PRAYER

Prayer for Remembrance Sunday

1919 was the first time the two minute silence was observed

Living God, one hundred years ago a year after the guns had ceased, the two minute silence began. However, the absence of loved ones was, if anything, more real and more painful when the soldiers returned and they did not. Some came back in body but changed inside, with memories that would never die and bodies that would never heal.

Living God, eighty years ago it all started again and sucked in more and more nations as the Second World War unfolded and front lines became less clear until all were caught up in its misery. We pray for all who in bereavement, disability and pain continue to suffer the consequences of fighting and terror.

We remember with thanksgiving and sorrow those whose lives, in world wars and conflicts past and present, have been given and taken away.

We remember our armed forces serving in different parts of our troubled world and pray for your protection on them in all their undertakings as peace-keepers.

Forgive us for ever glamorising war. Help us in our remembrance to commit to working for peace, for justice and for reconciliation. Help us to never forget the courage shown in war by both men and women, serving in so many different ways.

As we honour the past, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever.

Amen.

The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt Rev Colin Sinclair