O Holy Spirit, you hovered over the deep
at the dawn of creation.
You fashioned time and space itself
in the initial magnificent flaring forth.
You breathed life into all beings
and you continue to dwell and work
in all creation to sustain that life.
Be with us now at this critical moment of our history.
Open our ears to the cry of the earth,
suffering the effects of human
exploitation and unbridled consumption.
Open our ears to the cries
of our brothers and sisters
living in the midst of extreme poverty and hunger.
Give us a deeper awareness
that we are part of all that you have made,
that we are intimately connected to all that has
been, all that is and all that will be.
Grant us a spirit of awe and wonder
as we contemplate the marvels of your creation,
recognising and giving thanks
for your presence within and around us.
Give us a deep respect for all life
and help us to renew our commitment
to foster life wherever we are.
Give us the courage to denounce all
that disfigures your creation
and to commit fully to caring for our earthly home
and for all the created beings we share it with.
May we live lives characterised
by compassion and service
and may we
embody your love in our relationships
with one another and with all Creation.
Amen.