prayer news for june

Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Week One – Lake Chad is shrinking fast

Dust storm near Lake Chad (green smudge, bottom left). NASA

Lake Chad has lost 90% of its water due to climate change (Hammed Shittu). It was the world’s sixth largest lake and bordered Chad, Niger, Nigeria & Cameroon. It provided fresh water to 30 million people.

Ewah Eleri, of  the International Centre for Energy, Environment & Development, says Nigeria is facing ‘accelerated environmental degradation’, including desertification, ocean surge, floods and erosion due to deforestation and climate change.

He adds, many villages have been overtaken by dunes as the Sahara advances 3 km per year, and that government and society are failing to rise to the challenge.

• Pray for Nigeria’s government to act wisely and courageously to reduce the environmental impacts of climate change
• Pray for the UN’s Adaptation Fund to provide flexible funding to regions suffering most from the changing climate
• Pray that people around Lake Chad will find alternative sources of fresh water, with help from NGOs and others
• Pray that environmentalists and organisations like ICEED can protect this vital natural resource for future generations

Week Two – dormice decline ‘is slowing down’

Dormice are valuable not just because they are cute

Dormice are small and cute. They are also an important part of local biodiversity. In recent years the loss of woodland and hedgerow habitats have led to them becoming extinct over half their range in England. Dormice are also vulnerable to climate change as warmer winters prevent them hibernating properly.

Now conservationists are encouraged the decline is slowing down. Research says numbers fell by 9% between 2002-8, compared with 31% from 1992-2002. It seems conservation efforts such as coppicing hazel woodland and encouraging landowners to be ‘dormouse-friendly’ are paying off.

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species said: “Conservation and monitoring efforts remain a priority if dormice are not to disappear from the British countryside.”

• Give praise for the work of so many volunteers in monitoring, checking and protecting dormice habitats
• Pray that other species at risk from the impact of climate change will not go unnoticed, but receive similar attention and support
• Pray for the work of A Rocha in small reserves around the world – inspiring and training volunteers to improve habitats

Week 3 – Brazil floods displace thousands

Floods engulf north Brazil. Click on photo for more BBC pictures

Weeks of heavy rain in the usually dry north-east of Brazil have left at least 49 people dead. Tens of thousands are homeless after flooding and mudslides, the worst in 20 years.

In Piaui there is a state of emergency in 19 towns and cities. Brazilian authorities say over 400,000 cannot return home. Many small farmers have lost a whole year’s crops. Bad weather is forecast for another fortnight.

Experts say global warming may be behind the wild climate swings that have made dry areas of the Amazon wet, and wet areas dry.

• Pray for the thousands who have had to leave home, unsure if they can ever return
• Pray for farmers who have lost a year’s crop, that they will be supported in the hungry months ahead
• Pray for wisdom for the government; not just to meet immediate needs, but to make far-reaching decisions in adapting to future climate change

Week 4 – Multiplying mice beat big elephants

Jesus taught that individuals could have a large impact by telling others

Which have the most impact – elephants or mice? A pair of elephants take two years to have just one baby. In that time, a pair of mice can easily produce more than 100 million offspring – over 2000 tons of mice! The moral is that multiplying matters more than how big you are to start with. That’s why Jesus talked about being fruitful and told us to ‘go and make disciples!’

• Pray against despair when those in power do little to respond to climate change. Remember the mice…..!
• Pray that many ordinary people will persuade those around them to begin to care (www.twitter.com/climateprayer is a great way to spread the word)
• Pray that everyone who has taken the first steps to better living with low carbon lifestyles will go on to do more (www.amberlinks.org has all sorts of useful information)
• Pray that all of us will be able to love those who we think are wrong

A prayer for God’s will
All powerful, merciful and just God, grant that we poor creatures might do, by your grace, what you want us to do – and to always want what is pleasing to you. Grant that as we are cleansed and enlightened, and inflamed by the fire of the holy spirit, we might follow the footsteps of your beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Francis of Assissi

Better living on low carbon
Produced by Climate Stewards, A Rocha’s global programme to help people respond to climate change. For more about ‘better living on low carbon’, visit www.climatestewards.net

Daily prayer updates
For more frequent climate prayer items, check twitter.com/climateprayer. Spread the word.

prayer news for may

Jeremiah 17:10
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve.”

