Prayers for the week 5 – 9 November 2018

1. Prayers for the week5 – 9 November 2018 Prayer theme: Remembrance week 100 years ago the First World War was ended. This week we remember all those who have died in the line of duty. 11th November is known as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day with wreath laying ceremonies across the country.

2. Monday 5 November https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHj0WkgXtIU Wilfred Owen was an English poet from Birkenhead. He was a soldier in the First World War and died on the 4th November 1918, one week before the end of the war. Many of his poems depict the horrors of trenches and gas warfare.

3. Monday 5 November Anthem for Doomed Youth (Wilfred Owen) What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? — Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,— The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling for them from sad shires. What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes. The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds. Loving God, we prayforalltheyouthwho are victims of war andfortheyoungsoldierswho risk theirlivesfortheircountries. Amen.

4. Tuesday6 November LET PEACE START WITH ME Ever been overwhelmed by images of violence and war on TV, and prayed for peace, not knowing what else to do? Jesus calls us to find rest in him from such sorrows and take up his yoke. When we take up the yoke Jesus offered, we participate in the often mysterious work of the kingdom. Jesus teaches us to do what we can, where we are, and suddenly small acts of kindness build up a community of peace. PRAYER God of community, let peace start with me. As I pick up your yoke, clothe me in gentleness and humility, tempered with a little righteous anger. Give me rest from feeling inadequate, so that your peace flows through me, infecting all of my relationships, and building a platform for hope. Amen.

5. Tuesday 6 November Peace is not dependant on what is going on around us, but on what is going on within. I have often struggled with times of fear or anxiety. For 20 years being in the army or married to someone in the army, meant I was often called to face my fears. One of my hardest times was when my husband was fighting in the Iraq war, and our baby son was born in his absence. It was hard to find that place of faith where I truly believed all would be well, where I was truly able to put my trust in God. But, God always remains constant, faithful and in control. As I learned to look to him I could start to see the world from his perspective, and find his perfect peace. (Rachel Ross Russell served with the Armed Forces for 20 years and is now a secondary school chaplain) PRAYER Father, thank you that you are my rock, my resting place, that in all situations you are all that I need. I pray that I might always know that ‘peace that passes all understanding’ as I find my rest in you. Amen.

6. Wednesday 7 November • Loving God, We pray for all those who died in war and gave their lives so we may have freedom. Amen.

7. Wednesday 7 November My grandfather was 15 when World War I was declared. He lied about his age in order to sign up. The first his mother knew about it was when a friend told her how smart Bernard looked in his uniform. Unlike so many young soldiers, he returned to live a long life. In the Old Testament, there is a constant encouragement to remember the past without living in it. It's important that I remember the sacrifices of those, like my grandfather, who fought in the war, whilst, at the same time, remembering that I am called to live life faithfully with God in my day. Getting this balance right should mean I fight evil wherever I encounter it and work for peace. (Gavin Dickson, Army Scripture reader) PRAYER Lord, as I remember your action in history and the actions of those who took part in World War I, help me to live my life as Jesus would live it if he were me - in this day. Amen.

8. Thursday8 November Let us remember those who have died for their country in war; those we knew, and all who have given their lives for freedom, justice and the hope of peace. As we look forward and seek the way of peace and reconciliation, you might like to say this prayer: Lord, strengthen our hearts, hands, and minds, to work together for peace; to see you in one another, and to seek your kingdom above all things; that your will may be seen to be done, and your Kingdom come, through Jesus Christ, the Lord of lords and King of kings. Amen.

9. Thursday8 November Loving God, in our fractured world please bring your peace. We lift up our brothers and sisters around the world who live and work in war torn countries, that they will shine as beacons of your peace to everyone around them. Protect and surround them with your love, we pray this through Jesus Christ. Amen. Liverpool, 1941

10. Friday 9 November God of peace, We pray for all victims of war, we remember them so that in remembering each new generation will know their sacrifice and work even harder for peace. We remember the lives lost in mud and carnage of the First World War, and those who came home changed forever. We remember the great loss of the Second World War, brought home to our towns and cities with bombs falling onto houses, factories and shipyards. We remember the fallen of all wars since, sometimes very far from home, and all civilians who have lost their lives. We remember the young men who were called up to serve their country and did not come home. We remember those who came home bearing the scars of war, physical and psychological, for those today who need support to re-discover peace of mind and purpose. We pray today, with all our hearts, for peace. Pray that peace takes root in the tender soil of our hearts. Amen.

11. Friday 9 November Examen Be silent and place yourself in God’s loving presence. Think about the good things that have happened this week and give thanks.​ Who have you left a good memory with this week? Look back over your week. Where have you felt joy and what has been difficult and challenged you? In the quiet of your heart, tell God about your experiences.​Give thanks for who you are. As you look ahead, with what spirit will you enter next week? Ask God to help you.

12. Afternoon Prayer and Reflection Lord Thank you for the morning, for watching over me and walking with me. May I find joy and understanding this afternoon, in all I do. Grant me the zest and the strength I need to work for you until nightfall. Amen Let us pause for a few moments in silence and remember those family members and friends who need our prayers and support today………… Let us ask Mary, our Mother, to join us in our prayers as we say: Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen We end our reflection with a prayer inspired by our foundress followed by the school prayer: Loving Father, life-giving spirit – Marie Madeleine believed in your power, hoped in your promises and lived for your glory. We ask her to pray for us and be with us as we carry the FCJ spirit into the 21st century. Protect and guide the pupils and staff at Upton and at all FCJ schools in this country and around the world. Amen May the Lord bless us and keep us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen