Introduction: As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, we recall that on this day the sounds of war fell silent.Let us pray: Lord, as we remember, we call to mind our need of your God’s forgiveness – Lord have mercy. Cast out our sin of dominating others - Christ have mercy. Heal us from the desires that leads us into conflict with others and cause war between nations. Lord have mercy.Reading from Micah 4 v1-4 (NRSV): In days to come the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised up above the hills. Peoples shall stream to it, and many nations shall come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken.Reflection: This reading tells us that God promises that one day there will be a time of enduring peace. A peace that lasts forever. I hope for that time on earth and believe that time will be in heaven.Today we Remember: We remember the many people who gave their lives to restrain evil and oppose tyranny. We remember soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives that others may live. We remember all those who were hurt and maimed. Thanksgiving prayer: Lord, we give you thanks for the sacrifices of the past. We give you thanks for recent years of peace. We give you thanks for all who help, encourage and comfort others. We give you thanks for all who work for the relief of the needy. We give you thanks for all who work for peace and the welfare of all nations. Offering of ourselves: Lord, we offer ourselves to you, to serve you: in the cause of peace, for the relief of suffering and for praise of your name. Teach us the ways of peace and the ways of hope. Guide us by your Spirit, lend us your wisdom, give to us courage and keep us faithful now and in the years to come. Amen. Lord’s prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.Prayer of Blessing: God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all people, your gift of peace and concord; and to us and all your servants, life everlasting; and the blessing of God almighty, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, come down upon us and remain with us always.
Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Alleluia, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia.A Thought for today Today we reflect on the early morning of the third day after Jesus’ death. The sealed tomb was open. Jesus’ body was gone. Men in dazzling white said Jesus was not here. Later a range of people met with a risen Jesus who they did not at first recognise. This is not a myth - it is the witness testimony of people who were there. Testimony handed to us so that we too may believe. Easter Prayer Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of Jesus overcame the old order of sin and death: make all things new in him and grant that we may reign with him in glory by becoming dead to sin and alive in Jesus. AMENPrayer of blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note: This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope in these quite extraordinary times.
Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. A Thought for today Today, we remember that on the Sabbath day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb. We also reflect on the Creed of the Church, which says that on this day that Jesus descended into hell. But why? Hear a reply from an ancient homily for Holy Saturday which says: “Today a great silence reigns on earth because the King is asleep”. It also says “I order you sleeper to awake. I did not create you to be a prisoner in hell. Rise from the dead, for I am the life of the dead”. As Christians it is our belief that on this Holy Day that Jesus opened up the gates of hell for us.Holy Saturday Prayer Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of your Son overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we may reign with him in glory by becoming dead to sin and alive in Jesus. AMENPrayer of blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope in these quite extraordinary times.
Opening Prayer Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. A Thought for today Today we recall Jesus’ last words from the cross before he died:• Father forgive them; for they know not what they do• Today you will be with me in paradise.• Woman, behold, thy son! Son, behold, thy mother!• My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?• I thirst.• It is finished.• Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.Ponder and learn from what Jesus prays for, what Jesus offers to a sinner, what Jesus provides for those He loves, what He says to the world and His Father.Good Friday Prayer Grant, Lord, that we who are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ may continually put to death our evil desires and be buried with him; and then pass to our joyful resurrection through the grave and gate of death; through the merits of Jesus, who died, was buried and rose again for us. AMENPrayer of blessing May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.Closing Note This message is sent to you with love and prayers as: a word of encouragement and a sign of hope in these quite extraordinary times.
