The following Sorry Day Prayer was written by the Aboriginal and Islander Commission National Council of Churches in Australia 2002.
Almighty and loving God, you who created ALL people in your image.
Lead us to seek your compassion as we listen to the stories of our past. You gave your only Son, Jesus, who died and rose again so that the sins will be forgiven.
We place before you the pain and anguish of dispossession of land, language, lore, culture and family kinship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have experienced. We live in faith that all people will rise from the depths of despair and hopelessness. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families have endured the pain and loss of loved ones, through the separation of children from their families.
We are sorry and ask God’s forgiveness.
Touch the hearts of the broken, homeless and inflicted and heal their spirits. In your mercy and compassion walk with us as we continue our journey of healing to create a future that is just and equitable.
Lord, you are our hope. Amen.