Remembrance Prayer

Thursday November 5 2015

Remembrance prayer from the Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27 KJV)

Lord God, you made each of us in your divine image to share in the communion of love and peace which is yours as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We recognise and confess the sin in us which expresses itself in hatred, violence and war. Forgive us, Lord.

At this special time of remembrance we think of those who gave their lives in the service of others, in the First and Second World Wars, and in other conflicts around the world.

We pray for those who continue to bear the wounds of conflict, physical and emotional, and for those who lovingly support them. We pray for all who flee as from violence and war. Help us to show them the welcome and loving kindness of our Saviour, who was once himself a refugee.

We remember before you the men and women of our armed services, especially those who are on active duty in the field at this time, and their loved ones who wait at home.

Grant us strength to unite in renewing the struggle against violence, cruelty and injustice. Pour on all the world’s leaders the spirit of reconciliation.

As we long for the day when all people shall ‘beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning-hooks,’ we pray for the coming of your kingdom of peace, justice and love in all the earth.

God of peace, graciously hear these our prayers, offered in the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, and may they be answered in the power of the Holy Spirit, for your glory.

Amen