The first priority in Archbishop Mark’s Apostolic Priorities for the Archdiocese of Brisbane, documented in With Lamps Ablaze, is Teaching Prayer. He says, “Often we urge people to pray but don’t really teach them how to pray… Now is the time to teach ways of prayer which are mature and all-embracing. Christian prayer begins not with speaking but with listening; and learning to pray is therefore learning to listen – to listen even to the silences of God. If all we do is speak, then in the words of Jesus we “babble like the pagans” (Matt 6:7). But if we speak after listening and in response to God who always has the first word, then we speak according to the mind of the Holy Spirit. That’s what we need to teach and learn. In the Gospel of Mark, we read that Jesus called the twelve apostles to himself, first of all, “that they might be with him” (3:14). This is where the mission starts: being with Jesus, which is what prayer is.”
Join us for our new weekly series, Let’s Pray, where we invite you to pray along with us. Each week we will invite you to pray a new prayer with us – maybe you don’t know what to pray, or want to pray along with someone, or want to practice your faith through prayer. Our Let’s Pray series is for everyone.
As we celebrate NAIDOC Week and this year’s theme, “Keep the Fire Burning,” we invite you to join us and Dr Mayrah Dreise from Brisbane Catholic Education to come together in a prayer to celebrate the resilience and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We pray for guidance to stand in solidarity with First Nations people, striving for fairness, respect, and justice. We thank the Elders for their wisdom, which teaches us to live in harmony on this land. May we be inspired to keep the fire of justice, love, and hope alive, fostering unity and embracing the rich cultural diversity of Australia. As we move forward, let us be reminded of our shared journey towards a future marked by dignity, peace, and respect for all, ensuring this commitment extends beyond NAIDOC Week into our everyday lives. So, let’s pray.
- NAIDOC Week Reflection: A Prayer to Sustain the Spirit of Unity
NAIDOC Week Reflection: A Prayer to Sustain the Spirit of Unity
Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane
Yaama gayrr ngaya Mayrah Yarraga Dreise
Yaada gaba
Yinaa-galgaa bula mari-galgaa bula
Gulbiyaay-ngaya nginaay-nya Turrabul-ga
Guru-mayuu-ga
Ngaya yala-girr-ma-ga wina-nga-y
Yuggurra, Turrabul, Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka,
Yugambeh, Noonucul, Koombermerri, Butchela,
Urapul, Jinaburra -ga
Yaamagara Maliyaa,
Burrulaa ngaya winanga-y.la-nha.
Maran ngaya winanga-y.la-nha.
Maaruba-la-badhaay nginaayngunda, burriinba-la nginaayngunda
Wayamaa ngaya winanga-y.la-nha.
Nguwalay nginaayngunda yana-y-la-ndaay,
dhawun-da nginaayngunda
Dhawun nginaayngundang uwalay winanga-y-la-nha.
Yilaalu, yilaadhu, yaliwunga,
Mari nhalay dhawun.
Yaliwunga nhalay Yuggurra, Turrabul,
Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka, Yugambeh,
Noonuculle, Koombermerri, Butchela,
Urapul, Jinaburra.
Dhawun nginaayngunda nguwalay winanga-y-la-nha.
Yilaalu, yilaadhu, yaliwunga,
Mari nhalay dhawun.We acknowledge the Creator (Byamie or God),
and bless, and shield us.
We acknowledge the ancestors.
We acknowledge the elders,
while we are present on your land.
We acknowledge this Country.
From long ago, now and always,
this Aboriginal land.
Across our Diocese
this is always and has always been
Yuggurra, Turrabul, Gubbi Gubbi, Wakka Wakka,
Yugambeh, Noonuculle, Koombermerri,
Butchela, Urapul and Jinaburra land.
Yanay Baayandhu Maliyaa.I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians
of the land we come from today.
The traditional custodians have lived
in this area for thousands of years
and have a rich cultural heritage
that is still celebrated today.
They have a deep connection to the land
and its natural resources,
which has been passed down
from generations to generations.
They had a complex system of land management
including firesticks farming, hunting and gathering,
which helped maintain the balance of ecosystems.
Traditional custodians also had a deep spiritual connection to this land
and its natural resources,
which was reflected through our cultures and traditions.Today we join hearts and hands in honouring NAIDOC Week, embracing this year’s theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning.’ This theme invites us to celebrate the unyielding spirit and enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Together, let us ignite the flame of solidarity, respect, and unity. Let’s pray.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Dear loving God, in this special time, we ask You to help us better take care, and stand together with First Nations people of Australia. Light up our hearts with the desire to treat everyone fairly and equitably, with respect, justice and kindness. We are thankful for the wisdom, strength, and spirit shared by the Elders, in guiding us to live together in peace and respect in this beautiful land that You gave us. Lord, fill our hearts with Your warmth, bringing us close to each other and to everything that You have created. Help us keep the fire of justice, love, and hope alive.
A fire that shows us the truth, cares for everyone, and lights the way for a better future for all. Give us the strength to look after this fire, to learn from its wisdom, and to make sure that this light reaches out, warming those who feel left out and showing the way to those looking for Your light. Let this week start conversations and actions that remind us how precious our land is, that the richness of different cultures around us, and how we are all connected by the gift of life.
We pray for the power and bravery to stand up against unfairness and to keep the fire of hope alive in our hearts. Help us to bring Your peace everywhere. Bless the Elders and leaders, and all those who keep culture, language, and history alive. May their hard work inspire us all to keep this legacy going. Let the fire in our hearts show us the way to the future where everyone can live with dignity, peace, justice and hope.
May this week be a time for deep thought, getting back on track, and celebrating the wonderful mix of cultures that we have as we are Australians. Together, with Your help, let us keep the fire burning, during this NAIDOC Week. But not just NAIDOC Week, but every single day of the year. May what we do reflect Your love and fairness, Your shining light where it is dark and bringing warmth where it is cold.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.As we conclude our prayer, let us carry with us a spark of the fire, to keep burning. May this flame remind us of our shared journey towards a future where every story is honoured, every tradition is celebrated, and every heart joined in a chorus of unity and respect. Let this be our reflection. How can we contribute to keeping the fire burning, not just for today, but for every day? Thank you for joining us, we hope to see you again.