DAY OF PRAYER

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 289, 4 September 1942, Page 6

DAY OF PRAYER

People Seek Divine Guidance

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE Third Anniversary Of War

Outbreak

Throughout the Empire yesterday, the third anniversary of the outbreak of war, the people responded to the King’s call to prayer. In Wellington the Majestic Theatre was filled for the Citizens’ Intercessory Service, many having to stand. It was an impressive occasion.

“Let us put from us all idea of coming to God to get something,' even though that something be as worthy as peace or freedom or justice,” said the Rev. C. L. Dobbs, opening the service. “That attitude is selfish ; we are simply using God and our request-will fail. Secondly, let us put away any idea of a sudden or spectacular result. Such an idea brings religion very close to superstition’ and makes God simply a work of magic. But let us come as men and women who have looked out on a world full of pain and sadness and who are coming to realize that life will work only in one way—God’s way. If we do that we will enter on this hour of prayer in a spirit of repentance and our eager -desire will be to find His way of life for men and nations that we may co-operate with Him.”

•' The main address was by the Rev. W. A. Burley. In the Midlands of England was a ruined church, grim evidence of a visit by a German bomber, he said. On one of the walls was still discernible an inscription“l will hear what God the Lord will spettk.” That was a reminder of what should be a universal desire. But of how few was it true that they desired to hear what God would say? They read their newspapers and listened to the radio to hear what statesmen and military leaders were saying. But how many listened in to God? Lessons of History-

God did speak on the broad field of history. The fate of each dictatorship said that He would not tolerate in.one man power which only He could exercise and which no mere man could be trusted to wield with mercy and judgment. That was also illustrated in the case of Herod, who set himself up as a god and was soon destroyed. God also spoke in the Bible: “Righteousness alone exalteth a nation, but sin'is a reproach to any people.” All the passage of time did not alter that truth.'

■ "Today there is a tendency to grow slack morally,” said Mr. Burley. “If persisted in this will bring disaster to us. Ail our armaments and plans cleverly conceived will not avail us if our people decay. Let us hear what God the Lord speaks concerning this matter and let us alter our lives accordingly: ‘Be not deceived, God is not mocked for whatsoever a man sows that shrill he also reap.’ “It has been repeatedly said. that this war is a war of ideals. It is fought not. only on. the battle fronts but in the hearts and minds and wills of men. Ask the Church of Norway or of Holland, or the Swedish Church of recent date, and they will tell you that, among other things, it is a war for freedom of worship. It is a gigantic clash Instween Christian ideals and pagan or frankly heathen ones. We can meet that only on its own level: that is, on spiritual ground. We must hold the truths that are Christian firmly, or rather let them hold us.. The strength with which they grip us will determine if we are to win out. One writer traces the cause of the disasters which have befallen the world to tfie decay of a compelling moral purpose throughout the nations. This is true of all nations, ours among the rest. We must recapture that compelling moral' purpose. That will come when men once more will hear what God the Lord will speak. “Many people are deaf to God liecause their selfish, self-centred lives give Him no chance. Others live so that duty to God and their neighbours is neglected: some ignore Him, while others openly flout what they know to be right. All these must be deaf to what He says. Their only hope of hearing Him is to make a right-about turn in their way of living and to seek Him. King of Kings. '

"Let us be thankful that we have a King who believes that the fittest way of remembering this anniversary is by the Empire goiug to God in prayer. He recognizes that there is a King of Kings, Who ruleth all tilings. , It is still true that bur help is in the name of the Lord, tliat God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.”

