How to pray for the climate crisis

As the climate crisis is increasing it is hitting people in poverty the hardest – the ones that have done the least to cause it. Extreme weather like flooding, cyclones and droughts are becoming more severe. They are destroying crops, displacing communities and pushing people further into poverty.

One of the first things God asks of us is to care for his creation (Gen 2:15). Then, throughout the Bible, God reminds us through Jesus and the prophets to speak up for the oppressed, the marginalised and the poor.

God wants to bring restoration and peace to all of our relationships – with him, ourselves, other people and creation. And he wants us to join him in doing this.

Prayer first From the 9–19 November world leaders will be gathering in Glasgow for this year’s United Nations’ climate talks, also known as COP26. In preparation for this, Tearfund is partnering in prayer with CAFOD and Christian Aid.

Prayer underpins everything we do at Tearfund. Our God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20). Will you join us and pray?

Pray as you go Wherever you pray – on your commute, walking back from the school drop-off, on your lunch break or before you go to sleep – receiving prayer points via text message is a simple way you can commit to praying.

Here’s how you can sign up to receive prayer points every one to two weeks about the climate.

1. Add +44 (0)7916 874441 to your phone's contacts.
2. Text ‘PRAY’ to the number above.
3. We will add you to our list and send you prayer points every one to two weeks.

Set up a prayer room Invite your church and community to get involved and pray together about poverty and the climate crisis. When we’re alone these issues can seem overwhelming, but where two or three gather in his name God promises to be with us (Mat 18:20).

We have created a helpful guide on how you can set up a prayer room. This includes ideas for prayer stations and tips on getting started.

PLEASE PRAY

Take some time now to reflect on how you can make praying for people in poverty and the climate crisis a regular part of your prayer life. As you do this, think of people who you can invite to join you. Commit all of this to God in prayer.