Week One – dramatic changes at north and south poles

Adelies like it cold

In Antarctica scientists from Rutger Uni have seen how global warming is altering the food chain. The distribution of plankton has changed. Adelie penguins numbers have dropped. High winds churn deeper water which releases CO2, and leads to more warming. Elsewhere the established Wilkins iceshelf is in retreat.
In the Arctic, a Norway Government report has confirmed thawing permafrost, melting glaciers on Greenland, reduced sea-ice, warmer seas and black carbon. Meanwhile the Catlin Arctic Survey has taken 1100 measurements and found only ‘new ice’. The old ice seems hard to find.

• Pray for the safety and success of scientists battling extreme weather and technical difficulties to find the truth
• Pray the findings of this research from distant places will be taken seriously and acted upon closer to home

Week Two – weighing trees in Ghana

How much carbon in this tree planted a year ago?

A Rocha Ghana  is currently analysing soil samples, counting leaves, and weighing trees to measure precisely the carbon benefits of tree planting by Climate Stewards on more than a dozen sites since 2007. This is partly to gain accreditation for the project to the standards of the Climate Community Biodiversity Alliance. But it is also to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and document the methodology so that others will be encouraged and enabled to reproduce the project in other places and do even more.

As CO2 in the atmosphere keeps going up, it seems vital to capture CO2 by growing new forest and at the same time protect people and wildlife most at risk from climate change.

• Pray for the team in Ghana, especially safety in travel
• Pray for good growing conditions and relationships with local people
• Pray for resources to plant more, especially in these difficult times

Week Three – churches invest in renewables

Sun to power the Vatican. Will others follow suit?

The Vatican plans to create Europe’s largest solar power plant and become the world’s first solar powered nation – impressive, even if they are also the smallest. As well as powering its own 40,000 households, the Vatican will export power to Italy.

Churches in Cyprus have also invested heavily in solar voltaic panels. There are often too many panels to fit onto the church roofs so they are placed elsewhere in the community. In Europe many churches are aligned East to West providing south-facing roofs ideal for solar panels.

• Pray for the success of these church plans
• Pray that many other churches will follow this good example and give a lead to the rest of society
• Pray for many to catch the vision of renewable energy

Week Four – for people who never make the headlines

People are more than a point on a map

A traveler recently brought greetings from African friends, Stanley and Carol, on the Kenyan coast. He also told me of the long drought there that has emptied water tanks and fueled water-supply corruption. As we read statistics it is easy to forget  the greatest impacts of climate change will be felt by millions of ordinary but valuable people with few resources to deal with extreme weather that makes their lives hard. Usually this happens out of sight of the media.

• Pray for the thousands in Namibia, Zambia, Burundi and elsewhere in southern Africa who have been affected by floods (see map)
• Pray for the water people in Bolivia who have lived there since before the Incas. Now the river Lauca has gone and they must go too.
• Pray for 350,000 still struggling to recover from Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar a year ago
• Pray for those on the Kenya coast who have no rain (no media link – personal)
• Pray for those in north-east Brazil whose homes have been washed away (no media link – personal)

Prayer
Lord, you are the God of the resurrection. In you lies our hope for transformation. You have shown us a glimpse of the mountain-top, and we will keep walking that path with you. Give us the vision to see how things can be, and help us work together to achieve this. Clothe our leaders with humility and grace to put actions before words, and bring greater justice and sustainability in this world.

Better living on low carbon
Produced by Climate Stewards, A Rocha’s global programme to help people respond to climate change. For more about ‘better living on low carbon’, visit www.climatestewards.net

Daily prayer updates
For more frequent climate prayer items, check twitter.com/climateprayer. Spread the word.

prayer news for april

John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men.”

Week One – G-20 Crisis Meeting

Will world leaders put people first?

Our world has been living beyond its means financially and environmentally, while the most vulnerable suffer the consequences. The financial crisis means that G-20 leaders will discuss radical new policy solutions when they meet in London this week.

