April Word & Witness: Care for Creation

LIC Executive Director, Leigh Rachal leads Wednesday’s Word and Witness for April. You can follow along with the video or simply pray through the liturgy below.

Invitation

Let us take a breath. Let us remember the earth beneath our feet and the air that fills our lungs.

The Word

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it.”                       — Psalm 24:1

And in the beginning God entrusted the earth to human care: “The Lord God took the human and put them in the garden to till it and keep it.”        — Genesis 2:15

Witness

Creation is not merely the backdrop of our lives. It is a gift entrusted to us. From the marshlands and bayous of Louisiana to forests, rivers, and coastal waters, the earth sustains our communities and our livelihoods. Yet we know that creation is under strain. Land disappears along our coasts. Storms grow stronger. Communities closest to the water often bear the greatest burden. Faith calls us to remember that caring for the earth is also caring for our neighbors. When we protect land and water, we protect the communities who depend upon them. To care for creation is to honor the Creator and to safeguard the future for generations to come.

Prayer

Creator God, You formed the earth in beauty
and called your creation good. Forgive us for the ways we have neglected the gift of this world. Teach us to live with gratitude and restraint. Guide our communities toward wisdom and stewardship. Strengthen those working to restore land, water, and ecosystems. Bless the people and landscapes of Louisiana. Protect communities vulnerable to storms and rising waters. May our lives reflect care for the world you love. Through Christ, in whom all creation holds together. Amen.

Commitment

Let us continue the work of caring for creation.

Ways to learn, advocate, and take action can be found on this PEACE page.

Blessing

May the God who created heaven and earth
renew our love for this living world. May Christ guide us to walk gently upon the land. And may the Spirit lead us to care for creation with wisdom and hope. Amen.