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THE TOLLING BELL PRAYER   Nov 8, 2015

 

( XX denotes the striking, tolling of the bell  twice)

 

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The toll of the bell 

reminds us of the reverence

 we owe to those who have died in war and for peace;

 

 

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Those killed in all of the wars in the last and present centuries;

Those killed on beaches, in fields, in deserts, and towns; 

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Those killed in the attacks on ships at sea;

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Those killed as they flew in aircraft;

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Those killed as they served in places far from home;

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We remember those who went to war and returned,

some with such obvious wounds and injuries 

and some with minds, hearts, and souls wounded in ways that did not show.

 

 

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We remember those that lived through that time,

with fear and courage, with despair and hope,

and those that worked to bring peace again.

 

 

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No man is an island, entire of itself;

everyone is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

anyone’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind

therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;

it tolls for thee.

 

 

 

 

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In silence let us breathe a prayer;

(pause)

for those who died;

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for those who grieve;

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for people and for leaders  throughout all the world as we work to bring peace 

again;

 

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Let us pray for ourselves, for God’s peace and presence to be with all.

Amen

 

 

 

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