,
Surround those effected by climate change with your love and grace, in weakness be their strength, in despair be their hope, and in darkness be their light. In Jesus name.
Loving God,
May your healing grace rest on those communities experiencing rising ocean levels and declining rainfall as a result of climate change.
Creative God,
You bless our world with an environment that sustains us and inspires us. Help us, as the creature made in your image and likeness, to show your energy for life in how we relate to and respect the creation to which we are bound. Give us insight and courage to enact a change of behaviour that demonstrate this. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Dear God our Father,
I pray that those who use more of the Earth’s good resources may; moved by love and compassion, take more responsibility for the environmental consequences of that use. In Jesus’ name.
Spirit of Truth and Life:
Reveal to our hearts that our privileged lives are destroying your beautiful earth. Reveal to our hearts the suffering and loss we are causing for millions of our sisters and brothers. Reveal to our hearts your way of justice, mercy, and compassion and cause us to live carefully for all creation.
Creator,
Awaken us to the outcomes of our choices, open our eyes teach us your universal laws and how to live by them, so all may live in peace.
Creator God,
We repent and are sorry for our sins which have had an adverse impact on our brothers and visions. May our actions be informed by our love for Christ and his family.
Loving father,
Help us all to live so that we care for our planet in such a way that it does not cause distress to others. May those already disadvantaged be helped to relocate and be aware that we are willing to help.
Dear Lord,
We pray that we may show active compassion to all who have lost their land, livelihood and home as a result of our need and greed. May safe havens be found for them and a future of justice and hope.
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In the picture: Group prayer as part of the Exposed campaign in Bayugan, Agusan Del Sur, Philippines. Credit: Micah Challenge
