“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18)
Our Father, we pause today to honour the courageous men and women who have lost their lives serving our country, in a world that is filled with wars and rumours of war. We pray that You would comfort all of the families and friends of those who have died or suffered for Australia’s causes while serving in wars, armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Our Father, we praise You because You so loved the world, that You gave Your only beloved Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life. Thank You for Your great love in sending Jesus Christ as the ultimate Servant-Warrior, who on the cross won the war to end all wars.
We praise You Lord Jesus, for You paid the greatest price to bring final and full peace to our hearts and the entire cosmos. You defeated evil on the cross, and it will be forever eradicated when You return. So, because of Your finished work, we live in anticipation of the day when all swords and spears will become garden tools; nations will no longer fight each other, but will dance with each other and serve one another.
Until then, our Father, help us to live peaceably with everyone and to be peacemakers in a world that desperately needs peace.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
If you have any prayer requests, please contact our Pastoral Care team at prayer@heathdale.vic.edu.au.