Praying the News
For the good earth which God has given us, and for the
wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord. (Prayers of the People Form I, p. 384, The Book of Common Prayer)
Scientists
Sound Alarm on Climate was a widely shared story in the New York Times today. The article tells
about a report called What
We Know from the American Association for the Advancement of Science
that describes the effects of global warming, many of which we are already
seeing. According to the article, this report “warns that the effects of human
emissions of heat-trapping gases are already being felt, that the ultimate
consequences could be dire, and that the window to do something about it is
closing.”
O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us
dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life;
and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom
and determination in making provision for its future in accordance Race with
your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (For the Future of the Human Race, p. 828, The Book of Common Prayer)
Carbon dioxide levels need to be at
350 parts per million or lower to sustain life as we know it on Earth. According
to NOAA’s Earth
System Research Laboratory, the daily average reading yesterday (March 17) at the
Mauna Loa observatory was 401.20. This is the first time the reading has passed
401. For the week beginning on March 9, the weekly average reading was 399.57
ppm; ten years ago it was 378.61 ppm. This week could surpass a weekly average
of 400 for the first time ever. There is no reason to think these numbers will
decrease in future years or even stabilize. Feedback loops are already in
motion, and the large scale effort that we would need to make any difference at
all is nowhere on the political or economic horizon.
For our waste and pollution of your creation, and our lack
of concern for those who come after us,
Accept our repentance,
Lord.
(Ash Wednesday Litany
of Penitence, p. 268, The Book of
Common Prayer)
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| March Evening at the Platte River |
