Local

• This week we continue to pray for people in hospital and for those caring for them, for their families, friends and support networks. We pray for healing, for strength, for hope, for energy, for things to occupy their minds. May they know God’s presence and that they are in the prayers of all of us this week.
• We pray for everyone travelling this week. We pray that they travel safely and return to their homes renewed and refreshed.
• We hold the executives, teachers and staff of our schools in our prayers, in particular those in the schools of Gungahlin. May this fortnight be refreshing, renewing and relaxing, may you be with them as they plan for the coming semester.
  • Gungahlin College
  • Burgmann Anglican School
  • Amaroo School
  • Gold Creek School
  • Good Shepherd School
  • Margaret Hendry School
  • Holy Spirit School
  • St John Paul II College
  • Palmerston District Primary School
  • Ngunnawal Primary School
  • Franklin School
  • Harrison Public School
  • Mother Teresa School
  • Taqwa Achool

NAIDOC Week Prayer

HEAL COUNTRY
By Alison Overeem, Palawa Woman and UAICC National Executive Member

We praise Country
As we give praise to the Creator
May we all stop
Breath in this day
Breath in this moment
This privelage to stand on the
Lands of the Muwinina people
May we all pause
May we all sit within a moment
Within our moment
With all the moments that we give praise for
For creation
For all that is
And all that will be
All that is our faith
All that is our discerning and reflecting
For the creator
Forever present on these Lands
We praise the Creator
For the gift of First Peoples
For the resilience, we praise the Creator
For the rich stories that sit on and with country, we give praise
For the gift from the Creator of the Palawa Pakana people of Lutrawita, we give praise
We seek that justice from within self to speak to the praise the creator is calling us to
Calling us to praise the lands and people and cultural practices of sovereignty never ceded
Praise through our hearts of justice as people of the Uniting Church to give thanks through a lens of justice
To praise the creator for justice , for our own discerning , learning and unlearning, truth telling
We praise the justice narrative
We praise the truth narrative
Heal Country is the theme this year for NAIDOC
May we speak this praise together
Heal Country
Heal all that is the truths and untruths of this country, of these lands
To heal Country
For Country to heal
Praising the survival of the oldest living culture on Earth
And the healing of that spiritual and continual connection
Creator you have gifted us First Peoples wisdom , history and knowledge for over 60 000 years
We praise elders, past and present
We provide our shared justice with the sounds of of the didg, the sounds of First Peoples – the celebrating in the knowing, that we are peoples of justice
May we praise you for that
May we know in that praise for you, that Mother Earth calling us to justice and truth telling
Calling is to be immersed in the stories of injustice that heal Country
We praise you for the gift of a call to justice
Of a call to see the land holds the healing for First Peoples and for us all
In the creation
Every tree
Every branch
Every waterway
Every part of Country
And the deep and rich connection of First Peoples to place
We praise you for the stories
For all that is the healing
Country heals
And we all together heal Country
Through the knowing
Through the showing
Through the being
Through the praise to the Creator
For Country
For First Peoples connection to Land, seas, skies and waterways
We praise you creator for these gifts – that we too may be part of the healing and the stories of First Peoples abounding and surrounding us
We praise you for the challenge
For the call to walk a justice pathway
To be present with us
As we all seek the call to praise the justice within
We praise all that you have given us Creator
To be and see and feel and see and feel
The call to all to see and be and heal Country
May the sounds of the clap sticks, of song lines and story lines ,
And the crackle, warmth and invitation of the campfires of generations, be the resounding voices of praise we give today and every day

Regional

• We join with the Canberra Region Presbytery as we pray for the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress
• As we approach NAIDOC week 2021 (4-11 July), we connect to the theme of ‘Heal Country, Heal our Nation’
• We reaffirm in our prayers the commitment of our denomination in the statement: “The Uniting Church hopes for a nation that acknowledges the rights of Indigenous Australians as the first people of this land, respects the land on which we live, and is committed to empowering Indigenous people to take control of their own lives and destinies.”
• We pray for justice and truth telling in our nation, our congregations, and our communities.
• We share in the words of Brooke Prentis, CEO of Common Grace: “Country is all lands, waters, sky, trees, plants, animals, birds, fish, rocks, mountains, and all peoples.” Country is all of God’s wondrous creation. It is a sense of identity, belonging, groundedness and home. We live on wounded, blood-stained country. Jesus understands, having shared our suffering and pain. Jesus provides hope for country to be healed, restored, loved and set free. Jesus calls us as his hands and feet to take an active role in healing country by protecting and restoring God’s beautiful earth. We pray and call for Treaty and Truth Telling for healing Country.”

National

We join in prayer with the UCA National Assembly as we pray for…

• A deepening of relationships as First and Second Peoples in this land and in our Church.
• The members of the 16th Assembly as they prepare for the meeting and gather online in community groups for the first time this Sunday.
• Those working to contain the spread of COVID-19, those who are sick with the virus, people who cannot work and all those feeling afraid, anxious and alone.

