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Thanksgiving Over the Water (Baptism of the Lord)

This seasonal thanksgiving over the water is authorized for use in the Anglican Church of Canada on the Baptism of the Lord. Drawing on rich biblical imagery, it recalls God’s saving work through water and invites the assembly into renewed baptismal identity. Suitable for use within the Holy Eucharist or other liturgical contexts, it may replace the standard thanksgiving over the water where appropriate.

Best suited for: Parish clergy, liturgy planners, worship leaders and communities seeking a seasonal thanksgiving text for the Baptism of the Lord.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.