PRAYER SERVICE for International Mother EARTH DAY 2013. Quote: Theme: Logo: Event: Earth's crammed with heaven (Elizabeth Barrett Browning) We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children Earth is what we all have in common (Wendell Berry) Earth Hour: 4th Saturday March: 8:30 - 9:30pm. - Extend the Life of our Earth Earth Week: April 16 to April 22 the Earth Day - Mobilize the Earth Earth Day: April 22nd, 2013 - Dare the World to Save the Planet Ritual : A Candle or a Lamp to be lit after the introduction. Scripture: Mathew 6: 26 Prayer Songs: 1. All the Ends of the Earth - http://youtu.be/TK6gY1tkJAw OR 2. Yakkos Song on the Universe - http://youtu.be/f_J5rBxeTIk 3. Earth Day Anthem set to "Ode to Joy" : http://youtu.be/nDLybM4JKhc Preparation: Preferably hold the prayer service in the open surrounded by nature; sky, trees, birds, warmth of the sun, gentleness of the breeze and the feel of distinct space - unique GPS. Introduction: {At the start of the prayer service before the prayer song: A candle/lamp is lit while all stand in silence holding hands in solidarity with the earth community} Leader: The Earth our only home is a living planet. In each breath we celebrate the wonder of life on our planet - the mystery, beauty and glory of creation especially the Earth. Earth Day promotes awareness with a call for the protection of our planet. Earth Day was founded on April 22, 1970 and celebrated first in United States only. From 1990 the Earth Day Network coordinated globally International Mother Earth Day on April 22. Earth Day celebration is to Mobilize the Earth and inspire global support to motivate people on Earth Care to Save Our Planet. Earth Week (April 16 to April 22) is about learning Mother Nature; linked to sustainability issues/activities as green economy, less is more, etc. Earth Hour: 8.30 - 9.30 pm. is a global event powered in uniting people to protect the planet organized by (World Wide Fund) WWF on fourth Saturday of March every year from 2007. It persuades institutions and households to switch off non-essential lights and electronics at the Earth Hour and urges to go beyond to reduce our environmental impact and carbon print by checking on consumption, wastage, lifestyle, pollution etc., in order to tread gently on the earth. June 5 World Environment Day is observed by United Nations (U.N.) yearly in a different nation on a specific theme. Let us hold hands linking with humanity in a moment of silence, as we light the lamp/candle to express solidarity with earth community on Earth Day. Let us join the choir in prayer song Prayer Song 1: All the Ends of the Earth - http://youtu.be/TK6gY1tkJAw OR Prayer Song 2- Yakkos Song on the Universe - http://youtu.be/f_J5rBxeTIk

Reader 1: Earth our home symbolizes stability, safety and security. The essential factors as the earth's proper size and distance from the sun, its surface temperature, atmosphere, ocean, crust, tilt and rotation fit our planet for life. OUR EARTH has 4.6 billion year geological history of mysterious geological formations, unique magnetic and electronic environments for instant communication with any and everyone. Our precision time clocks are set on the movement of celestial bodies. Google Earth has mapped every inch of the earths surface to locate any place /person on the globe and the discovery continues, as every bit of earth beneath holds hidden secrets, resources, reserves and treasures as precious water, fuels, metals, minerals, medicines, mysteries and marvels of archeological / geological / historical / economical significance. Earth provides source material for ideas / inspirations / inventions than just a mere solid ground to root us. In the beginning God created heaven and earth (Gen.1/1).We stand in awe and gratitude as humans of Gods marvelous creation as the world is charged with the glory of God and Earth is crammed with heaven. We rejoice in the unique splendor and mystery of myriad species with innate interdependence. All Creation is a manifestation of God as He permeates this universe. Each and every one of us is a unique expression of God in this world (Aquinas), for God chose to situate His image in human person after He had fashioned and designed the earth for life with welfare of humanity. We respect our Earth and recognize every form of life as of significance. Reader 2: Prayer: Creator God, we praise you for the magnificence of the cosmic Universe containing billions of galaxies and our marvelous Earth in the vibrant Solar system located in Milky Way galaxy. We praise you for the miracle of life with its cycle of growth on our creative planet; the countless species of creatures each distinctly fitting into the complex ecosystems you gifted us with. We thank you for the boundless sky, gigantic oceans, gentle streams, majestic hills, whispering breeze, mighty trees and the lowly grass. May our hearts open wide to see the radiance of each dawn with endless potential for new beginnings and discoveries. Protect and replenish the earth and renew humanity in conscientious stewardship. Reader 3 The Earth laughs in flowers. Nature is beautiful, lively, life friendly and resilient instructing us as Job (12/7-10) says ask the beasts of the land, birds of the air, fish of the sea and speak to the earth for they will teach us; in Gods hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humankind. Nature illustrate Gods loving care for the bees, birds, beasts and flowers in the natural order of creation; The Earth has music for those who listen (Shakespeare). Jesus says will not God do much more to us human persons - his children. (Pause...) Scripture reading Mathew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? Reflective Time: (Pause) The fall of a leaf is a whisper to the living. Every time you admire something in nature, it is a prayer to the Creator. In Proverbs 6/6 we are advised Go to the ant

