Prayers of the Faithful 5 September 2025, Amazon Rainforest Day, St Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)

22nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME - FRIDAY

Gospel: Luke 5:33–39

Jesus tells us: “New wine must be poured into fresh wineskins.” We are called to be renewed in spirit, to live with hearts open to God’s transforming love. On this Amazon Rainforest Day, we also remember our responsibility to protect creation, the “fresh wineskin” that sustains life. Let us now bring our prayers before Him: LORD, HEAR OUR PRAYER or RENEW US, O LORD.

1. That the People of God, guided by the Holy Spirit, may speak the ever-new language of the Gospel and live as fresh signs of Christ’s love in the world. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. That those already committed to sustainability, this is a call to deepen their love—to see ecology not just as activism but as a participation in Christ’s redeeming love for all creation. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. That on this Amazon Rainforest Day, leaders and communities may work together to protect the forests, waters, species, and peoples living in the so called "Lungs of the Planet." May we remember, as Pope Francis teaches, that “a true ecological approach always becomes a social approach… to hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.” Let us pray to the Lord.

4. That those burdened by today’s afflictions—climate anxiety, displacement from floods, droughts, and ecological disasters—may find consolation in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. That those who have died may share in the eternal joy of Christ, the Bridegroom, who welcomes them to His banquet of life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Heavenly Father, teach us, as St Teresa of Calcutta reminded us, that “we cannot do great things, only small things with great love.” May this love move us to care for creation faithfully, seeing in every small act of care a gift for those who will come after us. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Creation from Laudato Si’

This prayer by Pope Francis appeared at the end of his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si'. It is for all who believe in God who is the all-powerful Creator.

All powerful God,
you are present in the universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with your peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle,
for justice, love and peace.