This service followed the usual recognition for those who had fought in previous wars and conflicts, but also included intercessory prayer for Defence Force personnel and security forces located around the world at this time.
Dignitaries included the Governor of New South Wales, the Chief of the Defence Force in Australia, politicians – both State and Federal – State and Federal Police personnel, representatives of the Army, Air Force and Navy as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Following the entrance of the Colour Party, the Senior Minister of the Cathedral, Rev Chris Moroney accepted the flags presented and placed them at the base of the pulpit
Musical items and accompaniment for the hymns was provided by the Cathedral Singers and the Australian Army Band, Sydney.
The singing of the National Anthem also included a second stanza which Dean Phillip Jensen explained is authorised for use on religious occasions. It commenced with the words: "With Christ our head and cornerstone, we'll build our nation's might," thus setting the basis for the Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, AC, CVO, Governor of New South Wales (representing the people of NSW) was joined by Don Rowe OAM, President RSL NSW Branch (representing service personnel) and Lt Col Mat Rogerson (representing the congregations of St Andrew's Cathedral) in the Presentation of Wreaths.
A bugler, located high in the organ loft, then played The Last Post and Reveille which resonated throughout the Cathedral.
Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir read the first Scripture passage, 2 Chronicles 20:1-12, followed by Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston reading 1 Timothy 2:1-8.
In his sermon, Dean Phillip Jensen's points for consideration and specific Bible verses were shown on a huge, overhead screen.
His emphasis was on "What does a Christian pray for in a time of war?" using Lutheran Pastor Martin Rinkart's life experiences in the 30-year war, in his opening and closing remarks.
Introducing the topic of "What do we pray for?" he stated that prayer can be so simple that a child can pray, for prayer is basically "speaking to God and asking Him for things we need." But with prayer goes Thanksgiving for the power of God which can help in every situation.
"God is in control," he said. "He is God, not us. He is God, not our servant! Prayer is asking God, not demanding."
He encouraged his audience to practise personal, private prayer. "Sometimes, praying for a parking spot (and not finding one) could be His way of telling us to catch a bus!"
As a nation, we should pray for our leaders, even if we do not agree with their policies, for this is what the Lord has told us to do.
Again referring to Pastor Martin Rinkart, he pointed to the hymn which had been written by Rinkart, "Now thank we all our God" and the challenge of each word in the three stanzas.
"In trouble, he turned his mind, heart and life to God in prayer. In deliverance, he turned to God in thanksgiving." This is the way Christians pray at war!
As an introduction to a time of prayer, The Rev. Andrew Nixon, Lieutenant Commander, RANR of the Cathedral, interviewed Lieutenant Colonel Mick Mumford, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, asking for personal experiences of praying in difficult situations. The emotions and inner fears were shared, as well as words of advice on being specific, yet practical in our prayers.
Prayers were then led by the Rev. Tim Booker, former Chaplain 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, AM, CSC, RAN, Commander Australian Fleet.
Following the saying of The Lord's Prayer by the congregation, the Colour Party retrieved their flags and paraded out of the Cathedral, followed by the Cathedral Singers, dignitaries and guests.
They had gathered to acknowledge participants in bygone wars, to uphold families and personnel involved in current conflicts in prayer and to consider the need for prayer in their own personal, daily lives.
Ramon A Williams
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