In addition to our Prayer Diary we also gather regularly on Zoom to pray together.
Latest dates can be found on our events page
The reflection below is based on a Holy Week reflection from the Christian deelopment charity Tearfund, but is equally relevant to Christian pacifists.
On Palm Sunday and in Holy Week, all Jesus’ actions, from riding into Jerusalem on a donkey instead of a warhorse (Matthew 21:1-11) to telling Peter to lay down his sword (Matthew 26:52) and, while in agony on the cross, still comforting those crucified alongside him (Luke 23:42), God subverts expectations of what it means to be powerful. In every interaction Jesus had this week, he chose peace, love and forgiveness. The Holy Week challenge for all Christians is to model this in our own lives and interactions with others.
If we want to share in the new life of the risen Christ, we must remember all that Jesus did in the week that led up to his Resurrection. We too should be prepared to..
- Carry a cross
- Lay down our own lives
- Model the way of Jesus.
- Have compassion for our neighbours – near and far,
- Continue to have compassion however much we suffer, whatever pressures we feel
- Stand up for justice.
- Care for creation.
It is not easy. But we do not have to do it alone. Jesus knows what it’s like to be cast aside and tortured. Jesus overcame darkness and is our constant companion as we navigate our own challenges and trials.
In this Holy Week and Easter season, let us pray:
Jesus, you are the way, the truth and the life.
Help me to follow your example in all I do.
Show me how I can have compassion for my neighbours – near and far.
Show me how I can stand up for justice.
Show me how I can care for creation.
Jesus, you are the way, the truth and the life.
Let my words and actions be underpinned by your mercy and grace.
Show me how to reject desiring power in my life.
Show how I can embrace peace, love and forgiveness instead.
Show me how to follow your path this Holy Week and beyond. In your name, amen.
Christian CND
Claire Poyner, who takes care of Christian CND admin roles in the CND office in London, will retire shortly.
- Give thanks for Claire’s contribution over the years.
- The advert for Claire ‘s replacement has now been published. It is an unusual role, but one that is essential for Christian CND: pray that the right person applies, and for those reviewing and interviewing candidates to ensure we can appoint the right person.
- After a long period when the Executive were very concerned about a potential Corporation Tax liability, give thanks that we now have HMRC confirmation that there is no liability.
- As we prepare to meet Christians at events such as the Big Church Festival and Greenbelt, pray that the Holy Spirit will guide and support the physical and personal preparation of Christian CND representatives. And that Christians attending these events will be recognise the importance of peace and disarmament for Christians.
- This year Christian CND is undertaking a Peace Pilgrimage in Cumbria, including Barrow in Furness, where BAE Systems manufacture nuclear submarines. Pray for effective witness both in Barrow, very dependent on the naval trade, and throughout the pilgrimage, and for those making the practical arrangements for the pilgrimage.
Nuclear Proliferation – including Lakenheath:
- Although there is still no official confirmation, all indications are that the USAF will soon have the latest generation of US missiles at Lakenheath in Suffolk. Do whatever you can to stop this happening, through prayer, demonstrations, contacting your MP…
- The Lakenheath project is only part of global proliferation of nuclear weapons, with other new bases and weapons around Europe, and of course the AUKUS project with Australian involvement. Despite NATO claims that it is merely responding to invitations to assist other nations with their defence, Mr Putin’s claims of western aggression will certainly be believed in Russia.
- Pray for full implementation of UN treaties including Treaty for Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and the Non-Proliferation Treaty and existing UK commitments to disarmament. And for No First Use commitments from all nuclear states
Human Rights Review under the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Among the nations coming up for review this year are Russia, Canada and Germany, with the nuclear weapons policies of all three states claimed to be in violation of the Right to Life (Article 6 of the ICCPR) as interpreted by the UN Human Rights Committee in General Comment 36.
It seems probable that the Human Rights Council will again issue a negative report that has little effect in practical terms. Nonetheless, please pray that:
- The Human Rights Council will deliver an authoritative report.
- With a substantial number of nations signed up to the TPNW, nations committed to this treaty will have an effective voice, that will be heard by populations and governments.
Ukraine and Russia
- Remember leaders of Ukraine, Russia, and all those nations involved in supporting them.
- And the populations affected by conscription, by loss of lives, by damage to homes and infrastructure, and by having to escape as refugees.
A Prayer for Ukraine
God of peace and justice, we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear for tomorrow, that your Spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war or peace, for wisdom, discernment and compassion to guide their decisions.
Above all, we pray for all your precious children, at risk and in fear, that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
Amen
Prayer from the Church of England website
