Anzac Weekend : A good day to pray for peace

The Apostle Paul instructs Timothy that prayers be made for peace on a regular basis in the church."I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Anzac Day reminds us men and women serve in our armed forces with a view to bring peace in the troubled spots of the world. The Australian Army currently has significant forces deployed on four major operations :

1. Operation Catalyst - Australia's commitment to the Coalition forces in Iraq. Overwatch Battle Group (West Iraq); this is a battlegroup consisting of a headquarters, infantry company, armoured squadron and training team, with a total of 450 personnel. This has two tasks: Provide support to local Iraqi security forces Assist in the training of local Iraqi Army units so that they are able to take over the internal and external defence of their country.

2. Operation Slipper - Australia's commitment to the War on Terror. The army contribution is primarily concentrated in Afghanistan:

3. Operation Astute - Australia's commitment to Timor-Leste. This constitutes the largest overseas deployment of Australian forces, with around 925 troops deployed. These are primarily formed into a single battlegroup.

4. Operation Anode - Australia's commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has changed over the years, with an initial influx of over 2000 troops to one Platoon of Australians, New Zealanders and Pacific Islanderers just before the riots of April 2006.Australians are also involved in other peacekeeping operations:

A. Operation Mazurka - Australia's commitment to Multinational Force and Observers (MFO). From 1982-1986, the RAAF provided rotory wing aviation support.

B. Operation Paladin - is the Army's longest ongoing operation, where Australian personnel have served since 1956. Operation Paladin is Australia's contribution to the UN Truce Arab/Israeli War.Pray for our armed forces as they seek to bring peace in the world,often in places were violence rules and there is no peace.Paul prays for earthly peace that we might have an opportunity to find peace with God through Jesus. Paul prays that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness For..."This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time".Pray for peace on earth.Pray for the armed forces of our country as they seek to bring peace in difficult places.Pray for peace with God that comes through knowing Jesus.

"Lest We Forget"

GP