Anzac Day Prayers and Scripture

Posted Apr 24, 2019 in Faith

A list of Anzac Day services to be held around South Australia tomorrow can be found here. Anzac Day is a time where we remember the ministry and service of many people in the present day and those who have gone before us. These are the people who respond with faith and commitment, knowing the potential costs, and potentially carrying that burden for the rest of their life.

It is a time to recognise Australian Defence Force personnel and peace keepers, federal police officers, allied staff, padres, medical staff, stretcher bearers, mechanics, drivers, cooks, and recovery centres set up by church communities, etc. All are remembered on this day. Anzac Day acknowledges people from different countries and cultures, and recognises the continuing struggle for justice and peace in our world. Below is some scripture and prayers from the South Australian Council of Churches, who also utilise resources compiled by UCA ministers, Rev Sue Page and Rev Matthew Stuart.

Scripture
John 15:9-17 (GNT)
9 I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love.
10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I
have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your
joy may be complete. 12 My commandment is this: love one another,
just as I love you. 13 The greatest love you can have for your
friends is to give your life for them. 14 And you are my friends if
you do what I command you. 15 I do not call you servants any longer,
because servants do not know what their master is doing. Instead, I call
you friends, because I have told you everything I heard from my Father.
16 You did not choose me; I chose you and appointed you to go and
bear much fruit, the kind of fruit that endures. And so the Father will
give you whatever you ask of him in my name. 17 This, then, is what
I command you: love one another.

Prayer of Invocation
God of love,
Our hearts are full of memories as we gather today,
Memories of friends and comrades
who served under arms in the great wars.
We come remembering those who fell in battle,
And those who offered their bodies, minds, hearts and spirit
In fighting for a better world.
Lord of love,
We ask that you would grace us with your presence.
Help us in our pain.
Hear our prayers, and look upon our thoughts this day.
Bless us
And bless those who gave the best of themselves for others.
We ask this in Jesus name. Amen

Soldier's Prayer
Almighty God, whose command is over all
And whose love never fails,
Let me be aware of your presence,
And obedient to your will.
Help me to accept my share of responsibility
With a strong heart and cheerful mind.
Make me considerate of those with whom I live and work,
And faithful to the duties my country has entrusted to me.
Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the army in which
I serve.
When I am inclined to doubt, strengthened my faith.
When I am tempted to sin, help me to resist.
When I fail, give me the courage to try again
Guide to me with the light of your truth
And keep before me the life and example of Jesus
In whose name I pray. Amen

*Sourced from resources compiled by UCA ministers in placement as Chaplains in the Australian Defence Force, for Worship
Resources for The Centenary of the Landings at Gallipoli. Rev Sue Page and Rev Matthew Stuart.

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