Climate Conference

Release the Energy of Our Love for Earth
and Surround the United Nations Climate Conference (COP26) with Prayer

Calling people of faith, in solidarity with all of creation, to unite in prayer with all peoples of the earth for the earth at this urgent moment in earth history.

Take a long moment to connect with earth ‘as a relative.’ (Sr. Jose Hobday). Walk, look and listen, appreciate its beauty and blessings. Look up or look down, look around and pray. Take a moment to pause and praise our God Creator in gratitude.  

Pray any way you choose. Pray every day during COP 26 (Oct. 31-Nov. 12) if you can. This invitation from St. Joseph parish is inspired by the call initiated by 40 faith leaders on October 4 2021, as they met on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

Suggestion for prayers can be found below.

We invite you to share your own prayers at creationcare@archottawa.ca

Celtic Prayer
Deep peace of the running waves to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the Son of peace to you.


Prayer for the Life of the World
For everything that emerges from the earth
thanks be to you, O God,
Holy root of being
Sacred Sap that rises
Full bodied Fragrance of earth’s unfolding form.
May we know that we are of you
May we know that we are in you
May we know that we are one with You,
together one.
Guide us as nations to what is deepest
open us as peoples to what is first
lead us as a world to what is dearest
that we may know the holiness of wholeness
that we may learn the strength of humility
that we may live close to the earth
and grow in grounded glory.
John Philip Newell Praying with the Earth


Haudenoshonee Prayer of Thanksgiving
We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light when the sun is gone.
We return thanks to the sun, which has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye. Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all goodness, and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.
 
Prayer of Thanks
Accept, O God, our thanks and praise for all you have done for us.
We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation,
for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life,
and for the mystery of love.

You may also visit the COP 26 Prayer Guide. Additionally, you may find resources of use on the Green Faith website.