We Catholics should be incorporating prayers for the Earth into more of our church life, so I am making it easy for you and providing some. I would encourage you to make up your own too. Feel free to use or adapt these with abandon, with or without the source.
General Prayer for the Earth
Most gracious God, we come before you to pray for the wellbeing of the planet. You alone know the full extent of the destruction we have wrought to your beautiful handiwork, and what needs to be done to remedy it. We pray for the people around the globe who suffer because of environmental damage. We pray for the defenseless creatures harmed or made extinct by our selfishness and ignorance. We pray for the oceans, air, mountains, plants, and soil, that life and health may again pulse in them. We pray that we humans have a change of heart and stop harming the planet. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us that we may have the passion and wisdom to work effectively to restore your creation. Guide us in our personal, church and community efforts. Give us strength to continue on with this work when it is difficult and requires sacrifice. Bless the Earth and all its life in every way. We make this prayer through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Petitions for the Earth
That the Earth be reverenced and cared for as God intends,
let us pray to the Lord.
That we stop poisoning the soil and seas with trash and toxins,
let us pray to the Lord.
That we repent of our greed and live simply and lightly on the Earth,
let us pray to the Lord.
That all members of this faith community take seriously the Bishops’ mandate to protect the Earth, let us pray to the Lord.
That global warming is halted and reversed before more damage can occur,
let us pray to the Lord.
That protection of the Earth be a top political priority,
let us pray to the Lord.
Prayer for Earth Day
Heavenly Father and Mother, thank you for our life-giving Earth that we celebrate today on Earth Day. Bless all the celebrations, educational programs, and projects that seek to express our appreciation for this great gift. May we be zealous for the Earth not just today, but every day of our lives. Guide us in the monumental and important mission of restoring the integrity of creation. We dedicate our lives anew to you and to this great work of our time. This we pray through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Children’s Earth Prayer
Dear God, thank you for this beautiful planet. Bless it and keep it safe from harm. We pray for the protection of the animals, the soil, air and water. May we care for all you have made. Help us to love the Earth as you do. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer before a Green Team/Committee meeting
God our Creator, bless the work of our group to protect the Earth. Be with us as we plan ways for our parish to be good stewards of creation. May our faith community be a light for those around us, modeling a deep commitment to the wellbeing of the Earth. Please shower your grace on all of our activities. Keep us committed, motivated, and hopeful as we carry on this important ministry. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. This we pray through Christ, our Lord. Amen
Prayer of thanksgiving for the Earth
O amazing Creator, there is no end to the awe we feel in the face of your magnificent creation. Words cannot convey our gratitude for such an undeserved gift. We praise you for the beauty that stops us in our tracks wherever we turn. We revere you for the fecundity of creation that has spewed forth life and goodness for billions of years. We thank you for the multitude of ways that the natural world sustains and nourishes us in body and spirit. We are humbled that we are part of such a display of your glory. Our hearts overflow with love for You, revealed in the wonder of creation. May all the angels and saints join us in our song of gratitude, praising You forever and ever. Amen.
