He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; Isaiah 2 : 4
Readings this week Isaiah 2 : 2 - 4; John 15 : 9 - 17
Some thoughts for this week
We come today to remember those who died in the wars defending our country, to give thanks for our freedom and to commit ourselves to the way of peace, in the strength of Jesus the Prince of Peace.
Yet this Remembrance again reflects all the turmoil of war. Voices calling for both peace and for war. Voices calling for compassion and yet demanding justice. All the horrors of war continuing throughout the world. At the moment news is being released of the situation in The Sudan.
What can we say? Except to remember those who gave their lives for peace and freedom, and to pray for peace still to come in our world, and look to Jesus who alone can bring true and lasting peace to our world, to our lives, to our communities. We are called to pray.
Jesus constantly points us towards our participation in the Kingdom. At the Last Supper He tells us, “Love each other in the same way I have loved you” John 15 : 12. We are all called by Jesus to take part in His Kingdom. To bring peace in our homes, our families. For the turmoil of bitterness and conflict to cease. So we are called to pray, and to live our lives in Jesus’ enfolding Peace.
Rev Paul
Prayer for this week
Almighty Father, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of all: govern the hearts and minds of those in authority, and bring the families of the nations, divided and torn apart by the ravages of sin, to be subject to his just and gentle rule; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall cease and poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace of heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
We praise the Lord and give thanks for…
The shoeboxes we have gathered, and for the hope and joy they will bring
For all those coming to our churches over this weekend for Remembrance