From 1 September to 4 October, churches across the world join in the Season of Creation as a time to pray, reflect, and act together for God’s world. This year’s theme, Peace with Creation, is inspired by the prophet Isaiah’s vision of justice restoring the land:
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence for ever.
(Isaiah 32:17)
Isaiah paints a vivid picture of cities deserted and land barren – until the Spirit is poured out and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field. It’s a vision that recognises how deeply justice and peace are linked, both for people and the whole of creation. Without justice for the poor, for the displaced, and for the Earth itself, there can be no lasting peace.
Around the world today, creation suffers as a result of human injustice: overconsumption, environmental destruction, and economic systems that trap vulnerable nations in debt. Climate change and conflict push people from their homes, threaten food security, and strip the land of life. Living here in West Sussex, we may feel far removed from some realities, yet the call is the same – to live as peacemakers, repairing broken relationships with God, one another, and the Earth.
Come, Holy Spirit, pour out your life on the barren places.
Let justice take root, righteousness flourish,
and peace flow like a river, until all creation can rest secure.
For ideas, prayers, and resources for your church, visit seasonofcreation.org.