Prayer

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.