Marking ANZAC Day 2024
Uniting Church Defence Force chaplains have shared a reflection and prayer for UCA members and communities to mark ANZAC Day either side of national commemorations next Thursday 25 April.
The reflection has been offered by Chaplain (Wing Commander) Christine Senini with the Royal Australian Air Force and the prayer by Chaplain (Squadron Leader) Andrea Follett who is Support Chaplain at the RAAF Base Amberley.
The short video resource can be used flexibly, in part or whole, and in gathered or personal worship or online. You can watch below or download it directly. Below you can also find a number of other worship and prayer resources, including the written version of Christine's reflection.
In the Uniting Church, there are 40 chaplains serving across the navy, army and air force, with about half of these full-time.
In marking ANZAC Day, Uniting Church members and communities are encouraged to pray for the ministry, service and spiritual leadership of Defence Force chaplains, and for Defence Force members, veterans and their families.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY
(Insert group eg The ADF, ADF Chaplains, 21SQN, 1 Battallion etc) acknowledge(s) the Traditional Custodians of the lands, air and seas in which we live, work and train. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging.
We also pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have contributed to the defence of Australia in times of peace and war.
PRAYER FOR ANZAC DAY
Lord God,
who desires peace for all people,
on this day we pause to prayerfully,
respectfully and thankfully
remember the contribution made by men and women
during wars and conflicts and while training for battle.
We think of the many people killed in action,
those who were wounded,
and those who suffered in body, mind and spirit,
long after they returned home.
We remember relatives and members of each community
who made a sacrifice of their lives that we might live in peace and freedom.
Help us to show our appreciation for their sacrifice in the way that we live.
We pray that the qualities of courage, mateship, self-discipline,
resourcefulness, loyalty, and good humour
that was demonstrated by the ANZACs
will continue to be an example and inspiration for us.
We also remember the mates and family members
who carried the burdens of loss and grief
and carried on the work of raising families, producing food
and building this nation.
May this solemn moment remind us of the privilege of life,
and of the debt of gratitude for those who died in battle.
Lord, teach us to develop new ways of resolving conflict
in our homes, schools, communities and between nations.
We pray for those who engage in the slow and patient work of diplomacy.
We pray that you would bless all who live in Australia,
those whose ancestors were custodians of this land,
those born here and those who chose to make it their home.
May grace, mercy and peace be with us today and always,
through Jesus, Prince of peace.
Amen.
A BLESSING
Go forth into the world in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no one evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help the afflicted.
Show love to everyone.
Love and serve the Lord,
rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit;
and the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always. Amen.
(from Uniting in Worship and the Book of Common Prayer, 1928 edition)
Those preparing for ANZAC Day commemorations might like to explore further resources:
- The ANZAC Day worship resource produced by Rev Sue Page and Rev Matthew Stuart for the centenary of the landings at Gallipoli (2014)
- This written reflection offered by RAAF Chaplain Christine Senini for ANZAC Day 2018
- This reflection offered by Rev John Dansie for ANZAC Day 2022
- This great collection of resources, prayers and reflections from Pilgrim Uniting Church in Adelaide
- ANZAC prayers compiled by the National Assembly in 2023
- A prayer for the Royal Australian Navy for ANZAC Day