The Sacred Circle is an invitation for Indigenous, Metis and Inuit Anglicans to experience greater awareness of their heritage as People and Nations by becoming engaged in a learning and immersion that is authentic to their spiritual formation within the context of their spirituality and discipleship rooted in the worldwide Anglican faith expression of Christianity and the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Sacred Circle articulates in the two documents, The Covenant and Our Way of Life, the understanding, awareness and the sacred path to embracing, implementing and articulating the two Documents as the guiding light on our continuing journey to self-determination and to being a living faith reality of the Gospel life in our communities.
Read the full message from Bishop Sidney BlackIt is believed that the best way to learn about The Sacred Circle is to enter it, to pray, and to listen. Through the work of the Rev. Gerald Giles and Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples Co-chair, Caroline Chum, we present 7 ceremonies based on the 7 Sacred Teachings that many Indigenous communities see as the basis for a happy and livable life on the Land. Each ceremony is centred, first, on the Gospel related to the teaching and, second, on a portion of The Sacred Circle documents. All of this is done in the practice of Gospel-based discipleship which, as you see in the documents, is a central part of the way we live as relatives, serve God, and live in communion with God, Creation, and each other.
Enter the Circle with care and respect, acknowledge God and each other
As you engage the Gospel and the documents, remember these basic ideas of Gospel Based Discipleship:
- Through the Holy Spirit, promised presence of Jesus (Matthew 18:20) is the very most important aspect of the circle. He is the living teaching, healer, guide, and ruler.
- All teaching, especially sacred teaching, should be done in a sacred context, the context of the teaching being as important the content of the teaching.
- Listen carefully, prayerfully, and obediently.
- God addresses us through the voices present, including the Gospel reading and the documents. Listen carefully to the circle, respectfully awaiting God’s loving and healing address.
Receiving and reading The Sacred Circle
- The Sacred Teachings may be used at any time of the year and in any season.
- The Sacred Teachings are woven into our reading of the Gospel and the document.
- You may order the Sacred Teaching, according to what is best in your community.
- The teachings are also a circle that may be entered at the point your particular circle chooses.
A facilitator may choose to go through The Sacred Circle: The Covenant and Our Way of Life and choose the number, order, and extent of the passages from the documents. They can be divided as follows: First, session one is on The Covenant. In the next six sessions you can divide it up into two items from the twelve in Our Way of Life in each session.
We are always happy to hear from you and join together in Sacred Circle. If you are new to Gospel-Based Discipleship, you can find out more from this excerpt of A Disciple’s Prayer Book.
Courage
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 31:23–24
23 Love the Lord, all you his saints.
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord.
THE GOSPEL
Matthew 14: 22–33
REFLECTION AND REPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
Creator, since you created the heaven and earth things are always changing, change isn’t always bad, and I need to accept that. Help me as I face changes in my life and show me ways to manage them. Jesus, give me wisdom and guide me as I enter these changes. May others be an encouragement as well and allow me to do the same in return. Keep me from questioning why things are happening and just show me how to accept them. In Your loving name, I ask these things. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Almighty God, whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin, give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the God of peace enable us to do his will in every kind of goodness, working in us what pleases him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Honesty
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 112:2–5
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.
5 It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.
THE GOSPEL
Luke 20: 45–47
REFLECTION AND RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
—A Prayer attributed to St. Francis
THE COLLECT
Almighty God, your Son came into the world to free us all from sin and death. Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit, that we may be raised to new life in Christ, and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Humility
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 131
1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
my eyes are not haughty;
2 I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
3 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
I am like a weaned child with its mother;
like a weaned child I am content.
4 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
both now and forevermore.
THE GOSPEL
Luke 14: 7–14
REFLECTION AND REPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
“O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) Has we walk together in love and compassion towards the cross, help us to walk humbly with You and one another. Let your holy Spirit guide us on the right path to truth and reconciliation with humility. Help us to hear each other, for we do not want to walk by pride or self-sufficiency, We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Father of mercy, alone we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves. When we are discouraged by our weakness, strengthen us to follow Christ, our pattern and our hope; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face shine on us and be gracious to us. The Lord look upon us with favour and grant us peace. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Love
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 85:4-7
4 Restore us then, O God our Saviour; *
let your anger depart from us.