World

This week we join with the World Council of Churches as we pray for Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda

We are thankful for:

• how the churches in Sudan and in South Sudan, as well as Ecumenical Network Sudan, have consistently pursued peace processes, healing and reconciliation in these war-ravaged countries
• those who work to bring justice for the victims of genocide and war crimes, including the International Criminal Court
• the many who carry out humanitarian work in these countries and who settle those who are displaced 
• the economic progress and peacebuilding that has occurred in Uganda, and for effective measures to curb the spread of HIV and AIDS.

We pray for:

• a cessation of ethnic animosities and violence, and increased understanding between ethnic and religious groups
• an end to the rape and practices of genital mutilation of girls and women
• governments  to respect the will and best interests of their people and the human rights of all
• natural resources to be preserved and the land saved from further desertification.

Continue praying with the World Council of Churches in their weekly prayer cycle here

Local

• This week we continue to pray for the family of Frank and Pam Thompson and we give thanks for the life and witness of Frank Thompson in each of our lives and in the lives of many many others.
• We pray for the ministry of the Gungahlin UCA Playgroup, we pray for the parents, carers and children who are a part of it’ ministry. We pray for them this week as they take a couple weeks break over school holidays. We give thanks for the ministry of Cass Nockham as the Playgroup Coordinator.
• We pray for everyone who is traveling over the July school holidays, may the roads be a safe place and their journey be blessed.
• We give thanks for our teachers and staff at the schools in the ACT, for all the work they put into creating safe places and an environment for education. We pray that this holiday be restful and that they return refreshed.

Regional

We join with the Canberra Region Presbytery as we pray for St Ninian’s Uniting Church – Lyneham

• Pray for wisdom as they begin the process of seeking a new minister to commence in 2022.
• Give thanks for the success and enrichment of their cooperation with Benedictus Contemplative church.
• Guidance as they explore possibilities for cooperation with O’Connor Uniting Church.
• Pray for a good start for the monthly combined Men’s Breakfast (between St Ninian’s, O’Connor Uniting and Benedictus)
• Give thanks for the teams that continue to offer regular clothing, market, and book sales to the broader community.

National

We join in prayer with the UCA National Assembly as we pray for…

• Hope for refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia who live in fear and uncertainty. 
• People who are survivors of institutional child sexual abuse, including those abused in the care of the Uniting Church. We pray the Government’s review of the National Redress Scheme released today leads to better support for survivors and improved access to the scheme. 
• Uniting Church meetings in all councils of the Church to be places where people of all cultures have a voice and can fully participate.

World

This week we join with the World Council of Churches as we pray for Kenya, Tanzania

We are thankful for:

• the abundant wildlife, natural resources and people indigenous to these countries and that they are protected, not exploited
• the literacy rate in Kenya, the highest in Africa, and for the schools that churches and their partners support and sustain in both countries
• the faithful witness of the churches in their communities, and in building positive relationships with those of other faiths
• persons and organizations who meet the needs of the hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees from other African countries.

We pray for:

• greater tolerance between Christians and Muslims as they work together to improve the lives of all people
• youth, that they not succumb to radicalization but are prepared to sustain their lives and communities
• all victims of violence, especially sexual or gender-based violence, and all who are marginalized or excluded from communities
• those who are most vulnerable to climate change and drought, that they may have clean water to drink and for their crops and animals to flourish
• economic growth and trade that benefits all the people.

Continue the weekly prayer cycle with the World Council of Churches here

Local

• This week we pray for the family of Frank and Pam Thompson and we give thanks for the life and witness of Frank Thompson in each of our lives and in the lives of many many others.
• We pray for the Gungahlin Boys and Girls Brigades, we give thanks for their growing ministry in Gungahlin, for the leadership of Bruce and Liz Warren and specifically for the large number of dedicated leaders from all over Canberra who support their ministry. We pray for the young people who are supported by this ministry and may it continue to grow.

Regional

We join with he Canberra Region Presbytery as we pray for our Hospital Chaplaincy, we pray for:

• The reintegration of pastoral volunteers into the hospital as the lifting of COVID restrictions allows them to return after more than a year’s absence.
• The Spirit’s calling of new volunteers for the ministry of pastoral care.
• That a time of refreshing and renewal will come into the life of the Spiritual Support Services team.
• That Rev Andrew Mead will continue to have an important contribution to the wellbeing and resilience of hospital staff.

National

We join in prayer with the UCA National Assembly as we pray for…

• The Uniting Church on its 44th anniversary, as we remember where we have come from and discern the church we are called to be into the future.
• All those in the Uniting Church who go above and beyond to faithfully serve their local communities and wider society.
• The ongoing journey of the Uniting Church to be a truly intercultural church, where people from different races, languages and cultures are bound together by our unity in Christ. 

World

This week we join with the World Council of Churches as we pray for Malawi, Zambia

We are thankful for:

• the biodiversity and natural wonders in these lands
• church leaders who have spoken out and countered sexual violence and human rights abuses
• those who are dealing with challenges of migrations within, and to, these countries
• stable governance and economies, and rising living standards for the people.

We pray for:

• greater food security for those most vulnerable, especially in times of climate change
• an end to political and economic corruption
• rising standards of living, particularly for those most poor
• an end to exploitation of resources and of the people, especially those who are young and/or female.

