Thought for the Week - 12th November 2023

 

Dear Friends, 

During this early part of the month of November we are drawn in the church calendar to ‘remembering’, and as a friend recently reminded me it is sometimes called ‘remembrancetide’. Some remember the saints of old in All Saints Day on November 1st and others remember loved ones who have died on All Souls Day on November 2nd. Perhaps our focus for remembering falls on November 11th, Armistice Day, and November 12th, Remembrance Sunday, when we will once again remember the fallen and all victims of war. We will call to mind the cost of wars and conflicts, both historic and present day, the huge numbers of precious lives lost and the damaging and lasting effects that such battles leave. It was the former prime minister Neville Chamberlain who is quoted as saying in 1938, ‘In war, whichever side may call itself the victor, there are no winners, but all are losers.’ In the world today we need to redouble our efforts in working for peace and in praying for peace. The apostle Paul writing to the believers in Philippi reminds them, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).                             

Grace and peace,

Neil

A Prayer for World Peace

O God of the nations,

as we look to that day when you will gather people

from north and south, east and west,

into the unity of your peaceable Kingdom,

guide with your just and gentle wisdom all who take counsel

for the nations of the world,

that all your people may spend their days in security, freedom, and peace,

through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

(from the Church of England, Prayers for Remembrance)

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