The G-20 is made up of the finance ministers and central bankers of the world’s most influential countries – Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the UK,  the USA, and the EU. The IMF and World Bank also attend. Together they represent 90% of global GNP, 80% of world trade, and 65% of the world’s population.

We worship a God of justice and power, and we place our hope in him to work through these leaders to bring about a low-carbon economy that is fairer, more sustainable and more fulfilling.

• Pray for wisdom for the G-20 leaders as they seek to solve the global financial crisis
• Pray they will aim to sustain the environment and limit the impact of climate change on people who are most vulnerable
• Pray for Christians to show their concerns through prayer, fasting and speaking out
• Pray that any public demonstrations will be peaceful and constructive. Remember those marching peacefully in London as part of the Put People First rally on 28 March.

Week Two – Forests

Update reader Cindy sent this photo of dying forest in British Columbia. NASA’s image confirms the scale of damage (red)

The State of the World’s Forests 2009 has just been published. This comprehensive report (168 pages) from the FAO shows forests are essential for the world’s biodiversity and adaptation to climate change, and that they are at risk. It expresses huge concern over the future of the Amazon rain forest.

In the US and Canada pine beetles have multiplied because of dry summers and warmer winters, and are destroying millions of acres of pine forest. Mile after mile of dead trees will affect fire risk, water supply, biodiversity, livelihoods and even increase emissions of CO2. It is vital that the carbon in the wood is kept locked up in a useful way.

• Pray for wisdom for forest managers in dealing with beetles and dead trees
• Pray for cold weather to reduce the beetle populations
• Pray that the people and animals who depend on the forests will be able to adapt
• Pray for a wider appreciation of trees in preserving biodiversity, protecting soils and reducing climate change

Week Three – Water Stress in Lebanon

How long will the Aammiq wetlands stay wet?

Chris Naylor works in the Aammiq wetlands with A Rocha Lebanon. He reports everyone is talking about the weather. There was almost no rain and snow in the winter, followed by spectacular storms in February. After three winters with little rain, the wetland stayed dry late into February – a record. Then water levels rose faster than ever – 2 metres in 10 days! Overall groundwater levels have fallen, springs and wetlands have dried up, and rivers, such as the Litani, no longer flow in dry seasons.

Water stress will be a major implication of climate change in the region. This will affect biodiversity, human welfare and international relations. A Rocha Lebanon is developing projects to help during longer dry spells, eg by digging deep refuge pools. But it seems the wetland is warning us – climate change is beginning to bite.

• Pray for the Aammiq wetlands, that local people and wildlife will adapt to rapidly changing conditions
• Pray for all scientists studying the climate – for clear conclusions, good relationships, creative solutions and respect for creation
• Pray for growing awareness of the seriousness of the changing weather patterns
• Pray for peace in regions where water stress could add to local tensions

Week Four – United Church Action

Jesus: ‘I pray that all of them may be one…’

Churches across Europe have been working together to provide a Biblical prophetic voice to the EU on climate change policy. They are concerned the latest evidence shows EU targets are inadequate. At least 40% reductions in emissions from 1990 levels by 2020 now seems necessary, plus funding to poorer nations to help them adapt. The Archbishop of Canterbury and other church leaders have sent an urgent letter to UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. To download the letter for your own use together with a techical briefing, click here

• Pray that the letters sent to Gordon Brown and other EU leaders would have a real impact on decision-making
• Pray that EU Ministers revise their emission targets to limit long-term global warming to less than 2 degrees Celcius
• Pray that churches across the world will be united in calling for respect for God’s creation and their neighbours who live in it

Prayer
Christ has no body on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours; yours are the eyes through which to look with Christ’s compassion on the world, yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good, and yours are his hands with which to bless us now. – St Teresa of Avila

Better living on low carbon
This Climate Prayer Update was produced by Climate Stewards, A Rocha’s global programme to help people respond to climate change. To find out more about ‘better living on low carbon’, visit www.climatestewards.net

prayer news for march

Matthew 6:9-10
[Jesus said:] “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven: May your holy name be honored; may your Kingdom come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Week One – Droughts and Fires

Bushfire in Australia. Photo: Bernardoh

Climate change can mean drought, which increases the risk of fire. So the recent bushfires in Australia in which 210 people died came after a 12 year drought and the driest start to the year since records began in 1850. A contact in Singapore reports record numbers of bushfires – 182 fires in January compared to a ten-year average of 26. A spokesman said the increase was due to prolonged dry weather. Fires give off large quantities of CO2 which contribute to more climate change. Another contact says drought is affecting the Sea of Galilee.

