Let us pray:
God our Father,
we give you thanks
for the talents you have given
to mankind,
and for the blessings received
through those who use their gifts well.
We think of the beauty of the world
which you proclaimed to be good,
but we are also conscious of our misuse
of what you have given to us:
- from the ore in the ground
we fashion bullets and weapons;
- from the oil under the sea
we derive explosives;
- we damage and pollute
our own environment
for short-term gains;
- from the atoms of existence
we produce bombs of mass destruction.
Our governments spend money
in our name
maintaining “butter mountains”
and “wine lakes”,
and we subsidise farmers
to “set aside” land
so that less food is produced,
even though our brothers and sisters
die each day from hunger.
On our paper money
we print the images of famous people,
yet often do not treasure and uphold
the dignity of all who are made
in your image and likeness.
Open our hearts
to be influenced for good,
and inspire us
to touch the hearts of others.
Enable us to change
the things that contradict your love,
and may all your people
work and grow together
as brothers and sisters,
building up your kingdom on earth.
Amen.
