He shall judge between the nations and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Isaiah 2:4
All Soul’s Day helps us to remember all who we have lost, and we pray for those who are hurting and sad. We pray for all who are bereaved and ask God to surround them with His peace and love.
Remembrance Day calls us to remember all who have given their lives in the Service of others, through defending their country or through rescuing wounded from the battle fields, or through keeping the people fed during the conflicts. This day, we ask God to help us to bring lasting peace to all countries of the world, so that war will be a distant grotesque memory. We pray for all military people who have lasting injuries, in body, mind or spirit, that they may find healing and wholeness and so resume their lives in peace.The Toy Service reminds us of all those children and young people who have little to look forward to this Christmas, and we ask God to increase our generosity and willingness to show love to others, especially those that we don’t know personally. We pray for the children and their families, that they will receive the help they need to go on to fulfilling and strengthened lives, without poverty.
During the season of Advent, we look forward to the second coming of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, in glory. So, we pray for ourselves and our church to be ready for this momentous day, knowing that we have done our best to bring the Kingdom of God further towards completion.
Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’ Acts 1:1