• Pray for all who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods through fire
• Pray that the renewed threat of more fires in Australia will reduce
• Pray for the safety of firefighters and volunteers

Week Two – Birds

Curlew on shore. Photo: cradlehall2008

Every spring, migrating curlews fly over our home. This year they were a month early. A recent major report says climate change is impacting birds in Europe. As average temperatures rise a few species have increased, but 75% of species have declined. Some, such as the Scottish crossbill, may be lost.

Do birds matter? They are a beautiful part of God’s creation. Jesus said not even a sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing. Practically they are a vital part of life-supporting ecosystems. In 1958 when sparrows were killed in China to stop them eating grain, locusts increased and there was a famine in which millions died.

• Thank God for the beauty and practical value of birds
• Pray that decisions to tackle climate change will take into account the needs of all of creation

Week Three – Peaceful Persuasion

Put people first at London Summit

As I write there are demonstrations in Washington against coal and in Scotland against airports. Protest can be divisive. But campaigns for civil rights, to end slavery, or cancel third world debt show the effectiveness of people exercising their freedom of speech in public for a just cause. The church was then in the forefront, speaking out constructively and peacefully.

On 28 March thousands of Christians will gather in London as part of a demonstration in response to G20 leaders meeting that week to tackle the financial crisis. The rally will encourage leaders to consider the impact on the poor and to make clear, fair and forward-looking policies for jobs, justice and climate change, not just profit.

Christians will start with a church service in Westminster, then join a march to Hyde Park. More at www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk/whats-happening/church-service/

• Pray that all climate demonstrations will be peaceful and constructive
• Pray for the London rally, that Christians will take part to witness to God’s  concerns, and Christian speakers will be able to share a loving and inspiring call for justice
• Pray media coverage will be balanced and accurate
• Pray the G20 leaders will make make good and wise decisions for jobs, justice and climate change

Week Four – New CLIMATESTEWARDS Site Launched

Click on image to visit

The new international Climate Stewards website in English has launched at www.climatestewards.net. We are already working on other new sites for particular countries and in more languages. We hope our distinctive Christian view of climate change will inspire many to action, of all faiths and none.

We emphasise hope, not fear. We want to engage lots of ordinary non- environmentalists – we are all beginners. Every small action has its own impact, deepens our commitment, and is an invitation to others to join in.

• Pray lots of people will come to the sites and take the first steps to action: get updates, make a small regular donation, and tell someone
• Give thanks for our wonderful volunteer team. And pray for more programmers, editors, adminstrators, writers, project managers, translators… – please get in touch
• Pray that income from the sites will continue to grow to fund our projects in Ghana and Peru to absorb CO2, help local communities, and protect biodiversity

Our Father in heaven
Thank you for your love for us and for your creation that you sustain every day. Thank you too for the privilege of being part of your purposes here on earth. In these dark times, help us to show faith, hope and love to those around us.
Amen

Better living on low carbon

This Climate Prayer Update was produced by Climate Stewards, A Rocha’s global programme to help people respond to climate change. To find out more about ‘better living on low carbon’, visit www.climatestewards.net

earth hour 2009

It’s simple. Turn off your lights for One Hour on Saturday, March 28th. For details you know what to do.

prayer news for january

Isaiah 60: 2-3
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Week One – Huarango forests in Peru
A Rocha Peru have noticed changes in Peru’s climate with hotter summers and colder winters. Drought has also become a problem in recent years.

Huarango forests (Prosopis sp) in Peru’s southern coastal desert region are a natural brake on climate change and its impacts. Huarango trees grow fast and live up to 1000 years, so they are good at locking up CO2. Their roots resist land erosion, their fruit is nutritious and local people earn a living by collecting their seed. They are also a vital habitat for wildlife. However, this is one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. Much forest has been lost to logging and intensive agriculture.

