“It was very dark around the campus that day.”

The word spread across the Haskell Indian Nations University campus – a student had taken their own life. The story was heart-wrenching. Another young person lost to the despair, anger, and hopelessness that is always lurking in the shadows of Native lives.

Father, God of Light, in whom no darkness dwells, thank you for sending your only Son to take us out of the shadows and into your Light. Help us to live as people who love and follow Jesus, the radiance of your glory, the true light of the world. Guide us as we shine that light into the lives of others who are still lost in the darkness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Father God, thank you for seeing our tears and sending us help in times of sorrow and pain. Help us to come alongside those who are crying to provide your comfort. Send your peace in times of distress and your joy in times of victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Miigwetch (Ojibwe), Pilamaya (Lakota), Ahéheeʼ (Navajo), Thank you, Father, for hearing Jesus’ loud voice before his death as our substitute. Continue to hear his intercessions for us as He sits at your right side. Holy Spirit, touch the hearts of those to whom we communicate your truth of restoration. In the Name of our High Priest, Jesus, Amen.

Dear Father of all people, hear our prayers and bring the broken and lost to you. May they experience your forgiveness and healing power. Do not let the enemy of their souls capture them back into darkness. In the name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace, Amen.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for supportive mentors and those people who walk alongside us in this difficult earthly life. Help us realize that you indeed speak to us through your Word, and when we walk through dark wildernesses you are always with us. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son for our transgressions. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The desire to “go home” is in the hearts of many Native Americans, too. 

Jesus also left His home. But He chose to do that because He longed for everyone to live with Him in heaven (John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:4). Trusting in His work of salvation on the cross fulfills the longings in our hearts. 

He said, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6 ESV)

He is the All-Powerful Warrior Jesus. He is the light in the sky that we follow as we move through our daily lives. He is our compass for the year ahead.

In God’s creation, we see his fingerprints everywhere, and when we look even closer, we can also see his plan for salvation and new life.