Prayer month 8th May 2020

Today’s thoughts and prayers are provided by Rev. Delyth Liddell, Coordinating Chaplain at Cardiff University.

God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Today is the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and many of us will have been expecting to commemorate with street parties and church services. Instead, unless we are keyworkers, we find ourselves at home, listening to the Queen’s speech at 9am, taking part in the two minute silence at 11am and raising a toast to the heroes of WWII at 3pm with the words, “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

The day the guns fell silent in Europe was indeed a day of celebration, although the war still raged for some time in Asia and the Pacific. So today we remember and give thanks for those who gave their lives in times of war, whilst also being aware of the troubling time that we find ourselves in. These words of Jesus remind us that our peace is found in Jesus:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

So today, I invite you to pray:

• For those in the Armed Forces, many still in war zones around the world, and others helping out with the global pandemic.

• For those on the front line of our current crisis, the doctors and nurses who put their lives on the line to care for the ill and dying.

• For those who return from active service wounded, physically and mentally, and for those struggling with their mental health during this pandemic.

• For those who have lost loved ones, through war or in this present time. • For those who toiled on the home front, in the fields and factories during the war effort; and the many key workers in shops and providing deliveries throughout our land.

• For the Methodist Wales Synod, as we conclude the 15 months of prayer across Wales as a time of prayer for our church.

As Jesus offers peace, so we pray for the peace of this world,

peace among nations,

peace to the church,

peace within our communities,

peace within our homes

and peace in our hearts;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Act of Commitment

Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and our neighbours: that we may help, encourage and comfort others, and support those working for the relief of the needy and for the peace and welfare of the nations.

Lord God our Father,we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering, and for the praise of your name.

Guide us by your Spirit;

give us wisdom;

give us courage;

give us hope;

and keep us faithful now and always. Amen.

O Lord our God, as we remember, teach us the ways of peace.

As we treasure memories, teach us to hope.

As we give thanks for the sacrifices of the past,

help us to make your future in this world,

until your kingdom come. Amen.