Torres Strait Islander Elder Uncle Ben Harry and Larissa Minniecon a Kabi Kabi woman and Torres Strait Islander woman pray for the Torres Strait Islands as it faces a climate driven crisis.
This prayer was written by a Torres Strait Islander Elder Uncle Ben Harry and Larissa Minniecon a Kabi Kabi woman and Torres Strait Islander woman. It was first shared at Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries Pray for Climate Justice event on June 2 2021
Torres Strait Islanders are on the frontline of the climate crisis, and urgent action is needed to ensure they can remain on their Islands. Right now, king tides, erosion, inundation and coral bleaching are threatening the homes and cultures of Torres Strait Islander people, while the Australian Government refuses to address the climate crisis.
Papa God
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you”
You are holy and merciful Papa,
everything comes from you;
You are the Creator of the universe;
creation looks to you O Lord;
In the beginning just by your breath, you spoke,
the lands and the seas manifested by your words,
your light is the sun, the moon and the stars;
it remind us of your eternal light you bring into our world;
We look to you O Lord;
Papa God
As you joyfully declared and created all the lands and seas in the Torres Strait Islands, you had a good day!
Your love and favor looked upon us and you created us as your people, we are grateful for the bountiful blessing we receive from your creation;
Our Island, Our home, Our Culture;
We look to you O Lord;
Papa God
Today our generation is witnessing first hand the destruction of your creation;
Our Island Our home is suffering
From the constant rise of sea level tides, the increase of ocean temperatures, the changes in our seasons where weather is now unpredictable, our food source and fresh drinking water are under threat and the immense damage to our islands from constant erosion.
It is causing a devastating impact on your creation, our Island, our peoples, our culture and our homes;
We look to you O Lord;
Papa God
You planted us on our Islands, our descendants are as numerous as the stars in the night sky and all the islands is promised to them, their inheritance is forever.
I am a humble servant, a Torres Strait Islander Elder and a follower of Jesus Christ our Lord, I plead thee mercifully to hear us and grant our hearts desire for justice.
As the Australian government continues to refuse to take urgent action on the climate crisis, the Torres Strait Islands continues to be frontline victims of climate change;
by your mighty help we will defend our inheritance and ask you to comfort all in danger and adversities as we continue to fight for Creation Justice;
We look to you O Lord;
Papa God
Continue to give us strength, as we marvel at the miracle of your creation;
As our constant reminder, the Southern Cross that shines in our southern skies forever over our islands, and our nation as our eternal navigator.
As the gift of life is revealed through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who gave His life on that old rugged Cross.
O Lord, every year the Torres Strait Islands celebrate The Coming of the Light as we honour your message of sacrifice and love, we give you all the glory and praise; may we continue to bring light into this world together as we look to you O Lord
Loving Papa God, we thank you for hearing our prayers, giving us your words and encouraging us in our meeting together…we say
Take us and use us
to love and serve you, and all people.
In the power of your Spirit
and in the name of your Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please visit the campaign “Our Islands Our Home” led by Torres Strait Islanders who are trying to protect their island homes.
