by Sr. Doreen, SSJD
God is doing a new thing and making a way where there was no way – ‘do you not perceive it?’ (Isaiah 43:16-21)
Today is the National Indigenous Peoples Day and is a time to celebrate the cultural gifts that our indigenous peoples have enriched our country of Canada with over thousands of years. Many Indigenous groups and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on June 21st or around that time of year because of the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year. It is also a time to reflect on the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and the ongoing need for reconciliation.
I share with you several resources from the Anglican Church of Canada’s website to use as an opportunity for pondering reconciliation and for giving thanks on this national day.
A Prayer:
Creator God, from you every family in heaven and earth takes its name.
You have rooted and grounded us in your covenant love,
and empowered us by your Spirit to speak the truth in love,
and to walk in your way towards justice and wholeness.
Mercifully grant that your people, journeying together in partnership,
may be strengthened and guided to help one another to grow into the full stature of Christ,
who is our light and our life. Amen
Honouring the Four Directions:
Come Great Spirit, as we gather in your name.
We face East:
To your symbol colour RED, the hue of revelation;
To your animal symbol the EAGLE, the strong and nurturing;
To your lesson calling us to the balance of your Spirit in harmony with brothers and sisters;
To invoke your wisdom and grace, the goodness of the ages,
We pray: COME HOLY SPIRIT, COME.
We turn to face South:
To your symbol colour of GOLD for the morning star.
To your symbol of Brother Sun that enlightens our intellect and brings light on our path to live
responsibly.
To your lesson calling us to balance of Mind in the Spirit of humility;
To invoke your spirit of illumination and far sighted vision;
Help us to love you and one another with our whole heart, our whole mind, and our whole soul,
We pray: COME HOLY SPIRIT, COME.
We turn to face West:
To your symbol colour BLACK, still and quiet.
To your animal symbol the Thunderbird;
To your symbol the Thunder mighty and purposeful;
To your lessons calling us to balance our emotions in the spirit of gentleness and honesty;
To invoke your spirit of introspection, seeing within;
Give us your strength and the courage to endure.
We pray: COME HOLY SPIRIT, COME.
We turn to face North:
To your symbol colour WHITE of clarity and brightness.
To your animal symbol the swan which bring us in touch with Mother Earth and growing things.
To your lessons calling us to balance of our Body in the spirit of a good sense of humor;
To invoke your spirit of innocence, trust and love;
Help us to open our eyes to the sacredness of every living thing.
We pray: COME HOLY SPIRIT, COME.
We turn to complete the circle and to look:
To God, our Creator who cleanses our Mother Earth with snow, wind and rain;
To Jesus Christ, the Peacemaker who fills us with the wideness of mercy and loving embraces all,
To the Holy Spirit who inspires us to action:
COME HOLY SPIRIT, COME
(As there are several interpretations of the colours of the medicine wheel, please note that the adaption used here is a Cree adaption, with apologies if this conflicts with what is used in your Nation. Please adapt to your local area.)
From the hymn book Common Praise of the Anglican Church of Canada
(Text and music by Bishop Gordon Light)
God the still-point of the circle, ‘round whom all creation turns;
Nothing lost, but held forever, in God’s gracious arms.
Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side.
Let our hearts touch far horizons, so encompass great and small
Let our loving know no borders, faithful to God’s call.
Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side.
Let the dreams we dream be larger, than we’ve ever dreamed before;
Let our dream of Christ be in us, open every door.
Draw the circle wide. Draw it wider Still. Let this be our song, no one stands alone, standing side by side.
