Steph Evans, Wiradjuri woman, shares a prayer for National Reconciliation Week.
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Loving Father, Creator Spirit,
Thank you that you created all people. That you knit us together in our mother's womb and placed a purpose on each person's life. Thank you that there were no mistakes in your creation.
Thank you, God, that we have weeks like these where we can turn our focus to reconciliation. These lands bleed and yearn for your reconciling Spirit, and I pray that this week acts as a reminder of this to us all, a reminder that won't be forgotten in the weeks to come.
Yet in this week I come to you with a heavy heart.
God, I pray for all those impacted by the Stolen Generation. I pray that your peace will rest with them and that they will know your love and comfort. I pray for all Mob fighting for their land, that they will find strength in you. I pray for the too many Mob who are incarcerated. I pray they will find peace in you, that their families will find peace in you, and that our governments will hear your call for justice as so many fight to stop the increasing incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. I pray for the parents of the children who continue to be taken away. I pray that your guiding hand will be over these systems as we stand in your defiant hope asking for change.
I pray that you'll be with these children, that you will be known to them as their loving Father and that, whilst they wait to be reunited with their family, they will continue to be connected to Country, community, and culture.
God, I lift up all Mob to you. That you will be there and known in the pain of injustice.
Thank you, God, that you are with us in times of injustice. That you are in our citadels. That you stand with us, Mob or not, and lead us towards a just world, a garden world.
God, I could not think of anything more powerful in this journey of reconciliation than your love. God, I pray that as we join with you, you will transform us to be people who are more Christlike. People who live out your command to love.
I pray God that you will transform all of Australia to love like you love, so that we love so much that there is no longer room for racism. That your love is felt in rooms of decision making so that there is no longer room for injustice. That we love so deeply that we care for Country. That your love is felt in our churches as we truth-tell and welcome Mob through our doors.
God, you have reconciled nations and people before and I so wholly believe that you will do so again, that you are doing so. Thank you, God, that you are working in us to achieve reconciliation. Thank you, God, for the vision of justice, reconciliation, and love that you have for us, that you have for your garden city to be realised on Earth.
God help us to have ears that hear as we continue to listen deeply. Help us to hope defiantly for a reconciled Australia.
Help us to love one another and cherish our differences.
May your love be the foundation of Australia's reconciliation.
Let your justice fall on our lands.
In your mighty mighty name,
Amen.
Please acknowledge Steph Evans as the author/writer when sharing this prayer.