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 commemorate National Reconciliation Week, we invite you to join us along with Joni from Evangelisation Brisbane and Ravina from Centacare in understanding that reconciliation plays a vital role in our spiritual journey. We acknowledge that we are all flawed and have encountered fractures in our relationships, both with others and with God. We recognise our need for healing and renewal. As we open our hearts and minds, let us also remember those around the world, who are torn apart by conflicts, animosity, and misunderstandings. May our prayers extend beyond ourselves, encompassing all those in need of reconciliation. Let’s pray.

• Healing Hearts and Communities: A Prayer for Reconciliation

  Healing Hearts and Communities: A Prayer for Reconciliation

  Author: Archdiocese of Brisbane

  
  Hello, I’m Joni McCourt, Archdiocesan RAP Manager at Evangelisation Brisbane. And I’m Ravina Waldren, coordinator for Murri Ministry at Centacare. Today we come together with the understanding that reconciliation is an important part of our faith journey. We acknowledge that we are all imperfect and have experienced brokenness in our relationships, both with others, and with God. We recognise our need for healing and restoration. As we open our hearts and minds, let us also remember those around the world who are divided by conflicts, hatred, and misunderstanding. May our prayers extend beyond ourselves, encompassing all those in need of reconciliation. Let’s pray.

  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

  Gracious and loving God, You who reconcile all things to Yourself through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Hear our prayer for reconciliation in our hearts, our homes, our communities, and our world. In Your wisdom, You have shown us that peace is not just in the absence of conflict, but in the presence of justice and love. Help us to understand that true reconciliation involves facing our disagreements, acknowledging our past wrongs, and working together towards mutual understanding and respect. We pray for strength to forgive those who have caused deep pain and trauma. Our hope is in You because You gave Your Son Jesus to reconcile the world to You. Bless us with the spirit of unity. Help us to listen with open hearts and to speak with love and compassion. Give us the courage to accept the realities of our history, so that we may build a better future for our nation. In challenging moments, remind us that reconciliation is not merely a destination, but a journey. Allow Your spirit to guide us and to give us strength to walk together as one.

  In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

  We acknowledge that the journey of reconciliation is not always easy. We trust in Your guiding presence, God, knowing that with your help, all things are possible. Thank you for joining us. We hope to see you again.