God of All of the Nations of the World, we are in awe at the beauty of the earth, the flowers and fruitfulness in springtime, the warmth of summer sunshine, the harvest of crops, and the turning colors of the deciduous leaves in autumn, the white snow and clear ice of winter. We are grateful for this home planet and the recent Artemis II photos from space of one world.
We marvel at the intricate interconnectedness of our environment with creatures, air, soil, and water. We pray for the environmental concerns of our world, where melting polar ice, floods, storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mudslides, landslides, avalanches, wildfires, droughts, and chemical pollution continue to cause loss and devastation.
We join our requests and grateful praises with the words from the 19th century hymnwriter, Folliott Sandford Pierpoint, who wrote, “For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love which from our birth over and around us lies.”*
Remembrances and Celebrations
- May is Mental Health & Foster Care Awareness Month (USA)
- May 1: International Workers’ Day
- May 5: Cinco de Mayo
- May 5: International Midwives’ Day
- May 6-12: Nurses’ Week (U.S.)
- May 8: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
- May 8: Victory in Europe (V-E) Day
- May 10: Mother’s Day (U.S.)
Lover of All, we pray for wisdom and skill for the helpers who befriend the oppressed, tenderly care for the sick and dying, comfort the bereaved, and minister hope to the despondent. Help us with the ability and influence we have been given to bring suitable and timely assistance where needed.
Wars and Military Conflicts with Widespread Effects
- Israel and Southern Lebanon: survivors of Israel’s April bombing campaign against Hezbollah continue to search through the rubble to find remains of their loved ones.
- U.S. and Iran: The April ceasefire continues to hold, with occasional challenges, while Pakistan has endeavored to moderate a more lasting peace agreement. The Strait of Hormuz continues as an unsafe passageway for large ships and tankers seeking to deliver their goods, which have been stuck in the waterway since the 28 February attacks on Iran by Israel and the U.S. The U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports continues. Transiting ships have no guarantee of safe passage, leading to devastating losses and shortages for the world’s supply chains.
- Russia and Ukraine: A temporary ceasefire is scheduled by Russia for this weekend, 8 May to 10 May.
- Sudan: the brutal civil war continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, causing widespread famine and destruction.
Peacemaker, Giver of Hope, Dispenser of Mercy, we ask for peace and security, for ceasefires, and safe passage for displaced persons and vital resources stuck in transit.
Creature Rescues
- Germany: A humpback whale nicknamed “Timmy” was stranded for almost a month off the Baltic coastline and eventually rescued, towed, and released into the North Sea.
- Hawaii (U.S.): After recent torrential rains on the north shore of Oahu sent rushing floodwaters in the middle of the night, a rancher and two friends bravely rescued fifteen horses from catastrophe in the paddock at Dillingham Ranch in Waialua.
- Wisconsin (U.S.): Fifteen hundred beagles bred for research and laboratory testing are being rehomed through the Wisconsin Humane Society after protests against Ridglan Farms in Dane County.
One Who Gives Strength and Courage, help us notice creatures in harm’s way and rescue them, or acquire help from those who are skilled in rescuing. Teach us to love and care for the creatures you have created.
We listen attentively and acclaim with the psalmist, “All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever.” (Psalm 104:27-31 NIV) Amen.
*“For the Beauty of the Earth,” 1864, Public Domain
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