The song “G’Day G’Day” written by Rob Fairbairn and sung by Aussie icon Slim Dusty captures the essence of the Australian way of life. Its lyrics celebrate friendship, connection, and inclusivity.

In Silver Linings, Terry Lees shares that he says “g’day” a lot. It is a typical Aussie greeting, an abbreviation of ‘good day,’ used to signify good morning, good afternoon, good evening.

What might be construed as surprising is that g’day is the first word Terry utters when he opens his eyes upon waking each morning!  It’s part of his prayer life and the way he greets God every day!  Terry shares how nothing is out of bounds when he talks with God.

Listen to the episode below, or continue on to read the transcript.

Episode Transcript:

The song “G’Day G’Day” sung by Slim Dusty by captures the essence of the Australian way of life. Its lyrics celebrate friendship, connection, and inclusivity. This song holds a special place in the hearts of Australians, reminding us of our shared experiences and the importance of a simple greeting in building connections. The chorus emphasises the importance of a simple “G’day” in making connections and forging relationships. It implies that by saying hello and acknowledging others, we can navigate through life smoothly.

I say “g’day” a lot. It is a typical Aussie greeting, an abbreviation of ‘good day,’ used to signify good morning, good afternoon, good evening. It is my greeting of choice and even used at the beginning of emails I write.

What might be construed as surprising is that g’day is the first word I utter when I open my eyes upon waking each morning!

It’s part of my prayer life and the way I greet God every day!

I see God as Love; a magnanimous, all-embracing Father who knows my every need and provides for it; who knows all there is about me and whose plan and purpose for my life was in place long before I was born, God-for-me.

I see Jesus as my greatest mate, who called me to follow him and leads me by walking beside me, his loving arm around my shoulder, God-with-me.

I see the Holy Spirit as the fire within my heart and my soul, that fills me with love for God and for others with the warmth and glow of that fire radiating from me to others, God-within-me.

So, g’day is the first word I utter upon waking each day, addressed to a mate! God is not a stranger!

Moses and God talked to each other, like two old friends who were trusting and transparent. They said what they felt and thought. Moses would open his heart and engage with God in a heart-to-heart conversation, just as you would with a friend you trust and feel close to. In the Bible, in the Book of Exodus, God greets Moses: “You are my intimate friend; You have found favour with me…” [Exodus 33:12].

Real intimacy with God is built on an appreciation of the true nature of our relationship with God, for we know that God’s presence is an absolute necessity. That recognition is at the heart of prayer which bonds us to God, recognising that the affairs of life are often a matter in which we either walk alone or walk with our hand in God’s hand.

As a child I used to just talk to God, yet somewhere along the way lost that quality. It took the better part of my life to be led back to where I used to be in my relationship with God. Yet, at some stage of my journey in this second half of life, my communication with God opened and I found myself talking to God, with God, in the form of conversation, in the words of St. Teresa, “a close sharing between friends.”

This is not restricted to the times I set aside for prayer. It happens throughout the day. I simply chat with God at any time, and it comes easily and naturally. In the ordinary events of the day – at work, driving, with family – I so often and so easily move into conversation with God. It is comforting, relaxing – I feel so at home! I can speak with God about anything and everything. Nothing is out of bounds!

I talk about everything that comes to mind or heart at any time of the day and night. I talk about thoughts, feelings, desires, wants; about my loved ones and their needs, about work, the plans for the day and whether they fit in with God’s plans for me. I ask for guidance, protection, love, forgiveness for any indiscretions or human failings and for abundance; that I may fully serve by using the gifts, talents and skills so freely given to me. I ask that God’s will be done.

I chat with God just as Moses did: as stated in the Good Book, in Exodus: “The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a person speaks to a friend” [Exodus 33:11].

The early morning greeting to God, who is already waiting for me, is followed by words of praise and thanksgiving in my own words, a morning offering, prayer for and dedication of my loved ones, prayer for all of humanity, finishing with a plea for peace throughout the world and an end to all war and conflict.

I experience a sense of calm and peace usually pervading my being, warming me to the depths of my heart. It is then I rise to face the day, with a sense of readiness and purpose.

God is closer than our closest friends, “for in him we live and move and have our being” [Acts 17:28].

When you wake in the morning, just say g’day to God and you’ll be right to face the day.

Look for the Silver Lining.

This is Terry Lees.

[Music: G’day G’day – Slim Dusty]