CELEBRATING UN DAY WITH PRAYER

In April of 1945, over 1,300 people representing 50 nations met together in San Francisco to write a charter that would unite them in an effort to keep the world safe from war.  Four nations were the driving force behind such a lofty endeavor--the United States, Great Britain, Russia and China.  President Truman spoke to the group saying that they were the “architects’ of a better world”.  He went on to say that if we do not want to die together in war, we need to learn to live together in peace.  On October 24,1945, the organizational charter was approved, and the United Nations came into existence.  Every October 24th the world celebrates UN Day to honor this occasion.  The following is a prayer for the UN:

Great Spirit, whose dry lands thirst, help us to find the way to refresh you lands.  We pray for your power to refresh the lands.

Great Spirit whose waters are choked with debris and pollution, help us find a way to cleanse your waters. We pray for your knowledge to find a way to cleanse the waters.

Great Spirit, whose beautiful earth grows ugly with misuse, help us find the way to restore beauty to your handiwork. We pray for the strength to restore your handiwork.

Great Spirit, whose creatures are being destroyed, help us find a way to restore them.  We pray for your power to replenish the earth.

Great Spirit, whose gifts to us are being lost in selfishness and corruption, help us to find a way to restore our humanity.  We pray for your wisdom to find the way to restore our humanity. Amen

EARTH STEWARD ACTION:  Pray for the United Nations-especially as it is set to hold the Climate Summit (COP26) soon.

SOURCES:  www.unitednations.org and the UN Environmental Sabbath Program’s prayer from the book, “Earth Prayers From Around the World”, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon.