National Prayer Breakfast Inspires Student Leaders

Our GPCC Prefects recently attended the annual Australian National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament House, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with national leaders and reflect on issues shaping Australian society.

It was a significant privilege for the students to be invited to serve as ushers for attending guests, while College Captain Lucy M had the honour of delivering a prayer for the nation from the stage.

During the visit, students also observed reflections in the House of Representatives following the recent incident involving Helen Haines. In response to the tragedy, speakers repeatedly highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of respect and moving away from outrage-driven discourse.

A key message that resonated throughout the event was the challenge to communicate with greater gentleness and civility, captured in the thought-provoking question: “Is there a more gentle way of making the same point?” The experience provided much for students to reflect on as they continue to develop as thoughtful, compassionate, and servant-hearted leaders.

Enjoy a reflection piece from Prefect Lottie S below, and read the prayer by Lucy M below also.

LOTTIE'S REFLECTION

"On Monday the prefects and I had the rare privilege of attending the 37th National Prayer Breakfast at Parliament house in Canberra. It was a pleasure to be able to greet most of the guests, meeting significant and important people within the Christian people such as executives from Mission Australia, World Vision and Bible Society Australia.   

Our school captain, Lucy M, delivered a prayer addressing our politicians encouraging courage to do what is right, humility to listen to others and have compassion for every person that they lead. Lucy prayed for all Australian’s, calling for strength and support to anyone enduring hardship or suffering, and recognising our healthcare workers, teachers and volunteers, praying that we never lose sight of the dignity and worth of every single person. It was a moment of pride for Greenpoint Christian College for our school captain to represent our school at a national level. 

Some of the prefects even got to usher the speakers to the stage, including the Attorney General the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, which prefect, Bronte B spoke to and got a photo with, that was later posted to her official Instagram. With over 550 people from around the country both eating and praying together, it was a wonderful time of togetherness as a nation. 

Once the prayer breakfast concluded we had a meeting with our local Member of Parliament, Dr Gorden Reid. He spoke about how he got into politics, his vision for the Central Coast and the nation. He told us about some of his ‘is this real’ moments, such as speaking at United Nations building in New York. Growing up on the coast himself, Dr Reid seemed extremely passionate about the area and was ‘willing to harass Albo’ about improvements, even asking us if we had any ideas we wanted passed along, where we noted the potholes!

Because of Leon Hribar, Parliament’s chaplain, we also had an opportunity to attend the House of Representatives, on a unique day. Where party politics were set aside and the representatives spoke about Dr Helen Haines MP, who was the recent victim of a violent attack.

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that hearing and seeing each party within the House of Representatives deliver such impactful and thought-provoking speeches gave us, the next generation, hope for our future. It was also encouraging to see politicians of various genders and ethnic backgrounds speak so openly, and with vulnerability and authenticity. 

Hearing each party put aside their individual beliefs and views to say such wonderful things about a Dr Haines where they critiqued the media, domestic violence, hate crimes and themselves, not dismissing but rather recognising the the flaws within our system. Each speech called for reflection and action for change, encouraging kindness. Every politician seemly knew and cared for each other, openly crying, supporting and smiling at each other sharing solace and empathy. 

As the first digitally native generation, we are exposed to a lot of confronting and sometimes difficult and despicable things that happen every day. In the same week, we have seen, rioting, protesting, violence and wars. It is without dismissing the flaws of our government and community, that in a time of such political unrest across the world, it is comforting to be able to access, understand and realise that democracy is very much alive within our government, and within our community. 

Disagreeing should be safe; protesting should be safe and fighting for your rights should be safe. To have been in a place of such importance, integrity and seriousness and see many erudite politicians speak passionately about completely relevant issues rather than simply arguing, was a huge relief. Whilst we do believe that many flaws need to be undone, as a politically literate group, we recognise that the preservation of humanity, dignity and culture is safe, the future is now and change can happen. 

Despite the very early morning, as young leaders to witness democracy, with people from all different ethnic backgrounds and parties coming together, and to pray for every single person within this country that we call home, was an experience that we won’t forget. This experience has instilled an immense appreciation and pride that, ultimately, to have empathy and care for others is what it means to be human"

Lottie

LUCY'S PRAYER

"Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for the privilege of living in the beautiful country we call home. Thank you for the freedom, opportunities and blessings we enjoy, knowing that all good things come from you. 

As we gather here today, we bring our country before you. We pray for our leaders and those in positions of authority. Give them wisdom to make decisions to serve, courage to do what is right and humility to listen to others and have compassion for every person they lead. May they lead with integrity, seek peace and work together despite differences. 

We pray for all Australians. Be close to those who are struggling, those experiencing grief, loneliness or hardship. Give strength to those who serve and care for others, including our healthcare workers, teachers, emergency services and volunteers. May we never lose sight of the dignity and worth of every person, wonderfully made in your image, deserving of love and kindness. 

Remind us that even in our most difficult seasons, we are never be far from you. Help us to see challenges as opportunities to grow in faith, humility and perseverance.

We pray for the young people to grow in hope, kindness and courage, and that we will be inspired to use our gifts to make positive differences. Help us to be a generation that chooses understanding over division, service over selfishness and love over fear. 

Guide us all into serving our communities, respecting one another and taking good care keepers of the land we share. 

May we act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you each day. 

Thank you that even when the future feels uncertain, our hope can be grounded in You. May your wisdom guide our leaders, Your peace comfort our people and love shape the way we live. 

We pray these things in Jesus mighty name. 

Amen"