When I watch the news on TV The world you made, God, Seems to be in crisis.

With your son Jesus Christ I pray For the world you still love. Cool its violence and its anger, Point out to nations The stupidity of fighting and greed, Guide our leaders In the ways of peace and conservation.

Support the needy, Feed the hungry, Comfort the crying And help those working To build community And to care for creation.

As I pray like this, I know I must be part Of the answers to our prayers.

Help me to be a partner with you in your world, To act with your wisdom and love, So that the world follows your plan Where all creatures have their place, And all people live in harmony, And your kingdom comes on earth, As your will is done in heaven. Amen.

There are 1.2 billion children in the world. 1 billion of these children live in poverty. Lord, we pray for the one billion children living in poverty around the world. May they be enabled to access good food, healthcare and education. E Te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou.

Every year 270 million people lose their homes to a natural disaster. Lord, we pray that you protect people from the destruction a disaster causes. Help us to be more aware of our impact on the environment and our duty to help restore and heal communities after a natural disaster. E Te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou

Throughout the world 1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence. Lord, we pray for your protection over mothers, daughters and sisters around the world. Inspire us to support those who are fighting against injustice and discrimination towards women. E te ArikiResponse: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou

1.6 million people die every year due to a lack of clean water. Lord, we pray for those who struggle to find enough clean water to meet their needs. Guide world leaders and humanitarian agencies as they seek solutions to the problems of climate change and water shortages. E te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou

4 in 10 people live without even a very basic toilet system. Lord, we pray for those whose health is compromised because of limited access to hygienic toilets and other facilities. May we who have so much be generous in giving to those who have so little. E te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou.

2.7 billion people struggle to live on less than $2 a day. Lord we pray for those who must struggle everyday to have enough to eat. Help us to be part of the solution to this global problem. Help us to be prepared to have less in order that others may have enough. E te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou

11 million children under five die every year from preventable diseases as a result of their impoverished living conditions. Lord we pray for the world’s children, that they may always be loved and protected and have the chance to grow and develop. E te Ariki Response: Whakarongo mai ki a mātou

Amen.

‘God’s World,’ adapted from Cool Prayers,: everyday prayers for young people. Statistics taken from United Nations Statistical Division Created by Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand Esther Robinson and Gemma Sinnott Editors: Crispin Anderlini and Michael Stewart