Prayer for COP-17 - Second Sunday in Advent

COP-17 - the 17th Conference of the Parties' to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change - meets in Durban from 28 November to 9 December. This prayer may be used on the Second Sunday in Advent, 4 December, for example, when lighting the Advent Candle, as a sign of light and hope that, by God's grace, we might be wise stewards of his creation.

Prayer for the Second Sunday in Advent – Lighting the Advent Candle

Father of All, We thank and praise you for your wonderful world. Forgive us for not being good caretakers of creation and its resources Forgive us for the poverty and suffering we inflict through actions that damage the environment.

Lord of life and hope, Give us a vision for how our world could be. Lead us into just and sustainable practices that benefit all life on earth.

Spirit of renewal and transformation, Guide our leaders at every level to forge new paths for development. Fill their dialogue and negotiations with hope, a cooperative spirit, and a sense of family where each works for the benefit of the other.

Give this wisdom to all who gather for the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Durban.

And may all your children live within our means, blessing one another, and nurturing your gracious gift of creation.

This we ask, dear Father, in the name of your Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.