I am returning from my two-month writing sabbatical from The Ecological Disciple during a disturbing time in my country. Drastic and, in my mind, rash, changes to immigration policies, firings of federal workers and suspensions of grants and programs, reductions in environmental protections, increased marginalization of the vulnerable, and the treatment of traditional allies and friends as if they were adversaries are some of the dismaying changes that have me reeling.
The Practice of Prayer
In looking for more healthy ways to respond to these accumulating concerns, I am beginning a practice that I hope will be a better way of grappling with them. When I hear news that disturbs me, I am trying to make prayer my first response.
By responding first with prayer, it means my first conversation is with God so that I may be more open to God's guidance in any action I might take. Because I believe that God listens when we pray, I believe my prayer achieves something even if that is the only step I take.
Today I share a prayer for those who have power and those who have little power, the physical needs of so many, and those who have the ability to ameliorate those needs. I find the prayer helpful in that it addresses underlying attitudes toward other people and the earth as well as the practical results that come out of those attitudes. May we continue to find healthy responses to what disturbs us in our neighborhoods, countries, and world.
Prayer of Intercession
We pray for the church, called to be a witness to all peoples. Grant humility and wisdom to bishops, pastors, deacons, elders, councils, and congregations, that they may call upon you in making decisions. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for the earth, called to provide abundantly. Teach your people the goodness of your generosity, that in sharing what we have been given, all life may flourish on the planet that is our shared home. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for the nations, called to protect their inhabitants and collaborate in the work of justice and peace. Forge bonds of compassion and mutual care across human borders and boundaries, that all the world may have enough to live. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for those in need, called to receive your compassion. Comfort those whose lives have been disrupted through natural disasters and human conflict. Aid communities in coming together to mourn, heal, and rebuild. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We pray for food pantries, community gardens and kitchens, clean water projects, and all ministries that address human hunger and thirst. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
We give thanks for the faithful lives of those who proclaimed your gospel in times of challenge and strife, and for all those whose lives of love and service have ended. May their witness inspire our own. God, in your mercy, receive our prayer.
Receive the prayers of your people and draw all things together in your love, in the name of Jesus, who leads us from death to life.
Amen.
From sundaysandseasons.com,© 2025 Augsburg Fortress.
In addition to the practice of prayer, my second goal is to be receptive to other actions I might take in response to the news I hear, such as a donating toward whatever is being threatened, attending a public protest, putting up a sign in my yard, writing a letter or post—in short, finding some way of taking action to counter what I see as injustice, irrationality, or short-sightedness. To me, prayer is an action that leads naturally to other actions.
A Second Invitation
Additionally, I offer another suggestion for handling disturbing circumstances. A common theme I hear from people about how they're dealing with these troubling times is that being outside listening and seeing the natural world alive and active around them is helpful in resetting their perspective. This leads into the invitation I said I would issue when I returned to writing this column.
At the beginning of January, I invited readers to take intentional notice of this world we inhabit by welcoming the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and feel of this world. When we give our attention to something, a truer assessment of its value is impressed upon us. So, I invited readers to step outside their door, perhaps bring along a camera (or a pen and paper) to chronicle whatever captured their attention and admiration. I said I would share those with other readers of this journal when I returned to writing.
Now that my sabbatical has ended, I am formally reissuing this invitation. I invite you to step outside your door, notice what is there, and take a photo/write a poem/make a drawing of it so others can notice what you have noticed. Send it in to me by March 27th and I will create a post that is a collection of what has been sent. I am eager to see and share what you find outside your door for I believe that there is no place in this created world that is devoid of wonder if we look for it.
Feel free to leave a comment below (you can sign in through your email) or contact me directly at louise.conner@circlewood.online.
Louise