Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God's Creation

by Sam Hamilton-Poore, Jane Wageman (Illustrator)

Do something for the environment--pray for the earth.
The icecaps are melting. The air we breathe and the water we drink are polluted. Forests are being cleared of oxygen-making trees and ecosystem-integral wildlife.
Our daily lives impact our earth--mostly leaving negative footprints. The environmental challenges we face are real and almost out of control. We're free to enjoy the earth's bounty and beauty, but along with that privilege comes responsibility.
How are Christians to respond as stewards of God's creation? Explore through prayer the interconnecting love that binds God, humankind, and creation--forming a sacred trust.
Earth Gospel offers four weeks of prayer (seven days per week with prayers for morning, midday, and evening) to encourage care of God's creation. Each daily reading includes scripture, hymn texts, beautiful poems and reflections from sages across time, and blessings. Featured voices include Emily Dickinson, Wendell Berry, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther, e.e. cummings, Julia Esquivel, Annie Dillard, Henry David Thoreau, Catherine of Siena, and many others.
Conveniently sized to tuck into a backpack for a field expedition or as a companion to your Bible during prayer time, Earth Gospel will deepen your appreciation and commitment to creation. Use it daily, and it will change your life.

Genres: Spirituality, Christian, Theology, Prayer

221 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a Creation Care group at church; the book centers around the role of Christians in taking care of the earth. Readings are structured for a four week "read", with each day divided into sections for morning, midday, and evening. The author has done a wonderful job of finding writings by authors from all different time periods, and from all over the globe. Each day of the week has a different theme, and he managed to find many beautiful hymns, scriptures, poems, or writings, to reflect the days' theme. (Friday's were the hardest to read, the theme for Fridays is destruction of the earth, and could be very harsh). I will re-read this many times, I think (except for Fridays) for the inspiration and wonderful reflections on how blessed we are.

[Bobbi Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I went through all of the morning meditations, but I skipped many of the midday and evening meditations just because I forgot or didn't have the time. At some point (when I've finished a few other books) I intend to pick it ups again and go through all of the evening meditations during my morning quiet time.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very protestant way of praying for the earth.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

After hearing Sam speak at our church, I bought his book. I'm using it as a daily meditation/study guide. It's broken into 3 parts for every day of the week, morning, midday, & evening. He includes scripture, song lyrics & thoughts from others in each. I find myself doing one of his "days" at bedtime, all at once, & that feels ok.

[Lara Stoudt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been my daily companion for the last 3 months and I will continue to drink from its wisdom going forward. Poetry, song, scripture all work together to awaken parts if me that were disconnected from my true vocation as a human: to love and appreciate the natural world around me. Highly recommend.

[Roger Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great collection of intellection minds view of creation and the Creator. A balanced view from the more nature worshipping thoughts of extreme environmentalists. A tool to increase in our worship the appreciation and nurture of creation in the worship of God Almighty. An energetic and enlightening look at how God has intertwined everything.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my small group at church. I enjoyed the guided readings throughout the day bringing my awareness back to appreciation of the Earth and the Creator. Keeping the important things in focus when a day can often move too quickly was a very good thing for me.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 4-week daily prayer guide, with Scripture, hymns, poetry, and other resources -- dating from early Christian era. Very enriching. I plan to use this at least annually, in my meditation times.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Think of it as an ecumenical version of "Shorter Christian Prayer" (itself an abbreviated liturgy of the hours) with an environmental focus. Pretty well done.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved using it every day for four weeks. Loved emphasis on our need to keep holy the natural world, especially the animals.