Agricultural News
Oklahoma Religious Leaders Call for Day of Prayer for Rain
Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:39:14 CDT
On April 22nd, 2013, Interfaith leaders from around Oklahoma joined hands and called on all citizens of all faiths to come together on May 1, June 26 and September 18 to collectively pray for rain and to learn more about being good stewards of our water. According to the Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, this is a duty all Oklahoman's should share.
"Any moisture we have should be recognized for what it is; a truly precious gift," Rev. Tabbernee said. "We should treat it accordingly to the grace with which it was given, especially as we prepare to re-enter the summer months."
Tabbernee's words were offered as part of the kick-off event for State-Wide Days of Prayer for Rain and Water Stewardship, a cooperative effort of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts (OACD), the Oklahoma Conference of Churches and the Whole Creation Community, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. The initial event, held at the State Capitol, was designed to bring both religious and secular leaders together according to Clay Pope, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.
"Both spiritual and temporal leaders have a role to play when it comes to water," Pope said. "It's our duty as people of faith to remember our call to be good stewards of the earth and to petition for relief and aid during times of drought but we also have an earthly responsibility to practice good policy and wisely use our resources. Hopefully this effort can highlight both of these needs."
Those in attendance at the event were joined by Oklahoma Lt. Governor Todd Lamb who addressed the crowd on the importance of being good stewards of our water, not just during a time of drought, but every day and every year.
"Water is our most precious resource without a doubt," Lamb said. "You can live about a month without food but you can only live about a week without water. While we pray for rain we have to be mindful about how we treat this vital natural resource and work to protect it not just for ourselves, but for future generations."
The Pray for Rain and Water Stewardship effort will involve local events held throughout the state to help bring all Oklahoman's together to focus on water and its importance. All Oklahoman's are called on to take part cooperatively to focus our energy and effort on calling for continued rain and learning how each of us can better protect and conserve our water.
"Oklahoma is still in a drought and we should be mindful of that," The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Episcopal Bishop and Professor of Native American Ministries at Oklahoma City Universities Saint Paul school of Theology said. "In the Book of Mathew, we are called on to be as wise as serpents but innocent as doves; this means we should be wise in our action while we attempt to do no harm. Caring for our water is our duty as believers while we continue to ask our Lord for rain. While we pray for continued precipitation, we should also take care of what we already have been given. It's our hope these days of prayer and stewardship awareness will help remind all Oklahomans to do just that.
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