Remembrance Sunday, the Second Sunday before Advent
Do join us for home worship this Remembrance Sunday when we remember those who have given their lives for freedom, peace and security. Let no one be forgotten.
Lord, we remember that, in life and in death, we are with the Lord. Let us turn to the Lord who is full of compassion and mercy, and ask that he will forgive us our sins, and extend his healing love upon our broken world.
Let us start with a prayer for peace as we remember Ukraine and other countries at war:
Almighty God,
from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed:
kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all, the true love of peace
and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom
those who take counsel for the nations of the earth
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward,
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Lord of the nations, Saviour and judge of all: remove from human hearts all bitterness and hate, grant to those who have died in war your mercy and forgiveness and bring us all to the peace of your eternal Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who suffered and died, and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Opening Hymn
Hymn 334 – All people that on earth do dwell
The Readings
Malachi 4: 1-2a
2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13
Luke 21: 5-19
The Anthem
Anthem: Lux aeterna – based on Nimrod – Edward Elgar
Hymn
Hymn 417 – O God our help in ages past
The Intercessions
On this Remembrance Sunday when our thoughts particularly focus on all those who died as a result of warfare, we pray together, knowing that God alone can bring peace and heal the wounds of battle.
We pray that we may learn to place our trust in God especially at times of distress and crisis and through this recognise the needs of others and the practical support we can offer to others in our community.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for all who have given their lives in the wars of the twentieth century and in more recent conflicts: may their memory inspire us always to work for peace.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
We pray for all those who serve in our armed forces and emergency services and their families. May they find the courage, sensitivity, support and strength they need in the challenges they face on our behalf.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Let us remember our relatives and friends who laid down their lives for the many so that others might live in peace and security. Grant them eternal rest and healing for those who mourn their loss.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Let us pause for a moment in silence as we bring to the Lord our personal prayers and intentions……………
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
In this month of November, we remember all Holy Souls and join our prayers with them for those we have known and loved,
and no longer see.
Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer
Lord our God on this Remembrance Sunday, we remember with love and gratitude those who “gave their today for our tomorrow.”: Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace who lives for ever and ever.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen
Closing Hymn
Hymn 440 – Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation
Final Prayers
May the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep, comfort and assure you of his love in this world and the next;and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.Go in peace to love your neighbour. Go in power to work for reconciliation. Go in hope to proclaim the resurrection.
Thanks be to God.
