The Green Devotional: Active Prayers for a Healthy Planet

by Karen Speerstra

Secular and sacred, ancient and new, words for contemplation—and inspiration to act in defense of the earth.Our planet, our home, is in crisis, plain and simple—and this collection of quotes, poems, essays, and prayers will inspire all to actively reverse the man-made causes of global warming, stem the tide of environmental destruction, and reconnect to the good earth.Short essays of topical interest introduce each of the eight sections of this book, and the 250 voices inside, most of them contemporary, began to harmonize together as they seem to call out for their own canonical structure — one bounded by the ancient Earth, Air, Fire, Water. This collection of voices is like a “green book of devotional hours,” reminiscent of the Books of Hours medieval people used to hold in their palms. And like that medieval book, The Green Devotional reminds us that we are connected to something broader and wiser than ourselves.Including selections from Rachel Carson, Cornel West, Bill McKibben, Alice Walker, Sue Monk Kidd, Dean Koontz, Barbara Kingsolver, Daniel Pinchbeck, Arundhati Roy, and many others, The Green Devotional ends with a section of “Closing Prayers” that prepare us not just to go to sleep, but to rest up for another day of passionate action.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Shelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful book will assist anyone who is trying to improve the environment and make the personal and social changes necessary to do so. You will find within these pages the words of many people encouraging you in your efforts. The author begins each chapter with a story to bring home the point of the chapter (earth, air, fire, water, time, space, and essence) that are then followed by quotes from a variety of sources that support the premise of that chapter. The final chapter is prayers for the planet. The Green Devotional is meant to be an inspirational device for people who love the natural world and it hits the mark!

[KA · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book of quotations, with original writings at the beginning of each chapter. A useful resource for worship-planning.