The following responsive reading comes from MennoMedia‘s Voices Together #864. Reprinted with permission.
Leader: We offer thanksgiving to our Creator,
recalling that Christ is the center of creation
and our lives as Christians.
As we face east, the direction of the rising sun,
we offer thanks for the gifts of the tree world
and for new beginnings.
All: Help us to be honest with you and others
and to be wise and just in our use of the resources of the earth.
We give thanks to you, O God.
Leader: As we face south, where we receive warmth,
we offer thanks for the gifts of the animal world
and for the call to be humble.
All: Enable us to walk good paths,
to live as family should,
and, with you, to renew the face of the earth.
We give thanks to you, O God.
Leader: As we face west, where we receive teachings of faith,
we offer thanks for the gifts of the rock world
and the purifying and fruitful waters.
All: Sustain us and the earth through your Holy Spirit,
and give us faith as strong as the rock.
We give thanks to you, O God.
Leader: As we face north, the direction of wind and snow,
we offer thanks for the plant world,
and for kindness and wisdom.
All: Breathe your strength and endurance into us,
and give us wisdom to treat each other with kindness.
We give thanks to you, O God.
Leader: As we face center.
From above comes the unconditional love of God.
From the earth comes the gift of life.
All: We give thanks for love like the wings of the eagle.
We dedicate our lives to you, our Creator and Savior.
As we walk on this earth,
may we learn together
and celebrate the way of peace, harmony, and tranquility.
We give thanks to you, O God.
Adapted from an Ojibwe six directions prayer by Barb Daniels (Manitoba, Canada) and Neill von Gunten (Manitoba, Canada) for Riverton Fellowship Circle, 2002. (w)