September 27th 2026 Pentecost 18 Waters in Jeopardy

Long ago, when the Holy One created the heavens and the earth, God made human
beings the caretakers and guardians of all creation (Gen. 1:26). Men and women,
children and youth are responsible for the health and wellbeing of the air we breathe,
the land on which we live, and all the waters that provide life.

But human beings have not always acted in ways that live up to God’s call. Some people
and nations forget to respect nature and our important connection to it. That is
especially true of our waters.

Deep sea mining for minerals on the ocean floors destroys marine habitat and pollutes our waters.
Burning fossil fuels sends large amounts of carbon dioxide into the sky contributing
to climate change.
Nuclear bomb testing has poisoned the waters of the Pacific and nuclear submarines
put our waters at risk.
Companies and factories emit greenhouse gases that affect our weather.
Many people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water because it is
polluted, misused or drying up.

We know that God’s living waters provide life and sustenance to every living
thing on this earth. O God whose love flows like living water, we are sorry for times we have forgotten to take care of your creation. Help us to remember that you want us to guard and protect the waters that surround us. Give us strength to change our ways and the ways of this
world, so that all may enjoy life giving water.

(Seasons of the Spirit resources)