and be wise. Let us reflect on any aspect of nature - a leaf / flower / seed / fruit / tree / soil / grass / feather /egg / nest / insect / bird / animal / rock / scene. What message does it reveal? How do I experience Gods presence in creation? What can I learn from this? Let us share in a sentence or two with the person seated next to us (Pause..) As wise habitants of the earth we learn strength from the storm, gentleness from the rain, warmth from the sun etc., The earth rejuvenates the seed into a tree to yield flowers, fruits and seeds in an unending cycle of life; stream flows into sea /ocean in a constant flow of giving. Mother Earth accepts and nurtures all life forms in peaceful harmony. Reader 4: Earth our home is restless and alive. Earth is both the planet we live on and the matter we live from. Its thin skin of soil produces commodities for us and all creatures, cleans our water, protects us from floods and regulates our climate. Soil is the critical part of an ecosystem providing nutrients, anchoring plants, and a home for many life forms. The web of life is one. Our mistreatment of the natural world diminishes our own dignity and sacredness, not only because we are destroying resources that future generations of humanity need, but because we are engaging in actions that contradict what it means to be human. Our tradition calls us to protect all life forms and defend the dignity of every person. It is clear that this task cannot be separated from the care and defense of all of creation." (Renewing the Earth) The Earth Charter (2000 UNESCO) is a declaration of the fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society in the 21st century. Earth Charter inspires cooperation, collaboration and commitment in our task to protect, preserve and promote Earth's beauty and bounty, vitality and diversity for our own and future progeny. The Earth Charter endorses sustainable ways of living and development on a shared ethical framework that includes respect and care for the community of life, ecological integrity and justice for the earth does not belong to us, we belong to earth. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. Earth is what we all have in common for we bond as One People, One Earth, One Future. On Earth day we re-bond with the universe, appreciate its beauty, its laws and systems. Let us bond in the Mayan Prayer of 7 directions. (Prayer in the open to feel the world of space) Mayan prayer of the 7 directions: (Leader and different readers will read different parts) Leader: We symbolically invite the whole of creation to be with us here and now. Leader: North - the House of night I invite you to face the north! Reader: North is a place of trust, wisdom, strength and courage to bear what is cold and harsh in life and be transformed. North is waiting and watching. We welcome the spirit our ancestors who have gone before and on whose shoulders we stand. We welcome the spirits of the children yet to come, who will stand upon our shoulders. May wisdom ripen in us to live upon this gracious earth in gratitude and respect to every species! Leader: East - the House of light I invite you to face the east! Reader: East is the place of the rising sun. East is for the illumination, awakening of life and birth; connection with beauty and richness of the world. May my eyes lift to see the freedom of

