National Sorry Day: A Time for Reflection & Healing

National Sorry Day also known as the National Day of Healing is an event held on 26th May every year in Australia. This event is to remember the Stolen Generations and work to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. National Sorry Day acknowledges the long history of the injustices and mistreatment faced by Indigenous people, especially the Stolen Generations. It is a day to reflect, remember and commit to reconcile. 

Prayer: In solidarity with our Indigenous brothers and sisters, let us pray:

God of Love, You are the creator of this land and of all good things.

We acknowledge the pain and shame of our history and the suffering of our peoples – especially the grief of those who were taken as children from their homes and families, taken from all they knew and loved.

We ask your forgiveness.

We thank you for the survival of Indigenous cultures.

Give us the courage to acknowledge the realities of our history so that we may build a better future for our nation.

Teach us to respect all cultures.

Teach us to care for our land and waters.

Help us to share justly the resources of this land.

Help us to bring about spiritual and social change to improve the quality of life for all groups in our communities, especially the disadvantaged.

Help young people to find true dignity and self-esteem in the ways of your Spirit.

May the power of your love be the foundation on which we build our families, our communities and our nation.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen