Section:
prayers
July 14
Environment:
Symbols of the elements: rocks, plants, a bowl of water, a feather, candles, Native American artwork or icons.
Hymn Suggestions:
|
God of Day and God of Darkness (Haugen) |
Prayer for Peace (Haas) |
|
Sing Out, Earth and Skies (Haugen) |
Canticle of the Sun (Haugen) |
|
Gospel Canticle (any version) |
|
Psalm/Canticle Suggestions:
8; 16; 46; 63; 65; 117; 141; 148; Judith 16 2-3a, 13-15; Daniel 3 56-88
Reading:
“The great chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land. How can you buy or sell the sky? The warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. Yet we do not own the freshness of the air or the sparkle of the water. How can you buy them from us? Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every crane, and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people.”
(Excerpt from a letter to the President of the United States by Chief Seattle, 1854)
Response:
After each invocation, all respond: Forgive us, we pray.
For the unjust treatment of Native American peoples . . .
For the relocation of Native American peoples to satisfy greed . . .
For treaties made and then broken . . .
For the slaughter of innocent Native American people . . .
For our disrespect of Native American peoples and their lands . . .
Gospel Canticle:
May our bodies, our minds, our spirits learn a new rhythm paced by the rhythmic pulse of the whole created order.
Copyright © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis. Carmelite monastery. 2500 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222. Used with permission.
Intercessions:
Response: God of all nations, hear us.
For the wisdom to respect and care for all our natural resources, we pray . . .
For the grace for each of us to make wise choices in protection of the environment and all the species with whom we share this planet, we pray . . .
For those whose way of life is respectful of all creatures, rocks, plants, and all the elements of the earth, we pray . . .
For the vision and love to respect and honor all peoples, especially those indigenous to our lands, we pray . . .
Closing Prayer:
O God, we have sinned against you in the oppression of the people who, before us, lived in this country and cared for it. Forgive the blindness of our past and enable us to atone for our guilt by restoring the rights of all people to live on their land in peace and with dignity. We ask this for the sake of all people who died because of our greed, and in the name of Jesus who brought us your forgiveness. Amen
Copyright © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis. Carmelite monastery. 2500 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222. Used with permission.
