Australia Day Prayer

A prayer by Archbishop Francis Carroll (1998)

O God, powerful and gentle,

you love this southern land

and all its peoples, old and new.

As the Cross shines in our heavens

so may Christ bring light to our nation.

As the waves encircle our shores

so may your mercy enfold us all.

May the God who formed our southern land

be for us a rock of strength.

May the God who rules our southern seas

keep us safe in every storm.

May the God who made the southern skies turn

our darkness into light.

We ask this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen