At the time of writing all eyes are on Israel as we wait to see its response to Iran’s drone and missile attack. We are all praying for an end to fighting between Israel and Palestine and for relief for those needing humanitarian aid in Gaza. Meanwhile, Russia continues to attack Ukraine, currently targeting power plants to further weaken Ukrainian resistance. And perhaps not so topical but nonetheless abhorrent are the conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
All situations we need to bring to God in prayer for resolution, for peace, for reconciliation.
Micah 4:1-4 says:
In the last days
the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and peoples will stream to it.
Many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He will judge between many peoples
and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
Everyone will sit under their own vine
and under their own fig tree,
and no one will make them afraid,
for the LORD Almighty has spoken.
April 25th holds immense significance for Australians and is known as Anzac Day. During World War I, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of an expedition aiming to capture the Gallipoli peninsula in order to open the Dardanelles to the allies. The objective was to seize Constantinople (now Istanbul), the capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany.
On 25 April 1915, their forces landed on Gallipoli, encountering fierce resistance from Ottoman Turkish defenders. The planned bold stroke to knock Turkey out of the war turned into a prolonged campaign lasting eight months. 131,000 troops died, including 8,000 from Australia. 393,000 were injured. Although the military objectives were not achieved, Anzac Day celebrations were established to honour the courage, resilience and sacrifice of those who served during World War 1 and subsequent conflicts.
In this troubled world let us pray for peace.
Lord, prosper the work of those who promote human rights, encourage those who work for reconciliation and justice, help us follow paths of understanding, reconciliation and respect.
God of justice and truth, help us to see past the suffering of this broken world, grant us the grace to pray for those who wish us harm.
We honour the past, as we put our faith in your future.
We eagerly pray for peace, in the name of Jesus, the source of hope and life, now and forever, Amen.
(Adapted from Anzac Day Worship Resource – Uniting Church Australia)
Debbie Wilson
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