An invocation of the Land and Peoples

This is a prayer form of an Acknowledgment of Country (I first encountered the term in Trish Watt's book "Sanctuary", and it really resonated with me as an immigrant to this land now called Australia). 

Coming from South Africa with its history of apartheid and my formation in cross-cultural ministry settings, I think it is an essential part of living out my covenant commitment to walking with First Peoples and of my Christian commitments to mercy and justice and stewardship of God's good earth and love of self and neighbour.   

This was written for an intergenerational, intercultural context, inspired by the story of Abraham entertaining angels. Movement suggestions given in italics.  
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In South African gatherings, “shining” is a joyful gesture 
where we wave or raise our hands to show support, 
celebration and unity. 
It is a way of visibly expressing encouragement, love, and shared joy. 

Today, as we pray, we will incorporate this shining 
into our invocation of the Land and Peoples
by waving our hands or raising them in the air 
as a sign of our openness to God’s presence among us.
demonstrate a “shine” – hands held in line with the face then fluttered slowly like a wave “hello”

Let us take a moment to prepare ourselves
by taking a few deep breaths,
breathe in for a count of four, then out for four, repeat
and shaking it out, 
wiggle and jiggle your whole body, especially your arms
and then placing our hands in a relaxed position.
bring your arms to your side

Let us remember we meet on [Awabakal] land.
gently stretch your hands towards the floor
We give thanks for the [Awabakal] People
come slowly up into standing straight again
who have, and are, and always will be 
draw hands together into a closed cup
the faithful guardians of this Land and Waters.

Pause briefly to reflect silently.

May God honour and bless them
shine, slowly
now and to eternity. 
stretch your arms wide in welcome

Together we meet in God’s own country:
bring hands together with a clap
called to care for the earth,
make a wide circle with your arms
called to be reconciled to all people,
shine your hands at those around you
called to become God’s beloved family.
cross your arms over your chest in a big hug.

So, shine!
raise hands high and “shine” as the Christ candle is lit.