Praying for Peace and Justice on August 2, 2026
The sun and moon appear red with anger from the smoke of fires, oceans are weeping and Earth is mourning losses of God’s creation.
Saving one animal of God’s creation can save many more in the ever present interdependent diverse web of life on Earth. Such is the aim of explorer Joel Sartore’s Photo Ark project, supported by the National Geographic Society.
Freshwater fanshell mussels rely on darter fish,…for their survival. Mussel larvae attach for weeks to darters, where they absorb vital nutrients to develop. A single mature freshwater mussel can clean up to 15 gallons of water in a day, keeping waterways healthy for all creatures that depend on them, but water pollution and habitat fragmentation have pummeled many of these freshwater mussels to the edge of extinction—they’re the most endangered group of animals in the U.S.
We are sad, mad and afraid in the face of existential threats to life. These are signals meant to help us survive and sense with courage what needs protecting with our loving compassion.
Help us, O Creator of life, to be caretakers and replenish this exquisite garden of life.
Ospreys on East Coast are declining due to the changes in climate that impact breeding times, nest building timing, and habitat decline with rising sea levels.
Help us, O Creator of Osprey, whale and songbird, to restore balance with Earth’s ecosystems.
You made this beautiful Earth with capacity to adjust cool and buffer extreme temperatures with oceans and forests, but for 200 years, we’ve been powering the global economy with fossil fuels from our dead plant and animal ancestors.
O Sustainer of life, guide us to act justly by supporting leaders that promote clean energy paths toward a life sustaining society, from a great unraveling to a great flourishing.
O Ground of all being and heart of life, restore us to make peace with Earth and live with reverence in harmony with all the whole family of creation. May your yearnings be our yearnings in heart and action. *
In Jesus name, who walked on this Earth, loved the sparrow, the lilies and land of his beloved home of Earth our common home. Amen
*John Phillip Newell – Sounds of the Eternal: A Celtic Psalter