Though this world is broken and fallen, it is still the artwork of a good and loving Creator who is continually making all things new each day through acts of kindness, justice, compassion, and the complexity and beauty found in nature. As Christians, we are called to be caretakers of the Earth, not exploiters. Much of human history has involved the exploitation of land because of money and power. This comes from the sin of pride and is what caused Lucifer to fall in the beginning.
When human beings desecrate the earth and use it for their own profit, it is an act of sin since it is disrespecting the glory of God. When Christians show gratitude for the Earth through creation care, they glorify God and honor his name.
In the beginning, when our primitive ancestors lived in a paradisiacal state in the Garden of Eden, there was no such thing as sin. There existed perfect harmony between all created beings and with God. This state of perfection ended when sin entered the world after a sacred covenant was broken between God and humanity. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we humans experience the reality of what N. T. Wright has called "new creation." In this context, our vocation is to be good stewards of the Earth since this is still God’s good world.
The following are prayers and Scripture passages that will aid us in celebrating the gift of God's Creation on Earth Day and encourage us to care for it all year round.
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How Was Earth Day Started?
In the pursuit of progress and materialism, we have contaminated water, cut down many forests, caused air pollution and oil spills, and have become more individualistic as a culture over the years, having lost a sense of community. Although all these terrible things have been done to our planet, there is still hope since Christ is still at work in the world, redeeming and renewing. One good example of this is the origin of National Earth Day. Earth Day, which began in 1970.
It was founded by Nebraska Senator, Gaylord Nelson. Nelson was horrified at how the environment was being destroyed and wanted to do something about it. The Senator teamed up with activist Dennis Hayes and got a group of 85 people together who cared enough to do something about the terrible destruction going on around them. This movement began to spread throughout the states and involved different faith communities. The movement raised awareness of how we could be good stewards of the earth and led to the founding of the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Act, and other important acts. Because of people having enough courage and faith to do something about the devastation of the earth, an amazing national movement was born. Though everything will not fully be made right until Christ's return, in the here and now Christians are being the hands and feet of Christ by practicing creation care.
Earth Day has become an important annual reminder to people that it is important to treat our life here on the planet with respect and reverence. It is also an affirmation of God’s redeeming love in a broken and hurting world.
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Scripture and Prayers Celebrating Earth Day and God's Glory
Below are verses from Scripture and prayers that convey what Earth Day is all about: proclaiming that, although this world is fallen and broken, new creation is still happening, the world is healing, and as image bearers, we can participate in God’s great redemption story.
Genesis 1:1–2:
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
“Christ, you are the author of time and space, and brought the world, nature, and humanity into being. We thank you for your artistry! Help us to glorify you as we honor your beautiful handiwork!"
"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
“Christ, we are completely reliant on your sovereign grace. We thank you for the air in our lungs, the forests, fields, streams, and how you have revealed yourself through the natural world. We rejoice in this! Amen!”
"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."
"Christ, we thank you for the supernatural gift of faith and being with us in our doubts. We thank you for the evidence of your glory and love that we observe in the world through acts of compassion, mercy, and justice, the sacraments, scripture, and answers to prayer. Although this world is fallen and broken, remind us that it is still your good world, and that because of you there is always hope. Help us to be good stewards of the earth, to help the poor and needy in our communities, and gives us the strength, courage, and will help bring about your kingdom in the here and now, on earth as it is in heaven."
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
“Christ, you alone are worthy of our worship, adoration, and because of you we have hope and joy. Your beauty and power are seen in sunsets, the vast expanse of the ocean, and the flight of the birds of the air. We praise you for your power and glory!”
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Who Are Some Famous Proponents of Creation Care?
The farmer, poet, and philosopher Wendell Berry has written about how Christians can help fight against mega corporations exploiting the country and people by gardening, buying from local farmers markets, helping serve the needs of people in their communities, and understanding how they can get involved with different organizations that promote self-sustainability by being good stewards of the earth. By taking care of the earth, we glorify God and treat the earth with respect as a work of art and not something to be used as a means of consumption.
The classic epic work of fantasy, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, has a particularly important environmentalist aspect to it that has been important for those who are supportive of National Earth Day. In the story, the wizard Gandalf is a caretaker of Middle-earth and does everything in his power to stop the terrible destruction of Mordor. The dark Lord Sauron and his orcs exploit trees, rivers, forests, and seek to destroy the different races of Elves, Dwarves, and Humans for the purpose of ruling all Middle-earth under a totalitarian regime of machinery and cruelty. In the end, the hobbits Frodo and Sam destroy the ring in Mount Doom with the help of Gandalf and other characters, defeating Sauron. Sauron’s defeat and the victory over the darkness leads to the fourth age, and much of Middle-earth is healed by the care of the different races that are stewards of the earth.
The stories of Tolkien’s Middle-earth and the wisdom of voices like Wendell Berry remind us of the deep connection between stewardship and restoration. Just as the characters in The Lord of the Rings banded together to heal a broken world, we too can partner with others to bring renewal to the earth. As we pray, reflect on Scripture, and take actionable steps, we affirm our commitment to the God who made all things good and invites us to join Him in caring for His creation. Let Earth Day inspire us not just once a year, but daily, to live out our faith in ways that honor the Creator and sustain His beautiful world.
Further Reading
10 Earth Day Prayers
What Does It Mean to Celebrate Earth Day from a Christian Perspective?
The Christian Responsibility to Care for Creation
Can Christians Celebrate Earth Day?
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Originally published Friday, 03 January 2025.