A first essential setting for learning hope is prayer. When no one listens to me any more, God still listens to me. When I can no longer talk to anyone or call upon anyone, I can always talk to God. When there is no longer anyone to help me deal with a need or expectation that goes beyond the human capacity for hope, he can help me. When I have been plunged into complete solitude …; if I pray I am never totally alone.

Spe Salvi, #32

“A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.”

Proverbs 13:23

The first step of taking the St. Francis Pledge is to pray and reflect on the duty to care for God’s creation and protect the poor and vulnerable.  Let your prayer reflect your desire to learn how you are being called to make a difference.  Make up your own prayers or use the following prayers that may help inspire the wonder of creation and our responsibility to respond to God’s command to be stewards of the gifts of the earth.