Prayers for the Children

In light of news that the remains of 215 children have been found on the grounds of a former residential school in BC, we share this prayer, offered by the Most Rev. Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop, on September 30, 2019, at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony honouring all children who did not return home from the Residential Schools:

Prayer for the Children Who Didn’t Return Home

Almighty God, we remember before you all of the children
– our dear relatives –
who did not return home from the Residential Schools.  
May you remember their suffering and pain.  
May you grant them rest in the Land of Peace.  
May you surround them with beautiful and sacred love and joy.  
We pray to you also for ourselves and our children.  
At a time like this we remember we need your Spirit so very much.  
We pray to you, your Spirit prays through us, in the Name of Jesus,
who suffered with us but raised us and will raise us with our departed loved ones.  Amen.

If you are in need of emotional support or assistance, please contact the Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll-free 1 (800) 721-0066 or 24-hour Crisis Line 1 (866) 925-4419.