Thought for the Week - 26th November 2023

 

Dear Friends,

This week sees the beginning of the COP28 Climate Summit taking place at Expo City in Dubai. The conference runs from 30th November until 12th December and will be attended by a number of major world leaders, leading scientists, journalists, as well as members of the public. Themes being discussed will include food and agriculture, finance and accountability, technology and innovation, health and education, children and youth, gender and inclusion, and it is hope that there will be some positive progress on the state of the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ that was established at COP27 in Egypt last year with the aim of assisting nations that are most vulnerable to the climate crisis. As this conference begins and many people will be looking with hope perhaps tinged with uncertainty and doubt about the future, I’m reminded of words from the Psalms, ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters’ (Psalm 24:1-2). When we hear those words we are reminded that God is the owner and that we are the stewards of his creation, charged with taking care of and looking after all that he has made. The AV translates Psalm 24:1 as ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness…’ and the Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon says, ‘The “fullness” of the earth may mean its harvests, its wealth, its life, or its worship; in all these senses the Most High God is Possessor of all. The earth is full of God; he made it full and he keeps it full’. So as we pray for COP28, we ask that God would bless all that takes place at this conference and that it would indeed be a pivotal moment in history as people and nations come together to address some of the world’s most pressing needs.

Grace and peace,

Neil

 A Prayer for the COP28 Climate Summit

God of blessings, the universe sins of your glory. Deepen our gratitude for all you have made and awaken in us a renewed commitment to car for the earth and each other. Inspire world leaders at COP28 with openness to listen to those most affected by climate change and with courage to act urgently and wisely, so that our common home may be healed and restored and all people, and generations to come, may delight in it. Amen.

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