5 Will you be displeased with us for ever? *
will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6 Will you not give us life again, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your mercy, O Lord, *
and grant us your salvation.
THE GOSPEL
Mark 16: 15–18
REFLECTION AND REPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
The Prayer of Saint Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is offence, let me bring pardon.
Where there is discord, let me bring union.
Where there is error, let me bring truth.
Where there is doubt, let me bring faith.
Where there is despair, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, let me bring your light.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
O Master, let me not seek as much
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love,
for it is in giving that one receives,
it is in self-forgetting that one finds,
it is in pardoning that one is pardoned,
it is in dying that one is raised to eternal life. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Lord God, you have taught us that anything we do without love is worth nothing, for whoever lives without love is counted dead before you; send your Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues; grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen.
—A New Zealand Prayer Book, page 624c
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the God of peace enable us to do his will in every kind of goodness, working in us what pleases him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Respect
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 34:9–14
9 O fear the Lord, you his holy ones,
for those who fear him have no want.
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Which of you desires life,
and covets many days to enjoy good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil,
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil, and do good;
seek peace, and pursue it.
THE GOSPEL
Mark 15:42–47
REFLECTION AND REPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
Creator,
We thank you for every day in your creation, Help us to respect all living things in our creation, including those that are different to us.
Give us the patients and loving kindness to respect one another and always show love and compassion. No matter what race, age, gender or religion they may be, help us to be fair and just to them.
Help us to listen to everyone and unite us in Christ our Saviour.
Comfort and protect all your children and help us to make your churches and your creation a richer place to live. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Almighty and everlasting God, you despise nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our brokenness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Trust
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 37:1–6
1 Do not fret yourself because of evildoers; *
do not be jealous of those who do wrong.
2 For they shall soon wither like the grass, *
and like the green grass fade away.
3 Put your trust in the Lord and do good; *
dwell in the land and feed on its riches.
4 Take delight in the Lord, *
and he shall give you your heart’s desire.
5 Commit your way to the Lord and put your trust in him, *
and he will bring it to pass.
6 He will make your righteousness as clear as the light *
and your just dealing as the noonday.
THE GOSPEL
Luke 16:10–13
REFLECTION AND REPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.
—Book of Common Prayer (1962, Canada)
THE COLLECT
Almighty God, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross, give us faith to perceive his glory, that being strengthened by his grace we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the God of peace enable us to do his will in every kind of goodness, working in us what pleases him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.
Wisdom
THE GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this sacred circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
THE GATHERING PSALM OF PRAISE
Psalm 31:23–24
23 Love the Lord, all you his saints.
The Lord preserves the faithful,
but abundantly repays the one who acts haughtily.
24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord.
THE GOSPEL
Matthew 14: 22–33
REFLECTION AND REPONSE TO THE GOSPEL
Reflect and Respond to the Gospel:
- What word(s), idea(s), or sentence(s) stand out for you in the Gospel?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) saying to you?
- What is Jesus (the Gospel) calling you to do?
APOSTLE’S CREED
Officiant and People together:
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried
he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYER
Creator, since you created the heaven and earth things are always changing, change isn’t always bad, and I need to accept that. Help me as I face changes in my life and show me ways to manage them. Jesus, give me wisdom and guide me as I enter these changes. May others be an encouragement as well and allow me to do the same in return. Keep me from questioning why things are happening and just show me how to accept them. In Your loving name, I ask these things. Amen.
THE COLLECT
Almighty God, whose Son fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are but did not sin, give us grace to discipline ourselves in submission to your Spirit, that as you know our weakness, so we may know your power to save; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Officiant: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
Officiant: Let us pray.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
BLESSING
May the God of peace enable us to do his will in every kind of goodness, working in us what pleases him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
or GRACE
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen.