AUSTRALIA
1 Timothy 2:1-4

I love Australia, and I’m so grateful to call it home. I love its beaches and bush, its people and peacefulness, its cricket obsession and coffee culture, its music and mateship. On a global scale, our nation sits in an incredible position. Australia consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable and healthy countries. We enjoy clean air, beautiful surroundings, and abundant opportunity. We are rich in natural resources, rarely caught up in war, and generally well regarded by the global community. And yet, despite all of this, our country needs prayer.

In recent years we have seen growing division across many areas of life: racially, politically, religiously, economically, and ethically, and more. Tensions rise quickly when issues such as immigration, reconciliation, welfare, abortion, or religious freedom are discussed. We are blessed to live in a nation where these conversations can happen openly, but too often the fruit of those conversations is lacking. Hurt remains. Disconnection increases. One of our greatest strengths—our unity in diversity—is also one of our greatest challenges, and one we desperately need God’s wisdom and grace to steward well. 

In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul urges “that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Ultimately, this nation and its people are all of God’s design. We may love or strongly dislike different political leaders. Regardless, we are to pray for them. We may agree or disagree with some different perspectives, ideologies, religions, or ways of life of other Australians. Regardless, our Father wants all to be saved, and therefore, so do we!

Today, we pause not to argue or defend, but to pray, seeking God’s mercy, wisdom, and peace for this land and all who call it home. As peacemaker Margaret Tucker, the first Aboriginal to publish an autobiography, said, “The land does not belong to us, and neither does it to you newly arrived Europeans. It belongs to God who freely gives it to us all to enjoy.”

Lord, we are Your people, called by Your name. We humble ourselves today in prayer, seeking Your face, and turning from ways that lead us away from You. We ask that You forgive our sin and heal our land. Bring genuine, nation-changing revival to our shores, that people of all different backgrounds and ways of life would encounter Your Spirit in love, power, and truth. Amen.