Te Harinui — prayer for indigenous children

Two hundredth anniversary today, December 19, 2014 of the Christian faith coming to Aotearoa welcomed by Ruatara, son of Te Pahi, the paramount Chief of Nga Puhi

God, for indigenous children,
for aboriginal children,
for native children,
for first nations children
around all the world –
Te Harinui,
Glad tidings of great joy.

For the celebration of languages,
customs, dances, food,
practices of faith –
especially those rejected,
smothered, condemned,
once beaten out of children –
Te Harinui,
Glad tidings of great joy.

For teaching the truth of history
and healing past cruelties –
Te Harinui.
For justice prevailing
against ongoing discrimination
in work and education –
Te Harinui.
For reparations for much stolen
and for honor
in much preserved
and those who preserved it —
Te Harinui,
Glad tidings of great joy.

For the repentance of children
of invaders and settlers,
asking forgiveness,
without assuming it will come,
and for listening, listening, listening
of those in power
to those who still have little –

Te Harinui –
Glad tidings of great joy.
Amen.

Please use your search engine for the wonderful hymn “Te Harinui.” You will want to sing it this season.