Dear Colleagues,

Indigenous Peoples' Day is on Monday, October 10, and as we in the Diocese continue our mission of Becoming Beloved Community, we invite you to use one or both of the prayers provided below on Sunday, October 9 in your liturgy. These prayers can be used not only on that Sunday but any Sunday.

Members from the Diocesan Guiding Team met with Brenda Garrison and Donna Branham from St. Paul’s, Bear Mountain to discuss Indigenous Peoples' Day and being in relationship and community not only on this day but every day.

Brenda and Donna also suggest Hymn 385, "Many and Great, O God, Are Thy Works" as the music is a Dakota Indian chant.

St. Paul's, Bear Mountain

It is an honor to have the Monacan Nation in our Diocese and we want to continue and strengthen our relationship with our Native American siblings.

Along with the prayers, we are providing resources to help parishes learn more about the Monacan Nation and Native American Spirituality.

Peace and Blessings,

The Rev. Marisa Sifontes

Diocesan Missioner for Becoming Beloved Community

The Rev. Dr. Nina Salmon

Chair, BBC Guiding Team

Prayers

Gathering Prayer from A Disciple’s Prayer Book from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Indigenous Ministries (said in unison)

Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all of creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever. Amen.

A Prayer for Healing and Hope from In the Spirit of the Circle (said in unison)

O Great Spirit, God of all people, every tribe and nation through whom all people are related;

Call us to the kinship of all your people.

Grant us vision to see through the lens our Baptismal Covenant, the brokenness of the past;

Help us to listen to you and to one another, in order to heal the wounds of the present;

And, give us courage, patience and wisdom to work together for healing, and hope with all your people, now and in the future.

Mend the hoop of our hearts and let us liven justice and peace, through Jesus Christ, the One who comes to all people that we might live in dignity.

Amen.

Resources

Monacan Nation Website

The official website of the Monacan Nation.

A Disciple's Prayer Book

The Episcopal Prayer Book from the Office of Indigenous Ministries

First Nations Version

First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament

Old Turtle

Children's Book Recommendation

For a pdf version of these prayers and resources, click here.

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