Climate Stewards and A Rocha Peru, with support from LatinLink and the Watersheds Foundation, are beginning a Huarango forest restoration project in Ica. International standards require community consultation, baseline studies, sequestration projections, and risk management strategies. With a funding strategy based on grants and donations to offset, Climate Stewards hopes to plant 100,000 new Huarango trees over 1000 hectares in five years

• Pray for the national committee of A Rocha Peru and their partners, Grupo Aves del Peru, that God will guide them and give them wisdom in leadership
• Give praise that Peru’s government has created a new Ministry of the Environment, putting Antonio Brack, a well-known and respected ecologist in charge. Pray that this Ministry will have real impact.
• Pray for Carlos Panduro, a Forestry engineer who will be in charge of the Huarango restoration project
• Pray for Oliver Whalley, manager of a sister project supported by Kew Gardens, as he seeks funding and works with partners in Peru.

Week Two – Decision makers update
The international Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland ended on Saturday, 13 December having been attended by 11,000 participants. The UN said, it ‘advanced international cooperation on a future climate change regime’ and ‘brought progress on key issues.’ Some non-government participants described it as unambitious, or even a failure. Just about everyone agreed that much more needs to be achieved at the all-important meeting in Copenhagen in 7-18 December 2009 when the world must decide what it will do about climate change. Only 340 days to go!

• Pray in the coming year that the peoples of the world will develop a sense of common purpose under God to tackle climate change even in an economic downturn
• Pray that the organisers of Copenhagen 2009 will plan wisely and with a sense of urgency
• Pray that those who make decisions at Copenhagen 2009 will be freed to act in the interests of all and not just themselves and their friends

Week Three – Flexibility and learning in Ghana
In Ghana, Climate Stewards is preparing for the 2009 planting season which begins in May depending on the rain. In April we will decide how many areas we can afford to plant and, just as important, to sustain for years to come. Flexibility is vital for effective planning and risk-management.

Continuous learning is also important. Researchers have made very helpful suggestions on how to improve the accuracy of our CO2 sequestration calculations by comparing the growth of original species on each site and the trees species we plant. Now we can use samples from our actual sites to refine our projections.

• Pray for A Rocha’s new Conservation Project Director, Dr Martin Kaonga, a specialist in forest carbon, as he works to maximise the multiple benefits of our projects, including CO2 sequestration.
• Pray for A Rocha Ghana’s Project Managers Emmanuel Akom, in Kumasi, and Daryl Bosu, in Damongo, as they ensure tree seedlings are grown in the right quantities and to the right quality
• Pray for the selection and induction of new schools becoming involved in tree planting

Week Four – Changes in the USA
Carbon emissions in the USA are among the highest in the world. While the US Government refused to commit itself to reducing carbon emissions, many US states and cities have independently committed themselves to reductions. Also President-elect Obama has indicated his intention that the USA will play a significant role in tackling climate change. A Rocha USA have asked for prayer, particularly in this significant New Year which may bring many changes:

• Pray for wisdom for A Rocha US in knowing how to approach evangelical Christians in the USA who are still wary of climate change
• Pray that US Christians will be receptive to the call to care for God’s creation in the light of climate change, looking at their lifestyles and manufacturing processes
• Pray for swift and meaningful action from the federal government on climate change treaties, legislation and action
• Pray for President-elect Obama as he takes up office, that among all the urgent challenges responding to climate change will remain a key priority

A Franciscan blessing
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half truths, and indifferent relationships,
So that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
For those who face pain, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To change their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Better living on low carbon
This Climate Prayer Update was produced by Climate Stewards, A Rocha’s global programme to help people respond to climate change. To find out more about ‘better living on low carbon’, visit www.climatestewards.net

tell merkel to be a climate leader again

Last year Chancellor Merkel presented herself as a climate hero, vowing to cut greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy and establish a robust Emissions Trading Scheme. This time around, at the UN climate talks in Poland, Merkel is undermining the negotiations.

Without her support, the EU climate package will likely fail, and with it the crucial global climate talks. But there is still hope, if Chancellor Merkel — who is highly sensitive to her international reputation — receives thousands of messages from around the world urging her to maintain a strong commitment to climate change, we’ll have a chance to influence the final climate deal that will be agreed at the end of this week.

