Remembrance: from War to Peace
For many nations, November is a time to remember those who have died in military service, in peace time and in war. From the Armistice of 11 November 1918 which ended the First World War, we have Remembrance Day as a time to reflect of the sin of war and conflict. It is a time for Christians to pray for the peace of the world, and through we have often failed in the Lord’s service, through his love, we work for a world renewed through justice and peace.
From earliest times, Christians have served in the military and they are men and women under authority, just as the centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant (Matthew 8:5–13). Mindful of the teaching of Jesus Christ, faithful military service is an honourable tradition, which puts the needs of others before oneself and seeks to work for peace, and to defend freedom. Many people serving in the military today are also deployed for humanitarian assistance. They help to work for that peaceable kingdom which the Lord wills for our world.
Please pray for the men and women who serve in the military worldwide, and for chaplains who minister to them.
By The Rev’d Alex Bennett CF, Chaplain, British Army, from the USPG Prayer Diary Nov 2020 to Jan 2021