The mayor, Mr. Hislop, presided at the service. The Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, read the Lesson, Psalm 99, verses 1 to 5, and Psalm 125, verses 1 to 5. A responsive reading from Micah, chapter 4, verses 1 to 7. and chapter 6, verses 6 to 8, was conducted by Mr. R. E. Cox, American Charge d’Affaires. Prayers were offered by tlie Revs. Lawrence A. North, A. Salmond, S. Kantor, Connell Hoskin, Colonel Burton and Mr. F. C. Perry. The gathering prayed for the Allied rulers, the Armed Forces, sufferers, bereaved and enemies, doctors, nurses and Christian workers, and, finally, for victory and peace. Hymns included "O God our Help,” "Men True of Heart,” “God of Nations” and "Lord God of Hosts.” The service concluded with the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “The National Anthem.” Music was played by tlie orchestra from tlie band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, conducted by Flight Lieutenant Gladstone Hill.

The mayor expressed thanks to the proprietors of the theatre for allowng its use and to the members of the intercessory committee for arranging the service. He announced that the collection, after expenses had been paid, would go to the Wellington Provincial Patriotic Fund.

On fhe platform, in addition to those already mentioned, were: Lady Newall; the Chief Justice (Sir Michael Myers) and Lady Myers; the actingPrime Minister, Mr. Sullivan; two members of the War Cabinet, Messrs. Hamilton and Holland, and Mrs. Ham ilton; Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Sedgwick, representing the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom; the Canadian High Commissioner, Dr. W. A. Riddell, and Mrs. Riddell; and representatives of the city council, the chamber of commerce, the consular corps and the armed forces. Other Services.

A special service of intercession was held in the Dominion Farmers’ Institute from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Rev. C. 11. Bycroft being the speaker. At the Cathedral Church of St. Paul Holy Communion was ,celebrated nt 7 a.m. and 10.30 a.m., and there were services of intercession at 12.15 pan. and 7.30 p.m., the midday service being conducted, by the Bishop of Wel-

lington, Rt. Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland. Services at similar times were held in other churches of the Church of England and other denominations.

The main Catholic service was held at St. Mary’s, Boulcott Street. There was Mass at 6.15 a.m; and 7 a.m., and a special service at 12.30 p.m., -which included a recitation of the Rosary, a special prayer for peace, a short address by the Archbishop of Wellington, Most Rev. Thomas O’Shea, and pontifical benediction. In all the Catholic churches of Wellington special Masses were celebrated early in the morning. ' A service was held in the Synagogue at. 7 p.m. Except where it was more convenient to allow the men to listen to broadcasts, special: services were held in military camps, battle stations and Air Force stations. In, some Wellington factories the lunch hour was rearranged to .allow employees to attend the citizens’ service. In others use was made of the radio.

BISHOP’S ADDRESS

Service Held In St. Paul’s

"In spite of our unpreparedness in material and spiritual things God has shown sure signs of His care for us,” said the Bishop of Wellington, the Rt. Rev. H. St. Barbe Holland, speaking at the special service in St. Paul’s ProCathedral.

God had brought to those who were fighting for the free peoples the great resources, of the United States of America; in Russia and China the people were still standing firm against the [lowers of evil so that forces of freedom should not: perish. “When we think of all tliat, our head is bloody but unbowed,” said the Bishop. “We thank God that He stands by us the same as ever. I believe, if we are going to be used by God for His great: purpose, we are called on as we enter this new year of war to take a longer compass bearing than just the defeat of Hitler.” They must be buoyed up by the sense that they were fighting for something much greater than the defeat of the Axis Powers. They were fighting for God. They must realize that their task was one in which was involved the whole probability of God reordering the life of mankind so that [>eaee and justice and decency and freedom would endure among them. “Unless we realize that,” he continued, “we shall not have the power to go forward to what may meet us. Surely we are not afraid to look facts in tlie face. We may be asked to suffer infinitely more* than we have suffered yet. The people of Great Britain and the Dominions have not yet', had to face a major offensive, which must come unless by a miracle all ends In some other way. It must mean death and suffering on a scale unprecedented. Let us believe that whatever comes ahead, whatever the demands on us-—even if the lives of this generation have to be sacrificed —it would be worth it if It is for God to establish His Kingdom among men."