Remembrance Day – originally known as Armistice Day – marks the day when the guns on the Western Front fell silent as the German leaders signed an Armistice at 11am on November 11, 1918, bringing an end to four years of bloody warfare.

As a mark of respect for those who fought, died and suffered in World War I, Australians are encouraged to pause at 11:00am and observe a minute’s silence and in other Commonwealth nations similar traditions take place.

We pause not just for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but those who suffered life-changing injuries, for families of lost loved ones and those supporting families returning from war.

Unfortunately the ‘war to end all wars’ did not stop further conflict. The events in Eastern Europe and Israel and Gaza  fill us with such sadness that this sacrifice and trauma continues to impact people’s lives. Therefore, today is not only about remembering the sacrifice of our past but also a chance to reaffirm our belief about the importance of peace for the future of all. And so we pray,

God of light and salvation, our refuge and our strength, we pray for the people of Israel and Palestine amid the escalating violence.

We pray for those killed and injured by rockets from Gaza in southern Israel. May your rod and staff comfort them. We pray for those who are grieving. May they know your ever-present help.

We pray for the protection of those who have been taken hostage by Hamas. As they walk through this dark valley, may they fear no evil.

We pray for the civilians of Gaza. May they know that their help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth.

And we pray for those in leadership in Gaza and Israel. May you guide them along the right paths.

We ask all this in union with Christ and trusting in the power of your Holy Spirit.