National Day of Climate Action

Photo: Joe Armao   from The Age

Up to 30,000 Melburnians gathered in Treasury Gardens on Sunday to call for stronger action on climate change.  Even though I took my camera, I forgot to take any photos of us at the rally. But we were there.  In our reds and oranges and hot summer colours. Our service back at CERES was shortened so that those of us who wanted to, and were able to, could attend the rally.  During the service one of the things we did was  pray this prayer of commitment, written for  a Climate Service held in 2006 in  Grosvenor Chapel, London.  After the destruction and tragic losses caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines this week, it seemed fitting.

Oceans warming
Coral dying
Sea rising
Land disappearing
Ice caps melting
Polar bears dying
Rivers flooding
Waters overwhelming

Calming, caring God,
Help us act to still the storm
For now, for ever.
Storms destroying
Chaos reigning
Cities flooding
People moving
Disease spreading
Homes disappearing
Crops failing
Hope fading

Calming, caring God,
Help us act to still the storm
For now, for ever.
Planet shaping
World creating
Life forming
Spirit breathing
Law guiding
Cradle birthing
Cross bearing
Hope rising
Calming, caring God,
Help us act to still the storm
For now, for ever.