There not many places you can see both sides of your country from... even in a place as small as New Zealand. But the Auckland Isthmus is one of them. I went for a picnic lunch with my wife on top of Mt Eden and with my new phone took a panorama shot which captures the dark bush clad Waitakere rangers off in the distance across the suburban sprawl of west Auckland and also both the mouth of the Manukau harbour, on New Zealand's west coast, and the upper reaches of the Waitamata harbour, on our east.
On some church calendars September is the season of creation, a time for giving thanks for creation and acknowledging creation care as part of the outworking of our Christian faith. A lot of the liturgy comes from the US or even Australia and, no offense, it does not sit well on these shores... So I am trying to write my own... Sunday is Land Sunday and I have written a prayer as someone who lives amidst the volcanic cones of Tamaki Makaurau (the Maori name for Auckland) and between the two harbours of Manukau and Waitamata. A prayer giving thanks to God for this land and earth. I humbly offer it up and invite you to join me... Please also feel free to use it or parts of it and to make any suggestions for improvement.
Loving God,
full of grace and mercy
We join the
whole of creation to praise your name
We have come
from so many different places
Yet In Christ we come together as one people
We acknowledge
you have planted us here in this land
Amongst the
volcanic cones of Tamaki Makaurau
Between the
harbours of Manukau and Waitamata
It is here that you call us to grow and to
bear fruit
Eternal God,
creator of all,
We give you
praise for this land
We thank you
for snow tipped mountain grandeur
We praise
you for rugged bush clad hills
We thank you
for the rolling farm paddocks of green
We give you
thanks for rich productive alluvial river valley
We thank you
for the many splendours of our coast
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it
Great God, source of all life
We give you thanks for the flora and fauna of our Island home
Native forest giants and trees that have journeyed with us
Kiwi in forest night, kea on mountain top, the song of Tui and Kereru
And birds who share our city home, pigeon, thrush and sparrow
The shoreline full of the cry of gull the graceful gate of wading
bird
For all animals: bird, fish, reptiles and insects, farm animal and
pet
The world and all that live in
it are yours, O God
Gracious God, Lord and
saviour of all
In Christ you have stepped down and met us on our journey
Earthquake has taught us that even solid ground can liquefy
You have pulled us from the mire and given us a sure place to stand
On rocky unsure path you lead and guide and will not let us fall
In darkest valley trail you are with us and comfort us
Even in dry scorching desert you provide a way
Christ has saved us Christ will
lead us safe home
Just God, righteous in all you do,
Land is a blessing from you for the good of all
Forgive us for the way we have misused and abused your gift
When we have used it without giving back and left it desolate
Forgive us for hording what it provides while others go without
Help us to make amends for past injustice with Tanagta Whenua
Help us to be good stewards of this good earth
Forgive us and help us heal
our land
O Holy Spirit, Fill us a fresh with your presence
Help us to keep our lives fertile soil for the seed
of your word
May it take root in our lives and produce a good crop
Empower us to proclaim the good news of Christ in all
we say and do
Enable us to serve, care for and love all who share
this land, this earth
Cause us to seek justice and stand against injustice
Help us to care for the precious gift of creation
All glory to you O
God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
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