» send your personal message to Merkel

europe: climate crunch time

Source: www.avaaz.org

Dear friends,

While the world’s attention is elsewhere, the global negotiations to tackle the climate crisis are finally reaching crunch point. World leaders gather in Poland this week to hammer out a deal that should lead to a new and powerful global treaty, but Italy and Poland are aggressively undermining the talks, while Germany, normally a climate champion, stands idly by.

For our future, we need to urgently influence these 3 European leaders — Merkel, Berlusconi and Tusk — before their negotiators finally sit down at the global climate table. If they don’t change course in these coming days, Europe will fail to reach a unified position, which could literally unravel the entire global process.

That’s why Avaaz has urgently dispatched members of our team to Poland and Belgium, to help stem the tide. We’ve secured urgent face-to-face meetings with key climate negotiators later this week but real numbers are needed to make all our voices heard. Add your name to the urgent global climate petition here and help take our call to action to the heart of the negotiations:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/europe_climate_crunch_time

For the last year, the US, Canada, and Japan have been the worst obstructionists in climate talks – as we exposed early in Bali. But now, Bush, Fukuda and Harper are gone or heading out the door. A breakthrough could be near at hand as we approach the final stretch… if only Europe weren’t on the verge of abandoning its ambitious climate program.

Coal and heavy industry lobbies are using the financial crisis as a smokescreen to block progress. Italy and Poland threaten to pull the European Union away from the ambitious goals set last year. Germany is staying silent. As a result, the European Union is deadlocked in Brussels — and ineffective at the United Nations talks. But we must succeed this week to have any chance of building the road map to the final UN meeting in Copenhagen next year.

In all three countries, it’s not too late. We can show these governments that their own citizens and the rest of the world will not settle for anything less than strong climate action. Avaaz is commissioning independent opinion polls on climate in all three countries, building a massive global petition for delivery in meetings and stunts at the UN and EU talks, and launching a major media campaign to shame, cajole, and encourage EU leaders to do the right thing.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/europe_climate_crunch_time

Before Obama takes the helm, the next step in the world’s response to climate change depends on European leadership. Here’s what we need Europe to bring to the global table: 30% emissions cut by 2020 if a global deal is reached, 100% auctioning of permits, and a strict compliance regime to ensure targets are met. The EU’s climate policy will electrify or dampen the international negotiations in Poland, while setting the stage for the final meeting in Copenhagen.

For all of us who have ever been concerned about climate change, now’s the time to send a message calling for leadership and vision. By the time we reach the new year, Europe’s policy will be sealed, and with it much of the global response to the climate crisis.

With determination,

Ben, Luis, Iain, Graziela, Brett, Paula, Ricken, Alice, Pascal, Milena, Veronique — and the rest of the Avaaz team

ABOUT AVAAZ
Avaaz.org is an independent, not-for-profit global campaigning organization that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people inform global decision-making. (Avaaz means “voice” in many languages.) Avaaz receives no money from governments or corporations, and is staffed by a global team based in Ottawa, London, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Buenos Aires, and Geneva.

prayer news for december

Psalm 19:1-3
The heavens declare the glory of God;
The skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
Night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Week One – Decision makers

Today the year’s most important global talks on climate change start in Poznan, Poland. The two-week UN conference is a last chance to prepare for Copenhagen 2009 when more ambitious targets will be agreed to replace those reached in Kyoto. The good news is that President-elect Barack Obama has pledged the US will play a full part. After much lobbying by many, including A Rocha and Climate Stewards, the UK government has passed a Climate Change bill which commits the UK to reducing carbon emissions by 80% of 1997 levels by 2050. This is good news, even though aviation and shipping are omitted.

