(or 13 November) for those who have died in war – military and civilian
Hear my cry, O God;
listen to my prayer.
Let those who have died in war abide in your tent for ever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. (cf Psalm 61)
In days to come…
he Lord shall judge between the nations,
and shall arbitrate for many peoples;
they shall beat their swords into ploughshares,
and their spears into pruning-hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword against nation,
neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2: 2-4
The cost of war is incalculable. Those who serve in the military are all too aware of the deaths and mutilations inflicted by weapons of war. Civilians are today often primary casualties in wars fought using bombs and acts of terrorism. As we remember those how have died, we commit ourselves to praying for the day when war will be no more.
A minute of silence.
We pray for all those who have died as a consequence of war –
(especially Nxxxx – the name(s) of people known to you)
and those who mourn them.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who work for peace – politicians, charity workers and campaign groups.
May their efforts be blessed by the Prince of Peace.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
God of tenderness,
we trust to your promise that you yourself with be with those how have died
and with those who mourn
and will wipe every tear from their eyes;
that death will be no more;
and mourning and crying and pain will be no more. cf Revelation 21: 3-4
Trusting in your mercy and love, we pray:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen.
