The UK Government has pledged to ‘build back better’ from the coronavirus pandemic. This is a great opportunity to reset and reimagine what kind of future we would like to create. We don’t have to go back to the way things were before: a fairer world is possible.
Christians around the world have a legacy of faithfully praying and calling for change – for the good of all people and for wider creation. God calls us: ‘To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ (Micah 6:8). We can put this into action this week by praying for the Group of Seven (G7) summit that starts today (Friday 11 June).
What is the G7 summit?
The G7 summit is a meeting of the world’s wealthiest and most influential countries. They also are among the countries that produce the most pollution. World leaders will be meeting in Cornwall this weekend to discuss how they can play a strong role in tackling global challenges, such as the climate crisis.
Commitments made at this meeting will set the tone for how countries recover from the pandemic. So, how can we pray for them to commit to a fair future for everyone?
A cry to care
Jesus gifted us a prayer that can help us do this. The Lord’s prayer is a revolutionary cry to care for our neighbour and call out to God for a fairer world. When we pray ‘your kingdom come’, we are asking for God to bring about change right now.
There is nothing passive about this prayer. It is a bold commitment for us to pledge ourselves to God’s plan for the world and for us to be his hands and feet in carrying out this transformation.
Pray with us
Pray the Lord’s prayer out loud over the course of the G7 summit. As you pray ‘your kingdom come’ think about what change you would like to see in the world. For example, stronger action taken to tackle the climate crisis. Let us pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
