World Peace and Prayer Day

“World Peace and Prayer Day/Honoring Sacred Sites Day has been a 20-year tradition that promotes co-existence among all peoples and nations

The motto “All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer” has been the vital part in the solution of healing this ailing Mother Earth. Whether it is at a Natural site, a Church, a Mosque, a Temple or a Synagogue, we need all People who truly understand their faith and responsibility for our future generations’ well being to help heal.” A quote from the welcome page at http://worldpeaceandprayerday.com

In Southern Oregon we are fortunate to have a four-day gathering led by Chief Arvol Looking Horse, founder of World Peace Day and spiritual leader of the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota nations.* At the opening ceremony on Thursday there were quotes from Martin Luther King and Desmond Tutu to remind us that no part we play is too small to matter. No effort is in vain if it is done with excellence. This weekend will mark new words for future repetition. Learned council members, local and international spiritual leaders are speaking out and praying for peace..

Grandma Agnes Baker Pilgrim spoke on Thursday and will take part in the weekend event. She is our area member of the International Council of the Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers and is always inspiring. She exhorts us to look to our ancestors for wisdom strength but to take on the challenge of preserving the wisdom and the land for our descendants, born and unborn.

As I huddled in the shade of a small tree, I was moved by the steadfastness of our local leaders who tirelessly work for peace and the health of our community. They give us concrete reminders as well as verbal and musical prods to keep a global perspective. At this opening we gathered around the peace pole provided last year by the Red Earth Descendants. It has now been transported to the four-day celebration. At the conclusion it will be returned to its conspicuous site in the local park, a reminder to the thousands of people who gather here throughout the year.

Sunday is  the 20th annual World Peace and Prayer Day. In this solstice time, let’s all remember breathe a prayer, to say a prayer, to live a prayer – for our world and for all of its beings. We can make a difference.

xxoo

Please take part. Click here for our local schedule. Perhaps there is something happening in your area. If not, join the world-wide prayer from wherever you are.

*Chief Arvol Looking Horse is also the 19th generational keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe Bundle.