What Canada Means to Hutterites
Dear readers, I would like to share with you a prayer that was sent to me by a Hutterite friend. He wrote it in honor of Canada’s 150th birthday. His heartfelt gratitude to be living in Canada reflects the feelings of most Hutterites.
He references *Andreas Ehrenpreis (Vorsteher), a deeply loved Hutterite Bishop at our large Hutterite community in Sobotiste, Slovakia from 1621-1662. The Thirty Years War was raging during his tenure but he proved a strong and steadfast spiritual leader despite severely difficult times.
Gracious Heavenly Father our most fervent prayer today is a prayer of thanksgiving for the privilege of living in one of the greatest countries on earth. We stand on the shoulders of martyrs who spilt their blood in many countries so that we might be led to safety. Canada became our refuge where we enjoy religious freedom and can live according to our conscience. We have prospered and flourished on her fertile lands for which we are very thankful.
Dear God, while we are materially blessed beyond measure, we are living in a world reeling with uncertainty. The lines between good and evil are becoming more blurred and our Christian communities are struggling
On his deathbed in 1662 at the Hutterite community in Sabotiste, Slovakia our beloved Hutterite Bishop, *Andreas Ehrenpreis told his beleaguered community members “if ever there was a time when prayer was needed, it is now.” Dear Lord, this is as true today as it was then. We ask you to lead us back to all that is good and beautiful in thy sight. Forgive us our many sins and bring healing and hope to our souls.
We pray for our leaders: Elizabeth our Queen, Justin Trudeau our Prime Minister, our Premiers and all those in leadership positions. Grant that they may put accountability to you ahead of self-interest and personal gain and thus fulfill the role you have permitted them to assume. Bless our land with honest industry, a wholesome education for our young and an honorable way of life for us all. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action.
Heavenly Father we ask you to bless our friends and families and our communities as we continue our journey down the road of success and failures together. We don't know what lies ahead, for the road of life has many twists and turns. Help us to make the best of whatever comes our way and to always keep you in our sight.
May your blessing be upon us O God. Keep us in your tender care and guide us in ways everlasting.
Durch Jesus Christus, unser Herr, Amen
Mary-Ann Kirkby is a Hutterite Author and Professional Speaker. Her award-winning books, Secrets of a Hutterite Kitchen, and I Am Hutterite, are available in book stores and at www.polkadotpress.ca. Contact Mary-Ann at m.kirkby@sasktel.net
