Our nation is still reeling from the discovery of 215 unmarked graves of children who lived at just one of the residential schools established by our government and run by religious organizations. Our hearts grieve for the many families and children who were affected by this moment. This is the very thing that Jesus came to set us free from - a “religion” that is harsh, oppressive and brings death.
As Canada grieves, heals, and begins to rebuild, may this challenge us to examine ourselves; to expose any religious attitudes, beliefs or things in us that are contrary to God’s ways, to confront any attitudes in ourselves that are harsh, hard and unloving and to learn to lead others in love rather than trying to control them because they are different than us.
But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbuor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God. - Micah 6:8
May this be the beginning of God doing a transformational work, not only in the survivors, their families, and all Canadians, but to the reformation of our government. This discovery has truly has reached the foundation of our nation and the issues that have plagued us from before confederation. Now more than ever we need God to move in His miraculous and restorative ways.
Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame! When you came down long ago, you did awesome deeds beyond our highest expectations. And oh, how the mountains quaked! For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you. - Isaiah 64:1-4
Oh Canada, may we be a people who learn from history so that we in no way repeat it. Lord, we ask You to release a wave of repentance, healing and restoration, turning hearts and minds to You. Without You, we are a broken people. Come now, we pray!
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14
Lord, we wait for You to perform Your Word, for You alone are worthy and only You can do it!
Shower down righteousness, O heavens above. Let the clouds drip with deliverance! Let earth’s womb open and bear salvation’s] fruit, with righteousness rising up beside it! I, the Lord have created all of them! - Isaiah 45:8