the birds and may we be recreated anew each day. May wisdom dawn in us to be in awareness of the gifts of each moment! Leader: South - the House of eternal sun I invite you to face the south! Reader: South is the place of growth and transformation, refreshing warmth and loyal friendship. South is for vitality and innocence; sacred fire of creativity; seeds that flower and energy of service. Thank you for the gentleness of relationship; for music, dance, art and those things that hold joy and communion. May right deed reap the harvest and let wisdom unfold that we live in harmony with our kin in all realms. Leader: West - the House of transformation I invite you to face the west! Reader: West is the place of the setting sun; mystical rest and solitude. West is for introspection to seek within the darkness, gift of renewal and transformation. Thank you for the lightening and cleansing rain, for those things that teach compassion and truth. May we find God dwelling in the temple of our hearts; may our hurts be healed and may we rest in peace. Leader: Heaven - the House of heaven I invite you to look up to the heavens! Reader: The heavens are the source of light, life and throne of God. The Father sky is the place of emanation, inspiration and vision encircling all beings. Welcome the gifts of wind and sunshine; compassion and protection. May the wonders of all mysteries be revealed to us! Grant us the courage to bring the radiance of true self out into the world and the humility to foster the radiance of others. Leader: Earth - the House of Earth I invite you to gaze down at the earth! Reader: Mother earth is the holy vessel enfolding all beings with the beauty of compassion and spirit of generosity. The mother earth accepts, embraces, nurtures and nourishes. We welcome the gifts of nurture and support, beauty and bounty, sustaining energy and spirit of Mother Earth. May we be humble stewards of our planet, grateful for the bountiful gift of life and blest with harmony and peace! Leader: Centre - the Galactic source I invite you to look toward the centre! Hold both hands over your heart Reader: The centre of our very being is the balancing place. We welcome the gifts of oneness and the connection with all things, for all things are connected. We welcome the desire for serenity and spirit within. We invite into this circle the spirit and energy of those who guide, protect and bless us to be fully who we are. The centre of our being is God dwelling in our heart. O source of love, may we enter into you, and may you reveal yourself to us, the pure one revealed in the many. You are the refuge of all who love you; we love you: make us your own! (Upanishad) Let us conclude our prayer service singing the Earth Anthem. Prayer Song 3: Earth Day Anthem set to "Ode to Joy": http://youtu.be/nDLybM4JKhc..

Requirements for the Earth Day Prayer Service:

A Teacher and 2/3 student leaders will take full responsibility for prior preparation: 1. Arrange and organize the prayer service, with prior preparation for the requirements. 2. Practice the Ritual; the Mayan prayer with 30 seconds pause (assign different readers for each part) A candle on a stand / lamp to be lit before the prayer song, after the introduction to prayer. 3. The choir to practice earlier the given songs and lead the assembly to sing. 4. Assign 4 or 5 readers to responsibly render their role; practice earlier to set the prayerful tone of devotion with reflective pauses to let the prayer service flow without flaw. 5. Display prominently The Theme, Quote and the Logo. Note: {AVEC Prayer Services are comprehensive to conduct once a month during the school assembly or class assembly. Pupil participation in preparation of Rituals, Poster, Singing and Reading will enhance the effect. In case of time constraint, you are encouraged to condense and have it rather than miss its dynamism. Kindly spread the prayer for the benefit of others.} . Prayer Song1. All the Ends of the Earth - http://youtu.be/TK6gY1tkJAw Refrain: All the ends of the earth, all you creatures of the sea, Lift up your eyes to the wonders of the Lord. For the Lord of the earth, the Master of the sea, has come with justice for the world. 1...Break into song at the deeds of the Lord, The wonders He has done in every age! 2...Heaven and earth shall rejoice in His might, Every heart, every nation call Him Lord! 3...The Lord has made His salvation known, Faithful to His promises of old. Let the ends of the earth, let the sea and all it holds, Make music before our king ! Prayer Song 2.Yakkos Song on the Universe - http://youtu.be/f_J5rBxeTIk 1. Everybody lives on a street in a city Or a village or a town for what it's worth. And they're all inside a country which is part of a continent That sits upon a planet known as Earth. And the Earth is a ball full of oceans and some mountains Which is out there spinning silently in space. And living on that Earth are the plants and the animals And also the entire human race. Chorus: It's a great big universe And we're all really puny We're just tiny little specks About the size of Mickey Rooney. It's big and black and inky And we are small and dinky It's a big universe and we're not. 2. And we're part of a vast interplanetary system Stretching seven hundred billion miles long. With nine planets and a sun; we think the Earth's the only one That has life on it, although we could be wrong.

Across the interstellar voids are a billion asteroids Including meteors and Halley's Comet too. And there's over fifty moons floating out there like balloons In a panoramic trillion-mile view. 3. And still it's all a speck amid a hundred billion stars In a galaxy we call the Milky Way. It's sixty thousand trillion miles from one end to the other And still that's just a fraction of the way. 'Cause there's a hundred billion galaxies that stretch across the sky Filled with constellations, planets, moons and stars. And still the universe extends to a place that never ends Which is maybe just inside a little jar! Chorus: It's a great big universe And we're all really puny We're just tiny little specks About the size of Mickey Rooney. * Though we don't know how it got here * We're an important part here * It's a big universe and it's ours! Prayer Song 3. Earth Day Anthem set to "Ode to Joy": http://youtu.be/nDLybM4JKhc Joyful joyful we adore our Earth in all its wonderment Simple gifts of nature that all join into a paradise Chorus: Now we must resolve to protect her Show her our love throughout all time With our gentle hand and touch We make our home a newborn world. (Repeat Chorus) .