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The
Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope and the Dean of York, the Very
Reverend Raymond Furnell, lead prayers for peace at a special service
in York Minster, following the launch of military action against
Iraq.
The
Archbishop lit a candle for peace, and prayers were offered for
all those involved in the conflict, and their families.
The
candle will remain lit in the nave of York Minster throughout the
conflict in Iraq.
York
Minster offers facilities and guidance for all those wishing to
pray for peace at any time during the day, and all are welcome to
the daily services of the Eucharist (12.20pm each weekday) and Evensong
at 5pm (4pm at weekends).
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| The
Archbishop lit this candle for peace |
St
John's Chapel, beside the north transept, is set aside for those
wishing to pray for peace at any time during the day.
The
Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope lead the special Service for Peace
with the following prayers.
Prayers
for peace
Blessed
are you, Sovereign God,
ruler of creation.
You
have given your Son Jesus Christ
as the Light of the world,
the Light of Light.
May
this candle be to us a sign
of your light in the world’s darkness,
of your peace in the world’s conflict,
of your hope in the world’s despair.
Hasten
the end of this conflict,
that there may be reconciliation
among the peoples,
and rebuilding among the ruins,
that your just and gentle rule
may be established, now and for evermore.
Amen
In
union with Christ and in the power of the Spirit
We offer our prayers to God the Father,
saying:
Let us pray to the Lord
Lord have mercy
For
Her Majesty the Queen,
For all who who exercise rule and authority,
for the leaders of the Arab world,
and of the United Nations…
For
the inhabitants of Iraq,
for its displaced and oppressed peoples
and for its Christian church….
For
military personnel on land, air and sea,
for their leaders, chaplains and medical staff ….
For
all who find themselves in harm’s way
and in mortal danger,
for prisoners and captives,
for the wounded and the lost…
For
those who will suffer injury and death
on each side of this conflict,
for those who will care for them
and those who will grieve their loss…
For
all who work for peace,
for diplomats, negotiators and reconcilers…
For
the Church of God,
for the leaders of the Muslim world,
and for respect and tolerance
between those of different faiths…
For
the media and those who shape our opinions,
for those whose words and pictures
will inform and chasten us…
For
aid workers
and those who work in disaster relief
and those who are even now planning for rebuilding…
For
ourselves, for our neighbours,
for the peace of this nation
and of the whole world…
O
almighty God, who can bring good out of evil,
and who can make even the wrath of humanity turn to your praise:
we pray that you will so order and dispose the affairs of the nations
that we may be brought through strife to lasting peace;
and
that the nations of the world may be united in a new fellowship
for the promotion of your glory, and the good of humankind,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
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