God of love and mercy, we remember and we pray –

for those who gave,
who sacrificed all,
to fight for peace,
to obey the call,
to put others first,
to deny themselves,
to risk their lives,
to bombs and shells.

for those who loved,
for those who lost,
for those who survived
at tremendous cost,
for those who suffer,
for those who weep,
for the loss of life
of those cherished,
who now sleep.

God of love, we pray for and remember all those who have given their lives in conflict.

We pray for all those who have been wounded and bear the physical and emotional scars of battle.

We pray for all those who mourn the loss of loved ones through violence and war.

We pray for all who are living daily in the midst of war or conflict or feel threatened by it.

We pray for those who lives have been changed beyond all recognition by war.

We pray for governments, charities and organisations who work for reconciliation and peace, and seek to support anyone who is suffering or experiencing hardship as a result of war.

We pray for strength, comfort and peace in the name of your one and only son, Jesus, who sacrificed his life for all mankind.

Merciful God, hear and answer our prayers. Amen.

Ruth Rushworth