Written by Jonathan Miller and Rev. Jennifer Mills-Knutsen, American International Church in London. Permission for use and adaptation. Version as adapted by members of the UU Fellowship of Paris.
As leaders around the world gather in Glasgow for COP 26 to address the crisis of climate change, we gather in our places of worship to join them in spirit, prayer and petition for justice.
Let us have a time of silence.
We hold the earth in the light of love. We call the leaders at COP 26 to bold and urgent commitments, call ourselves to personal and collective action, and call on all that is holy to sustain and empower us.
Spirit of Life, the world in which we live is filled with beauty and marvels. Yet our abuse and misuse of our planet has led to a world where resources are scarce, droughts are commonplace, wildfires rage and floodwaters rise. Forgive us for not caring deeply and radically enough, especially as that apathy enables destruction and dislocation among our most vulnerable communities and neighbours.
As our world turns its focus on the leaders gathering for COP26 in Glasgow, may their hearts be generous, their commitments deep and their assurances more than just hollow chatter. Now is the time for meaningful action to support all of creation.
May the unity brought by our shared humanity and shared planet surpass all that divides us. May our leaders act with wisdom and compassion. And may we be moved to act in concert with the pledges made—and in concert with all that is sacred.
Amen.
Holding Earth in the Light: A Time of Prayer and Petition for COP 26