2. Our concerns  Why are we so slow to respond to the most important moral issue of our generation: climate change?  Recent reports from the world’s climate scientists indicate that much of the earth could be uninhabitable for humans in 100 years time. There will be more frequent and longer heat waves, more extremes in rainfall patterns, oceans will continue to warm and acidify, and sea levels to rise.

3. The importance of 2015  This is a crucial year for world leaders to agree a legally binding agreement on climate change in the United Nations climate summit in Paris this December. All our futures depend on this agreement being reached.  We are asked to set aside time on the first of each month to pray and fast for the negotiations leading up to this summit.

4. Our response  Can we commit to giving time to pray for such crucial issues during this year?  Share any local information if there is already a group meeting to pray and fast - or use today to plan to meet together.  Let’s use this Sunday to join in prayer.

5. Let’s pray together now Creator God, what a complex tapestry your creative fingers have woven; We delight at the daily reminders of your creative power. This tapestry is closely interwoven, fragile, changing; changing too fast.

6. Scientists confirm what our hearts already know – and we are fearful. We are fearful of seasons that have lost their pattern; of all the uncertainties that climate change is bringing. Politicians bend and bow to meet national priorities While greenhouse gases build, oceans acidify and air streams shift.

7. Forgive us for our lack of response; For seeing the scale of this crisis as reason not to engage. Grant that through our prayers your Holy Spirit may give wisdom, inspiration and resolve to our politicians, leaders and negotiators, enabling them to make the tough decisions necessary for all people to live, to hope and to shape a greener world. In Jesus’ name we pray Amen