Bishop Harold calls us to a ministry of prayer for peace
Bishop Harold has called upon parishes in the diocese to include a focused prayer for peace at every carol service and Christmas service this year, beginning Sunday 16 December.
Writing to clergy he said, “The last weeks have been very difficult indeed for all of us, with the recognition of how easy it would be for this province to be plunged again into sectarianism, violence and despair. “
“Like you, he continued, “I have wondered how we might best respond, and I am sure that a key part of the answer is prayer.
As we remember the birth of the Prince of Peace and read from Isaiah 9 that ‘of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end’, we have the privilege of leading thousands of people who are drawn to the peace of Christ at Christmas, and have the opportunity to focus their hearts and minds in prayer.
We desperately need the Peace of Christ to pervade our society and relationships at this time.”
Bishop Harold suggests a slow and deliberate praying of the old Prayer of St Francis, words suitable for both corporate and personal use:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love.Where there is injury, pardon.Where there is doubt, faith.Where there is despair, hope.Where there is darkness, light.Where there is sadness, joy.O Divine Master,grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;to be understood, as to understand;to be loved, as to love.For it is in giving that we receive.It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.Amen.