Monday, June 28, 2021

Prayer of lament over 750 unmarked graves found at Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, Canada

 

https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/24/americas/canada-unmarked-graves-discovered/index.html 
PC:THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Taylor

Heavenly Father, we lament as we learn of at least 750 unmarked graves discovered on the grounds of the former Marieval Indian Residential School in Saskatchewan, Canada. We take a deep breath and pray as we anticipate many similar tragedies being uncovered at other former Indian Residential Schools in months and years to come. How do we process thousands of children dying early deaths--away from their families and confined within toxic situations? These precious human beings--made in your image--faced malnutrition, abuse of every kind, illness and deep, soul-crushing loneliness. Their blood cries out to us from the ground, Lord. Where were you, they ask of us. We grieve deeply, Lord, wondering how you could allow this suffering. We think of Habakkuk crying out: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but you do not save?  Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?” (Hab 1:2-3). We ask for what you promised Habakkuk in response to his cry: that we will look at the nations and be amazed, that you will do something in our day that we would not even believe (v. 5). Reveal yourself as truth is uncovered. Bring peace amid the deep sadness. Bring healing to those who grieve. Grant courage and wisdom to those who can begin to make amends. We lay our requests before you with humility and the necessary mustard seed of faith. Amen.  

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