Today is Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A Prayer for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30, 2021
Gracious and merciful God, Creator of the heavens and the earth we are blessed by the sacred rhythms of the seasons that you have put in place and the setting of the sun which invites us to rest and the rising of the same which offers a new day.
On this first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation we pray for the families of indigenous children and youth who did not rest when the sun set and their children did not return from residential schools. Only now are they learning of unmarked graves many of which are yet to be discovered and still there is no rest. O God, forgive us as a nation of people for inflicting this nightmare on our neighbours. Bring healing and hope to each family and to the First Nations of this land and plant the seeds of peace among all the people of this nation.
Faithful Creator, we thank you for the abundance of water in this land and the bounty of the earth’s harvest which offers food enough for all. And yet O God, we confess that many of our Indigenous neighbours still thirst for water that is fresh and clean and hunger deeply for the food of justice. Nurture their souls and equip them by your Spirit to preserve their languages and culture. And strengthen the resolve of the leaders of our nation to work together to overcome the challenges that stand in the way of true reconciliation.
O God as the sun rises across our land on September 30th may it truly begin to usher in a new day for our Indigenous neighbours and indeed for all of Canada. May this day be marked by a deepening appreciation for the hopes and dreams of Indigenous youth and indeed for the whole nation. Creator God, Lord of Life and Redeemer of the World, bring justice and peace, healing and hope, through Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.
For more information on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation go to:
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html
