A Service for VE Day

Adapted from a resource from The Church of England Website

SERVICE FOR VE DAY 8/5/20

Heaviness may endure for a night:

But joy comes in the morning. 

God has been our refuge and our strength:

A present help in time of trouble.  

Dear friends, on this day we commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, when the sounds of war fell silent on this continent.

We are conscious of our need for God’s forgiveness for the sin and the desire to dominate others that leads to conflict between people, and war between nations. 

And as we remember the many soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives restraining evil and opposing tyranny, so we also come in thanksgiving for the years of peace that the nations of Europe have enjoyed since the Second World War.

We are joyful, as were those who gathered on that first Victory day, glad of each other’s company, and grateful for the laughter and love that follows times of sadness and loss. 

But above all things, let us pray that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, as we join our voices together and say:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father…

An Old Testament Reading

Micah 4.1–4  God’s promised time of peace  

A New Testament Reading

2 Corinthians 5.16–21  The call to be reconciled 

O Lord, Your salvation is near to those who fear you,

All that glory may dwell in our land. 

Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

All that glory may dwell in our land.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;

steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

Your salvation is near to those who fear you, that glory may dwell in our land. 

Psalms 84

The Last Post

Silence

Reville

Let us pray:

A Prayer for those who served in World War II 

O God of truth and justice,

we give you thanks for those men and women 

who have died in active service, 

particularly in the Second World War, 

whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe. 

As we honour their courage and cherish their memory, 

may we put our faith in your future; 

for you are the source of life and hope, 

now and for ever.  Amen. 

A Prayer for those who serve today 

O Lord God of Hosts, 

stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm 

to strengthen and protect our service men and women. 

Support them in times of conflict, 

and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil; 

endue them with courage and loyalty; 

and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. 

A Prayer for the peace of the world 

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth 

in a single peace; 

that the design of your great love lighten 

upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows 

and give peace to your church,

peace among nations, 

peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and our fellow men and women: 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.  

The Collect for Peace

 

Almighty God,  

from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle in the hearts of all people the true love of peace; 

and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom 

those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; 

that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, 

till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy

love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the Sovereign 

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,  

bless our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth,  

and all who are in authority under her;  

that they may order all things  

in wisdom and equity, righteousness and peace, 

to the honour of your name,  

and the good of your Church and people;  

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

God grant his grace to the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth,   

and all people, peace and concord;  

and to us and all his servants, life everlasting;  

and the blessing of God almighty,

 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

come down upon you and remain with you always. Amen.