“Child maltreatment was rarely a problem [before colonialism],” said Kastelic, a member of the native village of Ouzinkie in Alaska, “because of traditional beliefs and a natural safety net.” (Sari Horwitz, The Washington Post)

Unfortunately, the attempt to destroy their culture, particularly through the Indian boarding schools, broke families and create a legacy of trauma that is passed from one generation to the next.

Lutheran Indian Ministries creates safe places where Native individuals can start on a journey of healing and break the cycle of abuse. 

 Lord God, our prayer during this season of Advent, is that our native brothers and sisters, who are bound by the pain of addiction and abuse, would receive their “year of Jubilee” by your grace and mercy and through Your Son, Jesus, Amen.

 ord, I confess to You that, if I were to stand on my own, all of my faults would keep me from Your presence, and only reveal Your wrath. I am so thankful Lord for Your gift to me, that I can come into Your presence through Your Son, without fear, and look forward to meeting You, Amen.

 Heavenly Father, I thank You for always loving us, and I pray that you would continue to send heroes for our Native nations. I pray that our nation will never turn away from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Heavenly Father, we thank you for the living imperishable seed of your Word that has given birth, hope, and our identity in and from your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

 Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the hope that we find through Him to heal our brokenness and create new and clean hearts. Help me to share this love with others during this season of Advent. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

 Gracious Lord, thank You for loving us and giving us Your Spirit. Continue to direct us and lead us and help us to follow Your ways rather than our ways. Help us to look upon others with love so that our witness to the world reflects You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be our Savior. By your grace, strengthen our faith that we might serve you faithfully in all of our life’s circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.