Day 21: A Holistic Approach

Pope Francis, Laudato Si: 139

A Relationship Between Nature and Human Society.

When we speak of the “environment”, what we really mean is a relationship existing between nature and the society which lives in it. Nature cannot be regarded as something separate from ourselves or as a mere setting in which we live. We are part of nature, included in it and thus in constant interaction with it. Recognizing the reasons why a given area is polluted requires a study of the workings of society, its economy, its behavior patterns, and the ways it grasps reality. Given the scale of change, it is no longer possible to find a specific, discrete answer for each part of the problem. It is essential to seek comprehensive solutions which consider the interactions within natural systems themselves and with social systems. We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.
Laudato Si # 139

In many Presbyteries there used to be vegetable gardens that could be brought back to a productive life with the help of the present communities.  Why not launch such projects as a brotherly love initiative that will put the earth to good use and have multiple benefits in its communal spirit?

Psalm of God's creation

Under the heavens majesty and splendor
Of infinite nature, all so great, all so small,
Under the starry vault that is a robe to thee,
And with our brother Sun, I will proclaim:

 My God, how great thou art, how great
The living God, the highest,
Thou art the God of Love! 
My God how great thou art, how beautiful,
The living God, in the highest,
God present in all His creation! 

Over all the high seas and over all oceans,
On all the continents, and on all the rivers, 
Crossing through fires ablaze as through the Burning Bush,
Riding the wings of wind, I will proclaim: 

My God, how great thou art, how great,
The living God, the highest,
Thou art the God of Love! 
My God how great thou art, how great,
The living God, the highest,
God present in all His creation! 

Over all the mountains, and though all the valleys,
In the shaded forests, among flowers in fields
With all the buds on trees, the grass in the meadows,
Holding wheat aplenty, I will proclaim:
My God, how great thou art, how great,
The living God, the highest,
Thou art the God of Love! 
My God how great thou art, how great,
The living God, the highest,
God present in all His creation! 

With all the animals on the earth and the seas,
Hearing the songs of birds and the hymn to all life,
Seeing man created, thy work and thy image,
And with all thy children, I will proclaim:

 My God, how great thou art, how great,
The living God, the highest,
Thou art the God of Love! 
My God, how great thou art, how great,
The living God, the highest,
God present in all His creation! 

Original French text by Patrick Girard

Prayer for the Earth by Patrick Richard

God almighty, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures,

You surround all that exists with your tender love,

Give us, we pray, the strength of your love so that we may protect life and beauty.

Bless us with your peace so we live as brothers and sisters doing no harm to anyone.

God of the poor, help us to care for those who are abandoned and forgotten on this earth, because they are most valued in your eyes.

Heal our lives, so we can be the world's caregivers, and not its plunderers, so that we may sow beauty and not destroy it. 

Touch the hearts of those who seek only profits at the expense of the environment and of the poor.

Teach us to discover the value of all things, 

Teach us to marvel, and teach us to contemplate,

Teach us to understand that we are all related to all creatures that cross our path as we walk toward your infinite light.

We thank you God because you are present with us everyday.

Sustain us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, for love and for peace.

Prayer for our Earth By Pope Francis

Press "Pray" to load the Community Prayer, and follow it up with one "Our Father", ending your prayer of the week!

* Pope Francis published this prayer in his encyclical 'Laudato Si' ; it is meant to be shared with everyone who believes in God, the all-powerful Creator.

Community prayer

Prayer for the Earth

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes. Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognize that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light. We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.

Thank you! 43 people prayed

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Col 4:6

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