Read:
Isaiah 35:1-2

Explain:
Every year, around 15 million acres of farmland turn into desert or become barren. Desertification and drought threaten the livelihood of over one billion people in more than 110 countries. This is not simply a natural problem. It is caused by climate change and by overexploitation or misuse of the land: things such as war, deforestation, overgrazing, and poor irrigation. The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought marks the anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, signed on June 17, 1994. The Convention is an international effort to protect vulnerable drylands and to promote sustainable land management--literally to make the desert blossom.

Pray:

• Give thanks for living at a time when people have the knowledge and technology to produce more food than ever before possible.
• Pray for those who are directly threatened by desertification and drought.
• Pray for solutions to the problems of desertification and climate change.