A prayer for our earth

Following seven weeks of reflections on Aguchita’s life and legacy in light of Pope Francis' encyclical letter Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home, we shall end 2021 with a prayer penned by Francis and offered at the conclusion of his encyclical. A prayer for our earth is a prayer that can be shared with all who believe in a God who is the all-powerful Creator.

 

A prayer for our earth
 

All-powerful God,

you are present in the whole universe

and in the smallest of your creatures.

You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.

Pour out upon us the power of your love,

that we may protect life and beauty.

Fill us with peace, that we may live

as brothers and sisters, harming no one.

O God of the poor,

help us to rescue the abandoned

and forgotten of this earth,

so precious in your eyes.

Bring healing to our lives,

that we may protect the world and not prey on it,

that we may sow beauty,

not pollution and destruction.

Touch the hearts

of those who look only for gain

at the expense of the poor and the earth.

Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,

to be filled with awe and contemplation,

to recognize that we are profoundly united

with every creature

as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day.

Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle

for justice, love and peace.

 

Through this prayer and the intercession of Aguchita may we continue to be drawn together by love and be passionate for justice.