Uniting in Prayer is an invitation for the whole Church to slow down, listen deeply to God, and reconnect with one another across cultures, communities and distances.

From Pentecost Sunday on 24 May to the 49th Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia on 22 June, we are embarking on a shared season of national prayer.

Over these 30 days, 30 voices from across the Church will come together. Each day, a new voice will lead us in praying as one body around a single, unifying question: “What does it mean to be woven together in Christ's love across cultures and boundaries?”

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Day 18 - Faithfully forward
Rev Faa’imata Havea Hiliau

God who journeys with your people,

For 49 years you have sustained the Uniting Church through our worship, witness and humble service.

Lord, for the men and women who discerned your vision of Union, for the rich traditions and faiths of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational denominations that has shaped who we are as a Uniting Church, we give thanks.

Lord, we thank you that across the Synod of NSW and the ACT, you have called leaders, nurtured communities, and called disciples to walk faithfully in the way of Christ. God, we centre ourselves anew in you and hold before you the changing life of our Synod. As twelve Presbyteries transitions into three, remind us of the people in our congregations and communities affected by this change. Steady our hearts for what feels uncertain and strengthen those guiding Your Church into a new chapter.

We thank you that you remind us that throughout Scripture, you often worked through change in strengthening our trust in you. You called Abram into unknown lands. The disciples left their nets on the shore. The early Church discovered new ways of being together because their trust was in you.

God, teach us to trust You beyond what feels familiar. May our leadership be marked by the examples in the life and ministry of Christ.

With gratitude for the past and hope for what is still unfolding, we pray in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

Rev Faa’imata Havea Hiliau
Moderator, Synod of NSW and ACT