成人快手

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Tim Thornton, Bishop to the Armed Forces

Good morning

In my role as Bishop to the Armed Forces I have the privilege of visiting men and women in this country and abroad who are serving their Queen and country. I鈥檝e never served and so am both fascinated and amazed to learn about the lives they lead and the extraordinary range of work they do.

Remembrance is of course not only about the past and striving hard to learn lessons from history but it鈥檚 also vital that we remember all those who are now serving in the armed forces. They become a little more visible sadly at a time like this as they take up a role in our communities assisting with testing of Coronavirus and other work to help the nation.

I have learnt a lot from the armed forces and of course many of the lessons I learnt have surprised me. I have learnt that so very many of the men and women who serve understand far more about the complexity of human nature than I had presumed and they have a very strong desire to avoid war and conflict at all costs.

I have learnt that so many of those who serve have a very clear sense of ethics and wanting to grapple with complex questions of how nations can and do live together in our small yet fragmented world.

I go on learning and thank them for all they teach me. May we remember those who serve today and pray for them in all that they do.

Almighty God, stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and protect the armed forces: grant that meeting danger with courage and all occasions with discipline and loyalty, they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace; to the honour of your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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