We pray that upcoming environmental tipping points in the UK would be averted. Catastrophic loss of wildlife, fisheries collapse and dead, polluted rivers are fast approaching, according to the Office for Environmental Protection. God, we pray that the government would understand the urgency of these crises, and act swiftly to avoid them.
We give thanks for the creation of a new ‘super nature reserve’ across 15,000 acres of Somerset. This will aid the protection of wildlife in saltmarsh, heath and wetland habitats. God, we thank you for the rich diversity of your creation. We pray that this reserve would facilitate greater care of the life within it.
We give thanks for creative uses of church buildings to house refugees. Stiperstones’ Methodist chapel is being converted by local Methodists into a family home for six Ukrainian refugees. God, may we welcome others as you have welcomed us. We give thanks for the creativity, determination and generosity that has made this project possible.
We pray for those facing hunger as a consequence of the war in Ukraine. Before the war, Russia and Ukraine produced almost a third of the world’s wheat and barley. God, we lift up the 276 million people facing severe food insecurity in the world today. We pray for an end to hunger, and an end to war.
We pray for the some 60 million people who are internally displaced around the world today. This is a record high, driven by conflicts and natural disasters. God of refuge, we think of those who have had to leave their homes in search of safety. We pray that they would find it, and that such instances that force people to flee would decrease
We pray for a reduction in pollution worldwide. A report has found that one in six deaths worldwide in 2019 was caused by pollution, with 92% of those happening in low- or middle-income countries. God, we grieve this global injustice. We pray that high-polluting countries and industries would be moved to change their practices.
We pray for those struggling with eating disorders. Hospital admissions for people with eating disorders have risen by 84% over the past five years in England. God, we pray that lives would be saved through early treatment and specialist help in health services around the country.
