“Prayer for Oak Flat” was written and composed by Reed Burkholder. In the recording from SoundCloud, Roger Piper-Ruth sings and Reed Burkholder plays the piano.
I decided to write “Prayer for Oak Flat” because Pam and Roger Piper-Ruth asked our congregation, Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship in Boise, to join with Dr. Wendsler Nosie Sr. “in prayer and action to prevent the destruction of Oak Flat”. This request was handed out on 4 ½” by 5 ½” cardstock in early November, 2023 that said in big letters “Pray” on the front and on the back explained the threat Resolution Copper poses for Oak Flat [pictured above].
My prayer took the form of a song.
Prior to this, I had read Sarah Augustine’s book The Land is Not Empty and had heard her speak in our church in early October, 2023. Her words about mercury poisoning in Suriname because of gold mining rang true for me. My dad wrote a thesis in the early 1950’s on mercury poisoning of miners in north Idaho so I was familiar with the topic of unintended consequences of metal mining.
Lyrics:
Holy Spirit in the trees
Holy Spirit in the springs
Help us stop this copper mine
All this land is only thine
Holy Spirit in the oaks
Holy Spirit in the rocks
All this land is wholly thine
Help us ban this copper mine
Holy Spirit visit us
Holy Spirit you we trust
Help us stop this copper mine
All this land is only thine
Holy Spirit in the deer
Holy Spirit always near
All this land is wholly thine
Help us ban this copper mine
Reed Burkholder grew up in Boise, Idaho with much outdoor experience in fishing, camping, skiing, farm labor, and fire fighting. About once a month for thirty years he’s led songs at Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship in Boise, Idaho. As a pianist, he’s attained a level of concerto performance with orchestras. Seven years ago Reed co-founded Plant Based Treasure Valley, a support group for folks who have shifted their diets to 100% unrefined plant foods. His three children are grown and living in Denver, central Kentucky and South Carolina.
