Leader’s Introduction: As we continue to get settled in and prepare for what God has for us this week, we’d like to take a moment to recognize and remember the Native brothers and sisters who are the first peoples of these lands. There are some notes at the end that can help you. The shaded portions should be customized for your situation. Here is an example from an IV conference in Anaheim, CA. Another possibility is to have a special prayer at times when the past comes up, such as Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. We can have an opening prayer at an IV event which honors both God and the original people of the land. “Protocol” comprises customs of etiquette that honor and build relationships in Native contexts. We can do that, following cues from Native traditions, by adopting the use of protocol prayers. A good place to start moving into God’s grace is by seeing and honoring Native people, especially those whose land we are on. The winners still benefit, the losers still suffer, and the causes of it all in our hearts have not gone away. As a country, we have realized that the sin of slavery has long-reaching consequences for everyone similarly, we are beginning to see that sins against Native people matter, too. When sin occurs, both parties (sinners and the ones sinned against) need God’s healing. may well be sins – not just against those people – but against the God who established them here. It is sobering to think that the violence, the broken treaties, etc. Many of these same tribes did not experience peaceful interactions with the waves of mostly European immigrants that ultimately displaced them. Their connection to the land, as in Old Testament times, is spiritual and not just circumstantial. Many Native tribes among us also believe these words, have long sensed the benevolent hand of the Creator in their dwelling place - their homelands, and have sought him, just as Paul says. ".and he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God.” Acts 17:26, 27 ESV Pray for Native Peoples at InterVarsity EventsĪ Worksheet for Customizing Prayers for Your Campus or Conference
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