Over the past week we have learned about the crisis occurring at Attawapiskat in Northern Ontario. It is troubling to learn/realize/acknowledge that there is a wide disparity of standards of living in Canada. These income gaps appear in our large urban settings, rural townships and perhaps most dramatically on Native Reserves.
Gracious God, you created the Earth and you declared all things good in your sight. You asked that we care for your creation and as a part of that promise it is understood that we are to care for one another. It is troubling that not all is good within your creation. Not only is the Earth in need of healing, but we your people struggle to care for one another.
We pray for the people of Attawapiskat. Who over the past weeks and months have been dealing with a growing crisis. Their young people, their children so depleted of hope have taken to drastic measures and sought to end their lives. Such tragic action speaks to the disparity in standards which are enjoyed by different people in a prosperous nation.
We pray for healing and for comfort for those who have lost loved ones. We pray that adequate health care be provided, that the standards of care which is provided to the wealthy also be known by the poor. We pray that the current response is not just a flash-in-the-pan, but the beginning of a last improvement in the lives of the people of Attawapiskat.
Moreover we pray that a dedicated response be made to improve lives. That wherever injustice and disparity is seen it would be challenged. That we would not be deaf to the cries for help and that we would see with new eyes the circumstances of all people.
We lift these prayers up to you and ask them in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.