A prayer for Earth Day
9 Out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food—the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
The Earth Day theme for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) this year is “Canopy of Creation.”
In my backyard stands a bitternut hickory that is more than 200 years old. Rising over 100 feet tall, its canopy stretches 80 to 90 feet across. It is a magnificent tree to behold and a joy to watch as it changes with the seasons. It provides welcome shade for our home and backyard in the summer. Birds and squirrels make their homes among its branches, finding shelter from the elements and protection from predators. Its root system helps keep our yard and basement dry after heavy rains. I am deeply grateful for this tree and all that it gives.
PC(USA) each years partners with Creation Justice Ministries for resources for Earth Care and Earth Day. The 2026 Resource theme is The Canopy of Creation: Trees, Faith and the Work of Justice.
According to The Canopy of Creation, trees are mentioned in the Bible nearly 300 times. When references to branches, roots, leaves, and other parts of trees are included, that number rises to nearly 4,000. Throughout scripture, trees are signs of life, shelter, nourishment, and renewal. They provide food, shade, wood, and far more than we often notice.
Trees are not only essential to the health of creation; they also remind us of hope, steadfastness, and resilience.
On this Earth Day weekend, take a moment to look up and see the splendor of the trees around you as they leaf out, blossom, and fill the air with fragrance.
JBR photos : # 1 Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia # 2 Riverside Park, Hackettstown, NJ # 3 Ancient Oak Tree, Duke Farms, NJ # 4 Tree in Church yard, Willamsburg, Virgina
A Prayer for Earth Day
Dear God,
we thank you for the trees—
for these living signs of your creation.
When we look upon them,
may we see the beauty of your handiwork reflected in their branches.
We give thanks for this earth,
our companion in serving your purposes.
Teach us to hear your voice
in the songs of the birds
that find shelter among the trees.
Awaken us to your power
in the winds of the storm,
and to the fragrance of your grace
in the blossoms of spring.
Open our hearts to hear
the witness of the faithful who have gone before us
in the rustling of the leaves,
and to glimpse your gospel
in the intricate webs of the smallest creatures.
In your great mercy,
you call us to care for all you have made—
to uphold one another,
to pray for the world,
and to act with love
for the healing of creation.
Help us to seek clean water
so that all may drink.
Help us to work for clean air
and soil free from harm.
Help us to protect oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams
so that all your creatures
may live in safety.
With confidence that you hear our prayers,
we offer ourselves to your good purposes.
Lead us in the work of healing the earth
you have entrusted to our care.
Through Christ our Savior we pray.
Amen.
adapted from the Book of Common Worship PC(USA)
