Happy Earth Day! Let us rejoice and celebrate the wonders of God’s creation! Psalm 104:24 says:
“O Lord, how manifold are your works!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.”
As people of faith, we believe that God is the creator of all; that from the tiniest organism to the tallest mountain, God has made all. Our belief in God compels us to respond to the blessings of God with gratitude and with renewed dedication. Together we are caretakers of God’s creation and in our stewardship is a profession of faith.
During this Easter season, as we proclaim the promise of new life in the Risen Christ, we are reminded that resurrection is not only a hope for the future, but a call to renewal in the present. The same God who brings life out of death invites us to participate in the healing of the world around us. Caring for creation is not separate from our faith—it is an expression of it. It is how we live out our baptismal promise to “respect the dignity of every human being,” recognizing that human dignity is deeply intertwined with the health of the earth we share.
Here in the Diocese of Central New York, we are uniquely aware of the beauty entrusted to us—the lakes, forests, farmland, and changing seasons that proclaim God’s glory. Yet we also see the ways in which creation groans under the weight of neglect and injustice. Earth Day invites us not only to give thanks, but to recommit ourselves—individually and collectively—to practices that restore, protect, and honor God’s gift. As people shaped by prayer and action, we are called to embody this commitment in tangible ways in our daily lives and in our communities:
Three concrete ways we can foster care for our planet in our communities:
- Cultivate local stewardship practices: Organize parish clean-up days, plant community gardens, or care for green spaces as a visible sign of our commitment to creation.
- Reduce and rethink consumption: Encourage energy conservation in our churches and homes, reduce waste, and make mindful choices that reflect care for the earth’s resources.
- Advocate with faith-filled voices: Engage local leaders and support policies that protect the environment, remembering that caring for creation is also caring for our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable.
And as we take up this shared work, we ground it in prayer—entrusting both our efforts and the needs of the world to God, who is the source of all life and the one who makes all things new:
A Prayer for Earth Day
Gracious and life-giving God,
we give you thanks for the beauty and abundance of this earth,
for the waters that sustain us, the air that gives us breath,
and the countless creatures with whom we share this common home.
We pray for our planet and for all its people,
especially those who are most affected by environmental harm.
Open our hearts to see your presence in all of creation,
and strengthen our resolve to be faithful stewards of your gifts.
We pray for those in positions of authority,
that they may be guided by wisdom, courage, and compassion
to make decisions that protect and preserve our earthly home.
Renew in us a spirit of care and responsibility,
that through our actions—both great and small—
we may participate in your work of restoration and peace.
All this we ask through Jesus Christ,
in whom all creation is made new. Amen.
Blessings of peace for the journey,
Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe
Diocese of Central New York