• Pray for leaders around the world, especially in Poznan, that they will understand the key issues over climate change and have the courage to take action
• Pray for Barack Obama in the weeks before he takes office, for wisdom, courage and vision and in particular as he appoints environmental advisors
• Give thanks for the UK Climate Change bill

Week Two – Glaciers in Tibet
On the Tibetan Plateau at 7000m there are 15,000 glaciers which feed the huge Indus and Brahmaputra rivers in South Asia. A recent study has shown these high-altitude reservoirs are melting very fast. For example, the Naimona’nyi Glacier has lost all the ice it had accumulated since 1944. This means hundreds of millions of people will be threatened with both water shortages and floods. More details at www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/11/25/2428885.htm

• Give thanks for scientists doing crucial climate research in very difficult conditions
• Pray for the media who report scientific results that they will be able to communicate complex truths clearly and without bias
• Pray for all those people who rely on the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers for water, that their needs will be met

Week Three – EcoCongregation
Churches around the world can be key role models for living better on low carbon. A Rocha UK supports the work of EcoCongregation (www.ecocongregation.org) which provides useful resources for church groups of any denomination to study such issues in a practical way. These enable a church to look carefully at its ‘footprint’ and to encourage members to live more in harmony with God’s creation.

• Give thanks for the work of Jo Rathbone who steers the work of EcoCongregation, providing advice and encouragement to churches.
• Pray for the all the churches that have won Eco Awards as a sign of their commitment to caring for the environment. Pray that they will continue to provide inspiration and challenge to their congregations
• Jo is leaving in April 2009. Pray that the right person will be found to replace her as Coordinator.

Week Four – Christmas celebrations
Sometimes Christmas can appear as a festival of shopping. This year many people are experiencing real hardship and concerns over jobs, pensions and the future because of the credit crisis. The real message of Christmas is of a baby born in poverty, living as a refugee for the first few years of life, yet bringing hope and peace to the whole world.

• Pray that we can celebrate with joy this year, sharing simpler celebrations together
• Pray that churches all over the world can share the Christmas story with power and sincerity
• Blazing Christmas lights burn up quantities of carbon. Pray for commitment to reduce the lights we use and choose low energy LED versions
• Pray that we can avoid the need to overspend on expensive presents and give gifts with love and meaning, often of our time or skills
• Pray for Operation Noah’s Christmas campaign – Reclaim Christmas – focusing on simplicity and home-made gifts.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we give you our humble and grateful thanks for the wonder of the Christ Child and all that means in our lives, we reflect again on all that surrounded his birth. No centrally heated designer home, but a simple shelter; no expensive gifts or stockings, but gifts from the heart and with real meaning; no security and well stocked bank balance but peace beyond all understanding; no carbon rich lifestyle but a sustainable lifestyle with the greatest impact of all.

Prof Sir Ghillean Prance now leads A Rocha
A Rocha’s International Trustees are delighted to announce that their new Chair is Iain Prance, a plant scientist and expert on the Amazon rainforests. Formerly Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and also Vice-President of the New York Botanical Gardens, he is currently Scientific Director of the Eden Project in Cornwall and Visiting Professor at Reading University.

Climate Stewards
This Climate Prayer Update was produced by Climate Stewards, a programme of A Rocha. To find out more about ‘living better on low carbon’, visit www.climatestewards.net

prayer news for november

Mark 4:39-41
Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Week One – Carbon neutral marathon

A Rocha South Africa are holding their second Ultra Green Marathon this week in Pietermaritzburg in partnership with local authorities. The challenge is for entrants to walk, cycle or run from home, or a central shopping centre, to the Ferncliffe Nature Reserve where they will plant as many forest trees as possible (the holes will have already been dug!). Entrants are asked to bring “low carbon emissions food and drink”, avoiding packaged and manufactured food and drink. 300 trees donated by A Rocha Netherlands will be among those planted

• Pray that the marathon will attract good and positive coverage from the media
• Pray for all those involved in organising the event and that there will be no accidents
• Pray that all those who take part will enjoy the event, the fellowship and be challenged by what they learn during the day
• Pray that the message of good climate stewardship will continue to spread in KwaZulu Natal Province through this event.

Week Two – Copenhagen Climate Change summit

Churches and Christian agencies around the world are planning for opportunities to make a positive impact regarding public education and action in the build up to the Copenhagen Climate Change summit in late November 2009. This will be a key opportunity to influence what will replace the Kyoto agreement – the world’s last opportunity to significantly work together to reduce global emissions of carbon dioxide. The Environmental Issues Network (EIN) of Churches Together in Britain brings together representatives of all the major denominations in the UK and Ireland together with Christian environmental organisations. They hope to coordinate activities and opportunities to ensure maximum effectiveness and also hope to work in partnership with the UK Stop Climate Chaos coalition.

