Creator God,
As we come to you and take this time to be still, to reflect, to listen and pray, we ask that you would speak and have your way in our hearts.
You formed these ancient lands now called Australia and the boundaries of each Aboriginal nation. Every plant, animal, river, mountain, and all created things have their place and purpose.
Our languages, songlines, dances and stories still connect us to you and guide us to worship you along with all creation.
Lord, you have seen and felt the disruption, the murder, theft, pain and injustice. The land is blood-stained. The cries of our people echo in the silence. Trauma and grief overwhelm us.
We lament together and ask that the truth will be brought into the light. The truth that will bring freedom and healing.
We pray that justice will roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.
Raise up our people and empower us with your strength. Bring alongside us our non-Indigenous brothers and sisters and help their eyes to be open and hearts to be soft.
You are the ultimate redeemer, and in the same way that you reconciled us back to you, you call us to be reconciled to one another. To love one another as you have loved us. To be one as you are one, yet recognising that we are diverse, different parts of the same body.
You give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and the garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. We receive a double portion and everlasting joy in your presence.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
This prayer was written by Bianca Manning, Aboriginal Christian Leader, and Common
Grace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Justice Coordinator.
If you are using please acknowledge Bianca Manning as the author/writer.