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Good morning. If I am ever listening to the radio at this time of the morning, the chances are that it will be to the sound of a kettle boiling in the background. Other people have probably had a shower already, let alone turning on the tap to fill up a kettle. The thing is, they can. This year we might have had our fill of excess water with all the storms and flooding recently, but at least we have water to drink. In this country we see fresh water from the tap as one of life’s givens. If ever there is the prospect of running out of water we fall into a blind panic – buying up the bottled stuff with apocalyptic zeal. I know, because I have done it.

A few years ago there was a problem with our local pumping station, and within hours of the announcement every supermarket shelf for miles around was swept clean of bottled water. Today is World Water Day, and draws our attention to the billion people in the world without access to clean water for drinking, washing, cooking or sanitation. A billion is such a huge number – more than any of us has ever seen gathered in one place. Scattered across the world they will wake this morning in places where the quest for water will occupy their every waking hour until the sun sets tonight. We remember them today, along with the policy formers and decision makers who affect their lives.

O God who made the oceans and the rivers which feed them. Yours was the hand which bored the tiniest hole for the tiniest spring to bubble from the hill. Yours was the hand which bent the majestic rivers on their course. Today we cry out to you for the thirsty, and those who will bring them fresh water to drink. Amen