Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Prayer: Gratitude Is Eternal.

(adapted from https://indiancountrytoday.com)

As this day of Thanksgiving dawns, the words of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois)  Thanksgiving Prayer can echo deeply within us. Beginning with all people and progressing to the Earth Mother, Grandmother Moon and Big Brother Sun, the prayer pays homage to everything that sustains us. It reminds us to take care of these things and through that, ourselves and each other. The address is very long. It is used not only for Thanksgiving Day but at Native gatherings. When the people gather, they begin with gratitude.

“Today we get together to remind ourselves that we were given a responsibility to live in balance and harmony with one another and with all the living things of Mother Earth,” the prayer begins. “We think of the people we met and the ones we haven’t met as yet. We remember that all of the people who live on every part of Mother Earth are all connected, related and bound together in the same circle of life. so we bring our minds together as one. As we pile high our greetings, express our love and give thanks to all of the people here and everywhere on Mother Earth. “Now our minds are as one.”

As you reflect on the gifts of Creator, as you gather however you can at this time, as you open your heart to include gratitude for the web of life, I invite you to begin with the opening words of the prayer (above) then add your own thanksgiving.

If you wish to reflect on the poem you can find it here: (https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/british-north-america/haudenosaunee-thanksgiving-address/

All That Breathes Bless the Lord by Marion Honors, CSJ


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