Continue the weekly prayer cycle with the World Council of Churches here

Local

This week we pray for…

Those of us coming to the end of life, and for the families that love them, may they be surrounded by warm memories of a life well lived and the love of a God who has walked with them for all this time.

The ministry of the Food Pantry, for all that the ministry touches, we continue to give thanks for Alison and all the volunteers the bring the ministry to life. We pray for all it’s customers and the community built around it, we pray for a world where services like this are not needed and where everyone has access to food and shelter.

For people travelling over the long weekend. May their travel be safe and their time away a blessing.

Regional

We join with the Presbytery of Canberra Region in prayer for the Alpine Parish (Jindabyne and Round Plain) as we pray…

• Our previous part-time Op Shop Manager has left – pray that we can find another Manager with the right attributes to fill the vacancy.
• We are looking at joining with the Cooma Uniting Church to call a Minister, shared half each between us. Pray for God to show us the way and help with our finances so we can progress this initiative.
• Pray that Jindabyne, and the winter ski industry on which the economy of the whole town so depends, is again preserved from any COVID incursion, so that we all remain safe and well.
• Help us to grow the Kingdom here in Jindabyne, help and bless our local SRE Teacher, help us be successful in our outreach, and for those who stopped coming during the COVID closedown, to be encouraged to come back to us.
• Pray for the accommodation shortage in the town over the cold winter period, particularly for the younger casual workers, and that everyone can find suitable accommodation.

National

We join in prayer with the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia as we pray for

• The leading of the Spirit and God’s blessing for the 16th Assembly meeting and all members as they begin their preparation and discernment.
• The bold leadership needed to address the climate crisis.
• Members of the Uniting Church’s Tongan National Conference around the country who will gather to worship together both online and in-person on Sunday.
• The Uniting Church National History Conference to be held this weekend.

World

We join with the World Council of Churches as we pray for: Botswana, Zimbabwe

We are thankful for:

• the prophetic witness of churches to protest injustices and advocate good governance
• efforts that have been made to stem the spread of HIV and AIDS and to treat those affected
• economic progress that improves the lives of all 
• the iconic animals and minerals in these lands and measures to protect them from being exploited.

We pray for:

• fair election of democratic governments to counter instability, violence and human rights abuses
• stable economies that enable all people to prosper and live in justice and peace
• effective measures to improve the health and life expectancy of all
• the biodiversity and animals present in these lands, and measures to preserve them
• the herders and farmers who continue to raise cattle and food, despite droughts and desertification.

Continue praying for the world with the World Council of Churches here

Local

Together we pray for

Those undergoing treatment for cancer, for healing, for hope, that they are surrounded by wise, loving people. We also pray for their families and partners journeying with them.

Those experiencing mobility difficulty, for people healing after surgery, for those healing after a fall, for people experiencing arthritis and for people in our community who are struggling because they aren’t able to do as much as they used to. We pray for healing where its possible, for support where its necessary, for assistance and treatment where able and above all that you make your presence known.

People grieving the loss of a loved one.

Our pets, companions on the journey and loved members of many families, we give thanks for their presence and love in the lives of their families.

Regional

We join with the Canberra Region Presbytery in prayer for the Australian Centre For Christianity & Culture.

• We pray for the various conferences, information sessions and event that use the ACCC as a venue.
• We give thanks for the resource that the ACCC is to many of us in the Canberra Region Presbytery.
• We celebrate the staff and management of the ACCC and pray for their welfare during the difficulties presented by COVID-19 and the aftermath of 2020.
• We offer our prayers as the ACCC seek to facilitate ‘wisdom for the common good’

National

We pray with the National Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia as we pray for

• Those whose homes are not safe places and are living in situations of violence and abuse. We pray for spaces of shelter, for safety, healing and strength.
• The work of the National Safe Church Unit of the Uniting Church and all those working to create safe spaces for children and young people in our communities.
• The people of Victoria facing another week of lockdown, and all those across the world working to deliver vaccines, provide frontline care and respond to COVID-19.

World

This week we hold Sri Lanka in our prayers. A cargo ship carrying tonnes of chemicals is sinking off Sri Lanka’s west coast, in one of Sri Lanka’s worst-ever marine disasters. We pray for those who rely on the oceans for their livelihood, we pray for the oceans, for its wildlife, we pray for the world.

We join with the World Council of Churches as we pray for: Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini

We are thankful for:

• the rich biodiversity of plants and animals and of mineral resources in this region
• the faithful witness of churches throughout the world during apartheid and how people of different races and lifestyles have come together since then
• the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and others to bring healing from the atrocities committed
• how South Africa has made antiretroviral drugs accessible to all with HIV and AIDS.

We pray for:

• protection of resources for the good of all rather than their exploitation for economic gain
• more democratic and transparent governance in these countries, at all levels
• effectively countering rape, sexual violence, and other crime
• adequate resources and changed attitudes for welcoming refugees in these countries.

Continue praying with the World Council of Churches by using their weekly Prayer Cycle resources