Global Issues
 PRAISE (15 minutes)
Imagine that you have put a great distance between yourself and planet earth. You are out in space and viewing the earth from a long way off. Watch it slowly turning on its axis. Observe:
- the land masses
- the polar ice caps
- the oceans
- each continent in turn
Take as long as you need to do this. Now look at it again with love and listen to the words:
'God saw everything that he had made, and indeed it was very good.' (Genesis 1:31)
Now imagine that you have come a little closer. You can see more detail:
- desert regions of Africa, Central Asia, Australia
- forests of N.Europe, Amazon and Central Africa
- river plains of Punjab and Zambesi
- mountainous regions like the Himalayas, Alps and Rockies
Now look at them again with love and listen to the words:
'Yahweh, what variety you have created, arranges everything so wisely! Earth is completely full of things you have made.' (Psalm 104:24).
Now imagine you have come close enough to see even more
- some of the creatures on earth
- the oceans teeming with fish
- all kinds of living plants and trees
- you can also see men and women made in God's likeness
Look at it all again with love and listen to the words:
'Yes, you love everything that exists, you hold nothing of what you have made in abhorrence, for had you hated anything you would not have formed it.' (Anon)
CONTRITION
Now that you are nearer to the earth you can begin to use your other senses:
- listen to the cries of the poor
- listen to the sounds of bombing
- smell the burning of forests
- smell the effluence and pollution from toxic wastes
You may choose a specific situation to locate the prayer, e.g. a refugee camp, a house on the West Bank, a prison in Central America.
Look and listen to the plight of the poor with sorrow and repentance and say the following words:
'Have mercy on us O God, in your goodness, in your tenderness. Wipe away our faults. Wash us clean of our guilt and purify us of our sin.' (Psalm 51: 1-2)
INTERCESSION
Now return to the place you are praying. Imagine that Jesus is present with you in the room where you are praying. Imagine introducing him to each of the people present in turn. Watch how he greets each one. Ask for your needs to be met, both as individuals and as a community.
Finish by saying the Grace.
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