Prayers and Reflections on Canada’s Birthday

Canadian Flag created with flowers at Minter Gardens; photo credit: Leslie Ross

Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, posted the following on the Facebook page of the Governor General of Canada:

“Happy Canada Day!

Wherever and however you mark the day, remember to keep working together to build an inclusive society. Be kind to each other. Make safe spaces where our stories can be told.

Listen to Indigenous peoples, on whose land we live. Learn from one another. Have hope for the future, and faith in our neighbours, our friends, our family and ourselves.

Canada is our home. On Canada Day, let’s all commit to a country where everyone truly belongs.”

The Anglican Church of Canada shared the following prayer in an e-mail:

A Prayer for Canada Day

Creator God,
who provides for your people
with wisdom and love over all,
accept the prayers we offer for this land
proclaimed as Canada and known by many names.

Forgive us for our ignorance,
our malice, our self-righteousness;
Forgive our history of misusing your name
to persecute, diminish, and cause suffering.

Guide our repentance towards
truth, listening, reconciliation and healing.
That we may live with integrity and justice
in obedience to your will.

Bless all your servants, the leadership in this land
with courage and wisdom,
that your people may walk together
with hope and peace.

Through Jesus Christ, the peacemaker
who came to teach us to live in truth and love.

Amen.

~ (via the Diocese of Saskatoon, 2021)

The United Church of Canada shared the following prayer on its Facebook page:

A Prayer for Canada Day

Creating God,
As we mark the anniversary of the Confederation of Canada,
we remember and give thanks
for the people who have been the stewards of this land
since time immemorial,
and commit ourselves to the work of justice, healing, and reconciliation.

Together we dream about the country that we hope to become,
a country where all are free to be their best selves.

Amen.

 ~ https://united-church.ca/prayers