Pray without ceasing

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

God makes it clear in the book of Genesis he expects human beings to look after the Garden of Eden we call Earth. Our technology enables us to perform miraculous feats in our environment, but as a two-edged sword we can use it for good or evil.
 
I am appalled that all UK rivers and many bathing beaches are polluted by the dumping of raw sewage and many other pollutants. I feel a sense of hopelessness when confronted by the magnitude and extent of the pollution. Environment Agency figures earlier this year showed there were a total of 301,091 sewage spills in 2022, an average of 824 a day! I often prayed for a resolution to this national disgrace.
 
Water companies in England have recently apologised for repeated sewage spills and pledged to invest £10bn this decade to quell public anger over pollution in rivers and seas.
 
We live in Richmond upon Thames. Our much photographed and painted river is one of the key beauty spots in our town and a magnet for all the tourists who visit us every year. During my lifetime I have seen the Thames cleaned up and then ruined by reversion into an open sewer. Like many others, I use this river as a leisure resource for sailing and canoeing.
 
The Port of London Authority (PLA) has announced its “Clean Thames Manifesto”. This collaborative venture will reduce the sewage and other pollutants in our beautiful river.
 
I have prayed continually that this unfolding disaster would be halted and reversed. My prayers and those of many others are being answered. This encourages me to “pray without ceasing”, not giving up, even when the problems seem insurmountable.