Embedded Files
A Prayer to celebrate ANZAC Day
For older students
Introduction:
We gather together to remember ANZAC Day; a day when Australians and New Zealanders give thanks for their free and peaceful countries. We remember and honour those who fought to protect our beautiful lands. It is also an important day for us to stop and pray for peace –
peace in our world,
peace among people in our own country,
peace in our families,
and peace in our own hearts.
We know that war brings sadness, grief and death. Today we also pray for those in our world who are affected by war at this time. We especially keep in our hearts and prayers the people of Ukraine. Please join in as we sing the National Anthem:
Advance Australia Fair- by the Butterfly House Family
God Defend New Zealand New Zealand Ministry of Education
Please remain standing as we acclaim the Gospel:
Alleluia by Tim Hart
Or
Mass for God’s Children: Alleluia Andrew Chinn
The Word
A reading from the Gospel according to John.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Just as my Father has loved me so I have loved you. Make sure that I keep on loving you. If you obey me I will keep on loving you, just as I have obeyed my father and He keeps on loving me. My command to you is this: love one another, just as I love you. The greatest love a person can have for his friends is to give his life for them. You are my friends if you do what I command you to do.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ
Be seated during the reflection
Reflection: We Will Remember Them (My Grandfather’s Hat)- the song lasts more than 6 minutes with the Last Post played. (4: 47 is a good place to stop the video)
Prayer Of Faithful
Leader: In a world where so many live in fear of being hurt or killed in war, of going hungry because of war, and of losing their homes and loved ones, we ask our God to listen to our prayers.
Reader 1: We pray for our world. Help all people to work for peace and not war. We pray to our God.
All: God of Peace, hear our prayer
Reader 2: We pray for our countries, New Zealand and Australia. Help us to value our freedom, the beauty of our land and our way of life.
We pray to our God.
All: God of Peace, hear our prayer
Reader 3: We pray for those who are suffering because of war at this time. We remember especially the people of Ukraine. Give them hope that peace will come.
We pray to our God.
All: God of Peace, hear our prayer
Reader 4: We pray for all families of soldiers who have gone to war or are currently deployed on peace keeping missions. Be with them in their worry and their grief.
We pray to our God.
All: God of Peace, hear our prayer
Reader 5: We pray for all Australian and New Zealander soldiers who have died defending our freedom and the freedom of others. May they rest in peace with you.
We pray to our God.
All: God of Peace, hear our prayer
Reader 6: We pray for peace in our own hearts, in this community and in our family. May we learn to be peacemakers in our daily lives.
We pray to our God.
All: God of Peace, hear our prayer
Leader: Loving God, hear our prayers as we strive to be peace-loving people. Heal our world and heal the hearts of those who cannot love. We offer these prayers in the name of Jesus your Risen Son. Amen
Silent Remembrance
Please stand as we remember those who have given their lives for our countries, Australia and New Zealand.
The Last Post is played and a minute’s silence is observed. After the minute of silence the Reveille is played.
Concluding Prayer
Reader:
God of Help, God of Love, And God of Peace, in this season of Easter we rejoice in the New Life your Son the Risen Jesus gives us. You offer us hope. You offer us peace. We thank you for these treasured lands of ours, New Zealand and Australia.
Today, as we remember the ANZAC soldiers who fought to protect our countries. Help us to strive for peace in all we do.
We make our prayer in the name of the Risen Jesus.
All: Amen
Concluding Hymn: Rivers Of Your Peace by Drew Lane and Andrew Chinn
Page updated
Report abuse