The earth and the moon. Image from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, courtesy of NASA. No endorsement by NASA is implied in the use of this image.

The observance of the Festival of Creation (the Sunday closest to Earth Day) celebrates God's gift of the earth, our planetary home. For worship resources for this observance, see the following:

• National Council of Churches of Christ Eco-Justice Programs


• Web of Creation Worship Ideas


• GBCS Resources for the Festival of God's Creation


• Festival of God's Creation and Earth Day Sunday Music Resources


• "Heaven Waits with Eager Longing": Hymn for Earth Day
  

O God, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen:
You place us in your creation, and you command us to care for it.
Your works declare glory and splendor, and you call us to praise and reverence.
Where we have degraded or destroyed earth's bounty, forgive us.
Where we have taken beauty and majesty for granted, have mercy upon us.
Where we have become estranged from the creatures with whom we share this planet,
grant us your peace.
Renew us in the waters of baptism,
refresh us with the winds of your spirit,
and sustain us with the bread of life.

In the name of Jesus Christ, and for the sake of the new creation, we pray. Amen.

Earth Day Prayer of Confession. Copyright 2005 Ken Carter. Used with permission. This page may be printed, copied, distributed, reprinted in church bulletins or newsletters, or otherwise used for nonprofit local church worship or education with the inclusion of the copyright citation and General Board of Discipleship Worship website as its source. It may not be used for profit or republication without prior permission. It may not be reproduced on another website, although other websites are welcome to link to this page.

Posted 4-15-05. Updated on 3-26-09.