Invitation for Prayers for Peace and Healing – Mi’kmaq Fishing Dispute

On Friday afternoon, October 23rd, a small interfaith delegation will visit Mi’kmaq community members in Saulnierville, NS who are exercising their treaty rights to fish. The delegation will participate in a time of sacred prayer and listening.  In the face of the violence, vandalism, and tension that the Mi’kmaq people have experienced, the purpose of this visit is to show support and seek healing.

Individuals and communities of faith are invited to share in this action by taking a moment for prayer at 2pm (Atlantic) on Friday, Oct. 23rd.  You might pause and light a candle and hold a bowl of water, or simply step outside for a moment and find a symbol of connection that speaks to you. Using words, song, silence or whatever form your prayers take, join hearts from afar in Peace and Friendship.  #treatyrights #mikmaq #UCCan #WeAreAllTreatyPeople

Prayer:

Creator God, Holy Mystery, Source of Life and Love

Thank you for the gift of life, all life.

Thank you for the endless ways we are reminded that we are connected – all peoples, all the creatures, all plants, all lands, all waters, and the air around us.  When one part suffers, the pain ripples out.

Our hearts ache today with the pain felt by our Mi’kmaq relatives, who have suffered violence, vandalism, threats, racial discrimination and broken trusts as they try  peacefully to exercise their right to fish.  May they be surrounded with healing and strength. May they feel solidarity and support.  May they be kept safe from further harm.

We pray for our non-Mi’kmaq relatives.  May there be healing for the pain, fear or anger that has driven some to harmful words and actions, and others to silence.  We pray for openness to the righting of relationships.

We pray for our leaders at every level.  May they be guided by wisdom and humility.  May they use their voices and their power to build systems that uphold safety, dignity, and respect for all.

Finally we pray for ourselves, that our hearts and our minds remain open to understanding our responsibilities toward living into Peace and Friendship, knowing that we are all still Treaty people.

“Knowing that you are hearing us better than we are speaking, we offer these prayers in all the holy names of God.” (1)

Amen

(1).Closing words from daily prayer from the Centre for Action and Contemplation

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