Prayers for Remembrance Sunday

The following prayer has been offered by the Chaplain General for use across the Methodist Church as we mark Remembrance Sunday. In this his final year as Chaplain General before returning to regional Methodist ministry, he invites churches and communities to hold together gratitude, lament and hope as we remember those who have served, those who continue to bear the cost of conflict, and all who long for peace.

You can download a video of the Chaplain General reading the prayer download a video of the Chaplain General reading the prayer here.

God of peace and justice, on this Remembrance Sunday we come before you in gratitude, sorrow and hope.

We remember all who have given their lives in the service of others; those who returned bearing wounds seen and unseen; and all whose lives are still marked by conflict, loss and grief. May our remembering deepen our compassion, renew our commitment to peace, and strengthen our care for all who serve and all who suffer.

Guide your Church to be a people of reconciliation: honest about the cost of war, faithful in prayer, generous in service, and steadfast in seeking the way of Christ’s peace.

Warm our hearts with your love and help us to do all the good we can in the cause of justice and peace. Comfort the bereaved, uphold the weary, and lead all nations from darkness into light. In the name of Jesus Christ, our hope and our peace.

Amen.

The Revd Canon Michael Parker KHC, Chaplain General to His Majesty’s Land Forces.

God of all, whose commitment to the world knows no end, we turn to you our refuge and hope.

We acknowledge that you are the source of all justice and peace.

Graciously draw near to us at this time to stir our thinking, deepen our reflections and shape our living.

We remember before you all who have given their lives in the service of others in war. In gratitude we honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

May their example of self-giving love be an inspiration to us all. We hold in your presence those who continue to suffer because of war.

Comfort and sustain all who bear the scars and tears of conflict. May we find the wisdom and grace to support one another in times of need.

We commend to your care His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Uphold and guide the men and women of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force as they strive to be a force for good in our world.

May they be professional and effective in carrying out the tasks required of them. We seek your peace for all people.

Bless and strengthen those from every area of society who are endeavouring to bring an end to injustice, hostilities and conflict.

In our peace-making, together may we find courage, resilience and hope.

These prayers are offered in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Revd David Barrett, former Deputy Chaplain General for the British Army