PRAYER FOR PEACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23146, 19 September 1938, Page 14

PRAYER FOR PEACE

AUCKLAND CHURCHES SPECIAL INTERCESSION SERMON BY DEAN FANCOURT Tito widespread recognition of the appropriateness of public prayer in this time of national and world-wide crisis found expression in most churches of all denominations yesterday. '1 his natural desire was reinlorced by the special request ol the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Cosmo Gordon Lang, that the day should be observed as one of national prayer for peace. At the morning service at St, Mary's Cathedral, Dean W. Fan court recited the litanies for use in face of the menace of war, for peace and for the guidance of our rulers. Among tho hymns was "Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past." Special prayers were offered for the British Prime Minister, Mr. Nevilld Chamberlain, the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, the President of Czechoslovakia, I>r. Benes, and for Herr Hitler. Concentrated Effort The dean preached on the power oi prayer and its effect on individuals, and urged that Christian people should concentrate and focus their prayers on these men, to strengthen and sustain them and to bring about a change of mind in Herr Hitler. In offering prayer in St. David's Presbyterian Church yesterday morning, the Rev. W. Bower Black said: "In communion with our brothers the world over, we unite to-day in intercession for this distracted and warridden world. Oil Thou, who art King of Kings and Lord jf Lords, touch with the illumination of Thy Holy Spirit the hearts of all who hold sway over the lives and destinies of the peoples, making clear the solemn issues of these critical days ynd inclining them to seek inspiration and guidance in Thy very presence. Removal of Suspicion "Remove far from us, we entreat Thee, suspicion and hatred and selflove, the estrangement of mankind from Thee, which is the cause everywhere of conflict and chaos. And so lead us as individuals and as nations into such a realisation of the Divine Fatherhood as shall bring about a consummation of human brotherhood.

"Prosper every counsel, Oh God eternal, that makes for peace, and so enable the nations to build their kingdoms upon righteousness and Godliness and truth. Grant unto us in Thy mercy such a measure of the gentleness and patience of Thy Son that we may dwell evermore in the fellowship of Him Whom we hail as Mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of peace."