ST. MARY MAGDALENE, NORWICH

A SERVICE FOR VE DAY

8th MAY 2025

To read at home on your own in quiet reflection

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Heaviness may endure for a night:

But joy comes in the morning.

God has been our refuge and our strength:

A present helpin time of trouble.

Today we commemorate the anniversary of Victory in Europe.

We are conscious of our need for God’s forgiveness for the sin and the desire to dominate others that leads to conflict between people, and war between nations.

And as we remember the many soldiers, sailors, and airmen who gave their lives restraining evil and opposing tyranny, so we also come in thanksgiving for those who continue to strive for peace on this continent. We are joyful today, as were those who gathered on that first Victory Day, glad of each other’s company, and grateful for the laughter and love that follows times of sadness and loss.

But above all things, let us pray that God’s will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, as we say:

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins

as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power,

and the glory are yours

now and for ever. 

Amen.

Old Testament Reading

Micah 4.1–4: God’s promised time of peace

In days to come

the mountain of the Lord’s temple

shall be established as the highest of the mountains

and shall be raised up above the hills.

Peoples shall stream to it,

2 and many nations shall come and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may teach us his ways

and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,

and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

3 He shall judge between many peoples

and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away;

they shall beat their swords into ploughshares

and their spears into pruning hooks;

nation shall not lift up sword against nation;

neither shall they learn war any more;

4 but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees,

and no one shall make them afraid,

for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.

New Testament Reading

Luke 15: 18-24

18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

Your salvation is near to those who fear you,

that glory may dwell in our land.

Mercy and truth have met together;

righteousness and peace have kissed each other,

that glory may dwell in our land.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;

steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

Your salvation is near to those who fear you,

that glory may dwell in our land.

Prayers

For those who served and died in the Second World War

O God of truth and justice,

we hold before you those men and women

who have died in active service, particularly in the Second World War,

whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe.

As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,

may we put our faith in your future;

for you are the source of life and hope,

now and for ever.

Amen.

For those who serve today

O Lord God of Hosts,

stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm

to strengthen and protect our service men and women.

Support them in times of conflict,

and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;

endue them with courage and loyalty;

and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For the peace of the world

O God, who would fold both heaven and earth

in a single peace;

that the design of your great love lighten

upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows

and give peace to your church, peace among nations,

peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

An Act of Commitment

Let us pledge ourselves anew to the service of God and our fellow men and women: that we may help, encourage and comfort others, and support those working for the relief of the needy and for the peace and welfare of the nations.

Lord God our Father, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace, for the relief of want and suffering, and for the praise of your name. Guide us by your Spirit; give us wisdom; give us courage; give us hope; and keep us faithful now and always.

Amen.

Collect for Peace

Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: kindle in the hearts of all people the true love of peace; and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A prayer for the Sovereign

Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness,

bless our Sovereign Lord, King Charles,

and all who are in authority under him;  

that they may order all things in wisdom and equity,

righteousness and peace,

to the honour of your name,     

and the good of your Church and people;     

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The National Anthem