My Australia Day Prayer

This is the Great South Land of the Holy Spirit
A land of red dust plains and summer rains
And to this sunburnt land we will see a flood
And to this Great South Land His Spirit comes.

- Geoff Bullock

If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.

- Jeremiah 18:7-8 (ESV)

As the nation gears up to celebrate the founding of Australia (a day that some indigenous people still observe as "Invasion Day") with BBQs, beach parties and community festivals, it is also a time for us to look back on the achievements and mistakes of the past, where we are at as a nation, and what we need to do in order to ensure a bright future for coming generations. I was watching the 7.30 Report on ABC yesterday, which is starting a series outlining the challenges (and opportunities) Australia faces in coming decades, especially in regards to the rapidly increasing population.
On this day of days, I feel extremely privileged to be an Aussie citizen, to have access to so much material wealth and enjoy so many liberties that are not taken for granted elsewhere. However, this proud land that was built upon Christian values is in the midst of spiritual turmoil, with the god of money, status and self waging a desperate war for the young people and future leaders of this nation. Many have turned away from the Lord and have gone their own way, a way which will only lead to destruction and misery.
OK, that's enough of the gloom and doom. Now the good news. It is so encouraging to see that God, in His infinite might and grace, has not abandoned Australia, and is raising up a generation that is passionate about bringing revival in this nation and His heavenly kingdom coming on earth.
This then is my prayer for Australia:
Mighty Abba Father
I thank you for blessing the nation of Australia with such abundance and wealth, a land of "equal" opportunity where the rule of law is upheld and its citizens enjoy relative peace and stability. But Lord, You know the challenges that we face and You know that many of us have turned and gone our own way, and for this sin we must be punished.
And so it is, O Father, that I pray for this land, that you will turn the hearts of the people back to you, that Australia will once again be known as the "Great South Land of the Holy Spirit".
I pray for our leaders - in the government, the workplace, and in our communities - that You will endow them with your wisdom and compassion to lead this nation in Your ways.
I beseech that You break the hold that Satan has over the minds of many of our young people and reveal Yourself to them.
Finally, I pray for my church and all the other churches in Australia, that You will strengthen us for Your purpose and enable us to move forward in unity.
All this I pray in the mighty name of Your Son the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen

Cheers and Have a blessed and joyous Australia Day everyone!

Jeremy