A beautiful ANZAC prayer

When Jesus was defining what love is the concept of sacrifice was the ultimate type of love.

‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ – John 15:13

This is the sacrifice many of our nation’s soldiers made on our behalf. Out of love. Love for their country and love for the men, women, and children from the past, present, and future.

Lest we forget.

There’s something incredibly poignant about remembering the lives laid down on our behalf by those members of the armed forces who represent our nation in conflict. Remembering. Calling this sacrifice into our minds, dwelling on it, being moved and shaped by thankfulness for it.

Our Heavenly Father,
You, O Lord, are the Lord of peace. We thank you for the peace and security that you have gifted our great nation.

We thank you Lord, for the courage and sacrifice of the ANZACS almost 100 years ago.

As we remember those who have fallen in battle, we give thanks to you, gracious God, for their great sacrifices in conflict and in captivity. They gave their lives for peace and freedom. Father, in our nation of wealth, prosperity and comfort, let us never forget the cost – the great cost – of this lifestyle which we now enjoy.

We pray this morning for those who are still grieving the loss of friends and family killed on active service. Generations pass, but the grief of loss remains. Please help them to cast their worries upon you, the God of all comfort.

Lord, please help others to care to their needs with sensitivity and respect. And may they know the prayers and support of us, their fellow Australians.

And Father, as we remember those who laid down their lives for their friends, we thank you that you hear our prayers through the one who laid down his life for us when we were still your enemies.

So we thank you for the forgiveness and hope won at such a great cost, for the forgiveness and hope you have given us in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

It is in His mighty name we pray.
Amen.

Adapted from https://creekroad.org.au/anzac-day-2014-remembering-sacrifice/