Prayers for Peace
As happened in many churches across Northern Ireland, this morning our minister, Brian, led us in prayers for peace for our land.
Our church leaders this week suggested that, as a practical sign of our revulsion towards violence and our determination as one community to speak with one voice on this issue, people wear a purple ribbon or other item of purple clothing.
Purple is associated with Lenten reflection and is offered as a strong outward symbol of people’s commitment to working together for good.
You can see the full text of the statement from the main churches HERE.
In church this morning we were all given pieces of purple paper, on which we could write a prayer for peace. Then we all, kids included, came to the front of the church and attached our prayers to a simple wooden cross which was draped with purple. It was a simple but powerful act, bringing our prayers as a body of believers, united in our desire for peace.
I only had my small camera with me, but I photographed the cross after the service.
Please pray for Northern Ireland, particularly for those who mourn, and for wisdom for our political leaders.
Prayers for Peace in Northern Island as well as all over the world.
What a moving post. I always have included Ireland in my prayers. That is where my ancestors are from and my nana and papa prayed for Ireland every day also.
Abbey has a little purple notepad, which I’m going to write down a prayer on and put it on my dresser to be reminded to pray for peace everyday!
What beautiful photos. Goodness, here in America we don’t hear much about Ireland so much anymore, since it’s all about Iraq and Afghanistan. I’ve often wondered how it is over there though (in Ireland). My ancestors are from there as well, but I think from southern Ireland.
See now, if I won your contest all I’d want is a piece of clover or some such that came from the land over there (although I bet the government wouldn’t allow it to be sent).
May He bless you and keep you,
Robin Ennis Willson
Thank you for sharing the photos with us, the photo of the cross speaks absolute volumes. Know that I will definitely hold your ideals in my prayers
Such a simple act and yet so powerful.
Its such a shame that a violent few (please, there can’t be many left) feel that they have the right to speak and act on behalf of the many.
They certainly don’t and never will speak or act for me.
May we one day have lasting peace.
I pray and hope the peace continues.
JanMary, shortening is commonly referred to as hydrogenated vegetable oil. Hope that helps 🙂 Here out brand name is Crisco, in the UK and Ireland supposedly it is Cookeen
I will be praying for peace as well. Thank you so much for sharing that. I will make sure to include that in our St. Patrick’s Day observance tomorrow.
I promise to pray, and will continue to add this request to our OCC Women’s Wednesday night meetings. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing.
I think Northern Ireland has come a long way on the path of peace. The come-together after the recent terrible acts, witness of that too, and in the middle of the tragedy it is a good sign. Let’s all hope and wish for peaceful times in Northern Ireland, as well as in the rest of the corner of the world.
Hope for peace! Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures
I will be praying for peace. My husband was born in Belfast, his family is from the Shankill Road. They imigrated over here (Australia) in the height of the Troubles. My mother-in-law goes back home each year so we don’t feel seperated from what is happening. I do hope things settle down and peaceful times are here to stay.
God Bless
Sigh. Seems like all I do lately is pray that there will be peace and stability everywhere. I can only hope that one day, all of our prayers will be answered.
I will absolutely join you in prayer!