A prayer for International Youth Day 2024
Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, has offered this prayer for the UN celebration which spotlights youth issues each year
August 11, 2024
Today on 12 August we mark International Youth Day, an annual observance on the United Nations calendar which spotlights youth issues on a global scale and recognises young people as vital partners in today's global society.
The 2024 theme is 'From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development'; a celebration of the ways in which young people are leading the charge on new technologies, digital trends and innovation globally.
President of the Uniting Church in Australia Rev Charissa Suli has offered this prayer for young people in the Uniting Church and around the world, urging the Church to be a community of support as young people voice their concerns and seek to lead on shaping solutions for the common good.
Loving and Gracious God,
On this International Youth Day, we come together to celebrate and uplift young people across the globe, who are at the forefront of a rapidly changing world. We thank you for their creativity, energy, and the passion they bring to addressing the challenges of our time.
As we embrace this year's theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," we pray for our young people as they lead the way in harnessing digital technology to create sustainable solutions for our world's most pressing challenges. May they continue to drive progress, using innovation and technology to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and build a better future for all.
We lift up the urgent concerns that weigh on the hearts of our youth—the need to protect the environment, the fight against inequity and discrimination, the uncertainties of the economy, and the mental health challenges many face. Grant them the courage and wisdom to lead with vision and compassion, helping us all move toward a more just and sustainable world.
We are mindful of the growing concerns around housing and homelessness, especially as these issues increasingly affect young people. Inspire us to work together for solutions that ensure everyone has a safe and stable place to call home.
In the digital age, where social media, body image, bullying, and intimate relationships can be both empowering and overwhelming, remind our young people of your unwavering love that welcomes them just as they are. May they find their worth and identity in you, a love that holds them close and gives them strength to navigate these challenges with grace and resilience.
We pray for those who feel isolated, lonely, or burdened by stress. Surround them with a community of care and support, and help our churches be places where young people can find belonging, purpose, and peace.
God, as our youth continue to pave the way from clicks to real progress, help us to listen, value their insights, and support their dreams. May the Uniting Church in Australia be a community where young people are empowered to lead, innovate, and create sustainable solutions that advance your kingdom on Earth.
May we all work together to weave Christ's love across cultures and boundaries, creating a tapestry of hope for present and future generations to come.
Amen.
"May we all work together to weave Christ's love across cultures and boundaries, creating a tapestry of hope for present and future generations to come"
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you want to get the latest news from the Uniting Church in Australia then subscribe to our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Read more Assembly news
A confident nation does not fear diversity - President's statement on immigration policty
7 October, 2026 Immigration policy sits at the core of who we are as a country, and the kind of Australia we want to be. This week’s Coalition policy announcement advocating significantly reduced net overseas migration is deeply concerning because of its implications for our cultural diversity and our identity as a nation. As Australians…
Three years on: A message and prayer for peace
Three years on: A message and prayer for peace Image: Church of the Ascension, seen from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Photo by Albin Hillert/WCC A pastoral message from Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, on the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks in Israel…
Uniting Church urges Australia to stand with Pacific on fossil fuels
Uniting Church President Rev Charissa Suli has urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to turn Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbours into action by backing a global treaty to phase out fossil fuels. Rev Suli is among 80 senior Australian faith leaders who have signed an open letter calling on the Prime Minister to support a…
Kulini… Are you listening?
Kulini… Are you listening?Northern Synod gathers for four days of worship, deep listening and discernment By Micheal ZewdieThe 48th Northern Synod brought members of the Uniting Church together in Darwin for four days of worship, conversation, discernment and celebration, with the invitation “Kulini… are you listening?” providing a thread through the gathering.“The invitation at the heart…
Faith, culture and hope celebrated as Fijian National Conference concludes
More than 700 people celebrated four joyful days of worship, learning, fellowship and faith as the 2026 UCA Fijian National Conference drew to a close in Fremantle/Walyalup. Bringing together Fijian communities from across the Uniting Church, the Conference strengthened relationships, created space to share stories and celebrated the faith, culture and gifts Fijian communities bring…
'Resilience is no longer enough': Pacific churches issue powerful call for climate justice
Pacific Church leaders have issued an urgent and deeply faith-filled call for climate justice, declaring that communities on the frontline of climate change need more than praise for their resilience. They need justice and decisive action. Gathering in Nadi, Fiji, for an Ecumenical Service marking the beginning of Pre-COP31, Pacific faith leaders brought the lived…
700 Fijian voices unite for climate justice in Fremantle
More than 700 members of the Uniting Church’s Fijian National Conference have joined their voices in a powerful call for climate justice from Fremantle. At the conclusion of the four-day conference, delegates unfurled a huge“Climate Justice Now” banner, standing in solidarity with Pacific churches and communities and calling on Australia to listen to Pacific leadership…
Faith, culture and hope fill Fremantle with the Fijian National Conference
Fijian communities from across the Uniting Church gathered in Fremantle/Walyalup for the 2026 Uniting Church in Australia Fijian National Conference, celebrating faith, culture, fellowship and hope. The Conference opened on Thursday evening with a Welcome to Country from Rev Mitchell Garlett of UAICC WA, followed by worship led by Rev William Lucas. Rev Dr Paul…