Lent 2011: Pray for Creation

During Lent this year, each week we will be posting a prayer topic for you to focus on.  We decided to do weekly prayer topics, rather than daily, so that you get a chance to really dive into each topic and pray, reflect, and listen.  So take advantage of the whole week.

Visit us here each Wednesday, starting March 9th, for the weekly topic, or check in with our Facebook page.

Week 1:  Reverence for the earth

March 9 - 15

Ask God to give all of us a reverence for the earth

*Understanding that creation praises God

*A sense of responsibility to care for God's creation

*To see God's character through the created world

Week 2: Creation reveals God's character

March 16 - 22

Thank God for the ways creation reveals his character

*Take notice and be aware of God's presence in places and ways that you haven't noticed it before

*Pray for the ability to slow down and notice these things

Week 3: Healing of the land

March 23 - 29

Pray for healing of the land and what we have damaged and polluted.  Teach us what we can do - as individuals, as a nation, and as a global community - to be a part of this healing process.  Pray for development and advancement of renewable alternative energy sources.

Week 4: Those who take care of the land

March 30 - April 5

Thank God for and lift up farmers and others who work and take care of the land:

*Provision

*Wisdom

*Encouragement

*Courage

Week 5: Wisdom for Leadership

April 6 - 12

Pray for our leadership - those who have influence over others - that they would have wisdom to lead in a way that honors God as Creator of all.

*Local, state, and federal government

*International leadership

*Church leadership

*Educators and researchers

*Other community and business leaders

*Parents

*Each of us in our own circles of influence

Week 6: Environmental Injustice

April 13 - 19

Pray for communities who are being affected by environmental injustice.  Pray for physical health, economic revival, spiritual renewal, and healing of the land and water.

*Mining communities in Appalachia (dev.ilovemountains.org/prayers/93)

*The Gulf Coast (www.umc-gbcs.org/site/c.frLJK2PKLqF/b.6054719/ and click on the "Prayers for the Gulf" tab)

*Communities around the nation where toxic coal ash waste has been dumped

*Countries currently being affected by climate change, such as Uganda and Tuvalu

Week 7: Reflection and Next Steps

April 20 - 24 (Easter Sunday)

Take time to reflect on what God has spoken and revealed to you throughout the past 6 weeks.  Ask what the next steps for you are as you move into a time of celebration, resurrection, and renewal.  If possible, have your reflection time outside.

Thank you for praying with us this Lenten season!  Let's keep it going.