ANZAC Centenary Prayer
We turn to You on this centenary anniversary of the historic events at Gallipoli –
In admiration for the courage and determination of the men of Australia and New Zealand who tackled a Mission Impossible in April 1915;
In humble homage to the brave souls who lost their lives in the campaign:
They who grew not old, but their families never ceased to mourn them;
In recognition that this was the testing moment
That brought this country solidarity and maturity;
In the prayer that world war may never again engulf human beings and nations.
In the midst of memory and pride
May we never forget that war is horror,
And peaceful striving for life, health and happiness
Is the greatest blessing You can grant.
May the nations of the Middle East and all the peoples of the globe
Find the way to respect each other and live in harmony;
May Australia and New Zealand serve this ideal in the counsels of the nations
And help to achieve a world in which
Every human being shall sit under their own vine and fig tree
And none shall make them afraid.
May this be Your will, and let us say Amen.