This emphasis needs to be balanced as we work toward the crafting of new liturgies. Newer liturgical prayers pay attention to God's work in creation and sanctification, but more work can be done in this area. Give yourself permission to craft prayers and litanies that take the creative action of God into consideration more surely than some past models have done. Third, liturgy celebrates the presence of God. Again, Christian liturgy by the emphasis it has paid to redemption has often failed to celebrate the presence of God in creation.
Intent is half the battle.
As we allow ourselves a period of adjustment, we will discover resources in our tradition and invent new ones that bring the care of the earth to its rightful place in worship. Jay C. Rochelle, M.Div., Th. M., is Associate Professor of Worship and Dean of the Chapel at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.