Wisdom from our Canadian Forefathers Print
Sunday, 01 July 2007

WELCOME ICEBREAKER

What would you consider to be a classic Canadian meal?

WORSHIP

Psalm 139

WORD

Our Canadian forefathers left various verses at our parliament buildings in Ottawa. If we look closely they give us a code to keep our country strong and free.

  1. On the Peace Tower exterior west window is the verse: Where there is no vision, the people perish. (Proverbs 29:18)
    1. What is your vision for Canada? How does it differ from our forefathers?
  2. On the south wall of the Peace Tower Memorial Chamber marble panels are the verses: If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I lay down in the bowels of the earth, thou art there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right shall hold me. (Psalm 139:8-10)
    1. In order to understand the scope of this verse read it out of other translations in your group.
    1. What does this verse tell us about God’s help? How does it speak to us as Canadians?
  3. In 1921 the architect, John A. Pearson, initiated on the Peace Tower exterior east window this verse: He shall have dominion also from sea to sea. (Psalm 72:8)
    1. How does God demonstrate His dominion in Canada today?
    1. What is our role?
  4. In the opposition boardroom on the tympanum over the doors is the following quote: Fear God; Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:17)
    1. Read the entire verse from other translations.
    1. Why do you think our forefathers put this verse here?
    1. What are some practical ways to show respect to the government today?
  5. On the Peace Tower exterior south window is the verse: Give the king thy judgments, O God, and thy righteousness unto the king’s son. (Psalm 72:1)
    1. Read the verse from other translations.
    1. How does this verse speak to us today as Canadians?
  6. On the Peace Tower Memorial Chamber, stained glass east window is the The Call to Arms, with the following verse: Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory. (1 Corinthians 15:57)
    1. What do you think we should do as Canadians to see a revival in our country? What spiritual weapons should we take up?
    1. What do we as Canadians have to be thankful for?
  7. In 1926 Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King initiated the largest bell, (number 53 at 22,400 lb and tuned to E, it strikes the hour), with the following verse on it: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men. (Luke 2:14)
    1. What is Canada doing as a nation that you think is bringing glory to God?
Note these Biblical References on the Centre Block of the Canadian Parliament buildings are as compiled by Audrey Dub, Curatorial Services, House of Commons. (rev. 2004). Forwarded by Monique Carnell, Assistant Curator House of Commons.

WORK

Pray for the leaders of Canada, BC and Vancouver.