PRAYERS FOR THE PEACE VIGIL

 The following prayers, written by Fr Tony, were said at the Peace Vigil at St Martin's, and the following day at the St Michael's Eucharist. Several people have asked if they could be printed in the magazine as an aid to private prayer at this difficult time. (Supplied by Christine Jones).

 Our Saviour Christ is the "Prince of Peace", so let us open our hearts to him as we pray for the needs of the world.

 Peace is more than just an absence of conflict, so we pray that all people may know God's peace, which is greater than all we can imagine or understand.

 We pray for the people of Iraq and for all who live under oppressive regimes, that they may never lose heart in either God or mankind.

 We pray for all politicians and for those whose responsibility it is to work for peace with justice.  May their hearts be open to the guidance of God's Holy Spirit.

 We pray for all who serve in the Armed Forces and for all who will be at the forefront of any conflict and peace-keeping duties. May God's holy guardian angels watch over them.

 Our prayers for peace would be insincere if our own hearts are filled with anger and intolerance.  So let us pray that God's peace may be present in our own hearts and be reflected in our lives.

 May God bless our world, its children and its people.

 God is in sole charge of the future so we need have no fear, so in a moment of silence, let us commend the future of God's love and mercy, knowing that God's love and forgiveness is greater than we can imagine or desire.

 Heavenly Father, yours is a peace which the world cannot give.  Help your Holy Spirit in all things direct and rule our hearts, so that your world may know the peace you have given in your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.