COP25 Coming to an End, and the Strong Finish Prayer

This is a prayer of a strong finish that yields a strong beginning.  We appeal to the creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all creation to deliver COP25 from a failure that we and our neighbors in this world can no longer afford. 

May the negotiating nations finish the work of the final days of COP25 in such a just, merciful, and humble way that the year 2020 is rendered free and serious.  

May the run-up to next year’s COP26 be freed up, without distraction, to be focussed on an ambitious ramping up of the emission reductions (NDCs) which will finally MATCH, not simply approximate, what scientists tell us can prevent the warming that will surely cause our worst suffering.  

May a strong finish at COP25 send a signal that the governments of the world are serious about the Paris Agreement, that they have listened to the voices of our youth, our indigenous neighbors, our Pacific Island neighbors, indeed all our neighbors.  Lord God, may they send the signal that next year’s COP26 is not some false hope, not some promise kicked down the road one more year, not some deus ex machina ready to save us in November, 2020—but instead that the next eleven months will be spent with the eye kept firmly on the prize: the promotion of the Common Good through serious and cooperative effort.  

Creator God, at this moment at COP25, we feel like we are asking for a miracle, and so that is why we have come to you.  We believe you are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to your power that is at work within us.  We say NOW, NOW, NOW to you be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! 

In and with the name of Jesus Christ,