A moment of reflection on the 75th anniversary of VE Day
We read from the Bible…
God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46.1
I lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121.1-2
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40.31
What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6.8
A Tribute to The Millions
Let us remember those who so selflessly gave
their lives at home and abroad, whose
sacrifice enables us to enjoy the
peace and freedom we have today.
Let us remember those who came home
wounded, physically and mentally, and
the friends and family who cared for them.
Let us remember those who returned to
restore their relationships and rebuild
their working lives after years of dreadful
conflict and turmoil.
Let us remember the families that lost
husbands, sons and sweethearts.
Let us remember the servicemen, merchant
seamen, miners, brave civilians and others from
Commonwealth and Allied countries
who fought, suffered and died during
several years of war.
Let us remember those in reserved occupation
and the brave people who
kept us safe on the home front – the
doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded,
the women and men who toiled in the
fields, those who worked in factories,
who all played such a vital role
in the war effort at home.
Prayer for Peace by Pope John Paul II
To you, Creator of nature and humanity, of truth and beauty, I pray: Hear my voice, for it is the voice of the victims of all wars and violence among individuals and nations. Hear my voice, for it is the voice of all children who suffer and will suffer when people put their faith in weapons and war.
Hear my voice, when I beg you to instil into the hearts of all human beings the wisdom of peace, the strength of justice and the joy of fellowship.
Hear my voice, for I speak for the multitudes in every country and every period of history who do not want war and are ready to walk the road of peace.
Hear my voice, and grant insight and strength so that we may always respond to hatred with love, to injustice with total dedication to justice, to need with sharing of self, to war with peace. O God, hear my voice, and grant unto the world your everlasting peace.
We thank you Lord, for all those who have died for their nation. Almighty God in whose hand are the living and the dead: we give you thanks for all your servants who have laid down their lives in the service of their country. Grant to them your mercy, and the light of your presence, that the good work you have begun in them may be perfected, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Most gracious God and Father, in whose will is our peace: turn our hearts and the hearts of all people to yourself, that by the power of your spirit, the peace which is founded on righteousness may be established throughout the world. Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.
The Commitment to Peace
Let us pledge ourselves today to live as good neighbours, to honour the past, to care for all who are in need, and to live at peace among ourselves and with all people.
Lord God, Father of all, we pledge ourselves
to serve you and this neighbourhood,
to bring relief to all who are in need,
and comfort to the sad, lonely, and distressed;
Keep us ever mindful of the struggles
and achievements of former generations,
and of this place where we make our home,
now, and in the days to come. Amen.
Strengthen our hearts, and hands, and minds, O Lord,
to work together for peace; to see you in one another;
and to seek your kingdom above all things; that your will may be seen to be done and your kingdom come, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. Amen.
The Blessing
God grant to the living grace, the departed rest,
the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all the world peace and concord; and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.