“Laudato Sí, mi Signore” – “Praise be to you, My Lord.” In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “…. who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs.” #1
Thus begins Pope Francis’ encyclical letter, Laudato Sí, On Care for Our Common Home. This letter speaks clearly of our relationship with all creation, and our responsibilities to care for it. It challenges us to embrace attitude and lifestyle changes that will enable transformation. It invites us to prayer — offering praise and blessing for God’s extravagant gift to us.
This month, June, as we plant our gardens and watch the miracle of new life emerge, we turn to praise and thanksgiving. May we offer you some suggestions?
Psalm 104
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
My God, you are very great.
You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills,
giving drink to every wild animal;
the wild asses quench their thirst.
By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation;
they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
You cause the grass to grow for the cattle
and plants for people to cultivate,
to bring forth food from the earth
and wine to gladden the human heart,
oil to make the face shine
and bread to strengthen the human heart.
The trees of the field are watered abundantly,
the cedars of Lebanon that God planted.
In them the birds build their nests;
the stork has its home in the fir trees.
The high mountains are for the wild goats;
the rocks are a refuge for the coneys.
You have made the moon to mark the seasons;
the sun knows its time for setting.
You make darkness, and it is night,
when all the animals of the forest come creeping out.
The young lions roar for their prey,
seeking their food from God.
When the sun rises, they withdraw
and lie down in their dens.
People go out to their work
and to their labor until the evening.
O God, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Praise God!
Prayer for our earth
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole 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 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. —Pope Francis, taken from Laudato Sí Movement Prayer Book
Songs
Canticle of the Sun Click for one version. A web search will bring up others.
Morning Has Broken Click for one version.
June, a good time to praise and give thanks. What will your prayer be?
Suggestions for action:
- When your planting is complete, offer a prayer of praise to God.
- Be in awe of the life around you.