• Pray that Christian organisations will have the resources and motivation to provide imaginative ideas that will catch the public imagination
• Pray that Christians will speak out with one strong, united voice to express their concern over what is happening to God’s precious world
• Pray for Dave Bookless, Director of A Rocha UK as he chairs the coordination meetings
• Pray for effective cooperation and partnership between all denominations and organisations.

Week Three – IFES Symposium in Jamaica

The International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) held an International Symposium on Climate Change in Jamaica in October. Over 50 scientists, theologians, financiers, student leaders, and environmentalists from five continents gathered to present evidence, debate and consider future plans. Many issues were discussed, including:

• Tropical rainforests are valued by God and essential to human welfare but many are threatened with destruction. Pray that people of all nations and backgrounds will work together to safeguard these precious resources.
• Tourism is a very important source of income for Jamaica. However it also contributes to global warming through high emissions of carbon dioxide. Pray for wisdom for those who make and monitor tourism policies.
• Yando from Papua New Guinea emphasised the urgent reality of climate change. He said: ‘I come looking for answers. Back home my islands are sinking.’ Pray for all coastal peoples.
• The Symposium produced a Declaration by the participants affirmed the reality of climate change, their hope in God and the need for action; and also covenanted to act both personally and organisationally. Pray for its wide adoption.

Week Four – Changing weather patterns

Colin Conroy of A Rocha Lebanon reports that Lebanon has experienced a number of dry winters with low snowfall. This has meant that springs dry up sooner in the spring and summer. The marsh in the Bekaa Valley reserve (a rich centre of biodiversity) has dried out completely in the summer in the last two years – a matter of great concern. Local farmers pump water for irrigation from the nearby fields making matters worse.

Annika Parantainen from A Rocha Finland notes a number of changes in her country. Since Finland is a high latitude country, the effect of climate change may be stronger than in other areas. The snowy season has become shorter in recent years: it snows less often, and the snow does not persist for as long as it used to. They have experienced heavy rain throughout the winter, which has resulted in flooding. Coastline floods caused by stormy winds have also caused problems in densely populated areas.The lack of snow prevents people from enjoying activities that have been traditional in Finland for generations: cross country skiing, skating and ice hockey. The unpleasant weather also means more people fly to more sunny places for holidays increasing their carbon emissions.

By contrast Devon in the UK is usually quite warm at this time of year, but this October it experienced freak hail storms leaving cars packed in ice.

• Pray for a growing awareness in people around the world of the changes to our climates, and that people will express real concern that translates into practical action to reduce carbon emissions
• Pray for the work of Climate Stewards and A Rocha as they share a positive message about caring for creation
• Pray that the Christian message of loving our neighbours can be shared as individual Christians involve themselves in helping churches and communities to become more sustainable.

Week Five – Flooding in Ghana

Many of the communities that Climate Stewards work with in Northern Ghana, have experienced torrential rainfall and serious flooding (even worse than 2007 – pictured). Houses have collapsed and communities have been cut off from the main towns.

• Pray that any plantation sites which have been flooded will recover and the young trees will not die.
• Praise God that no lives were lost, though many have lost homes and belongings. Pray also for farmers coping with such uncertainty over the changing climate – unsure of whether to expect the usual dry periods or more torrential rains or more dry periods.
• Pray for Daryl and Emmanuel coping with such difficult conditions, that they can maintain enthusiasm for the tree planting work among the farmers. In particular Daryl asks for prayer that the Lord will empower A Rocha Ghana to bring relief to the affected people
• Pray for the Ghanaian government, just beginning to take issues of climate change seriously, that they will respond and act quickly to provide help and support.

Prayer

O God of earth and altar, bow down and hear our cry.
Our earthly rulers falter, our people drift and die.
The walls of gold entomb us, the swords of scorn divide.
Take not thy thunder from us, but take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches, from lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches that comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation of honour and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation, deliver us, good Lord.
(GK Chesterton)

Provided by Climate Stewards