Ahead of the next UN Climate Conference, Pope Francis issues a powerful call to action. Extreme weather events underline the need for urgent action. We lament the destruction associated with conflict. And we pray for nations and negotiators preparing for COP28.
Apologies to all that the October prayer points didn’t go up as usual, due to unforeseen circumstances. We are now putting up an abbreviated version of what would have been the prayer points.
As the Season of Creation begins, we join in the worldwide prayers to ‘let justice and peace flow’! We lament the recent climate disasters and pray for all who suffer. We ask for justice for those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis and yet are suffering some of its worst impacts – and pray for the ‘Make Polluters Pay’ day this month. We pray for important forthcoming meetings – and give thanks for the courage of young people and the citizens of Ecuador as they show that positive action is possible!
Download the September 2023 Prayer Points
As we prepare for the Season of Creation, we look around our world and see what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called the ‘era of global boiling’. Lamenting the destruction and asking God’s forgiveness for our part in it, we pray for brothers and sisters – and for all of creation – affected by the heat.
Some progress has been made this month to reduce emissions from shipping, and we give thanks to that. We also raise before God three key areas that will be negotiated at the climate talks in Dubai this November. And, acutely aware of the pressures on politicians in some countries, we pray for progress rather than polarisation and partisanship in national climate responses. Join us!
Download the August 2023 prayer points
‘The heat is on’ as countries around the world experience record-breaking temperatures, while negotiators struggle to make progress in the UN climate talks. We give thanks for signs of climate action – increases in renewable capacity, a key referendum in Switzerland, progress to halt deforestation in Brazil, the Church of England’s decision to divest from fossil-fuel companies. And conscious how much more needs to be done, we pray or all affected by the heat and all working to take forward meaningful action in the global climate negotiations and also at national and local level.
Download the July 2023 prayer points.
This month starts with celebrations of the Trinity and thanksgiving for God’s creation – and our opening reflection links the two. We give thanks for effective action to limit certain pollutants and pray for a treaty that will curb plastic production and pollution. We pray for those affected by the East African drought and lament climate injustice. We pray for the phase-out of fossil fuels to move forward – and ask God to bless our work as individuals, groups, churches, and societies.
Download the June 2023 Prayer Points
In May we celebrate Pentecost, and we give thanks for the Holy Spirit, which moved over the waters at Creation and inspires God’s people today, as through the centuries. We pray for people suffering extreme heat – and for action to curb the emissions that are heating our air and oceans. We give thanks for the diversity of creation, and pray for the implementation of the landmark treaty to protect and build back biodiversity. We pray for debt and trade justice to help countries deal with the climate crisis. And we give thanks for areas where there has been progress in recent years.
Download the May Prayer Points.
We celebrate Christ’s resurrection – and the promise it offers for us and for all creation. As creation continues to groan in anticipation of redemption, we note the urgency for action, pray for those affected by climate impacts, ask God to inspire governments and people with the will to act, and give thanks for those areas where we see progress.
Download the April Prayer Points.
Some questions for Lent – and a look at what it means to reduce emissions in a way that is just. These are items for prayer, as are the floods that have affected so many parts of the world. There’s inspiration, too, from Ghana, the Anglican Communion, and relating to the rise of renewables. Join us in prayer!
Download the March 2023 Prayer Points.
Lent is approaching, and we consider how we can use the time to listen to creation and discern God’s call to us. February also brings the 1st anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and we pray for a just peace, and for a resolution to the many issues the war has caused. We celebrate Fairtrade, with its call to climate justice, lament the heating of the oceans, and rejoice in the potential for positive change. Join in prayer!
Download the February 2023 Prayer Points