2023 Remembrance Sunday commemorations: order of service
Published 6 November 2023
© Crown copyright 2023
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2023-remembrance-sunday-commemorations-order-of-service/2023-remembrance-sunday-commemorations-order-of-service
At 11 o’clock, Silence will be kept for two minutes, beginning at the first stroke of Big Ben.
For all present, suggested subjects for thought and prayer during the Silence are:
We remember those who made the great sacrifice during the two World Wars;
We remember those who have given their lives in the service of their country in other conflicts;
We pray for those who suffer at this time;
We pray for those who have been bereaved;
We pray for peace;
We pray that we may be worthy of the sacrifice made on our behalf.
The end of the Silence will be marked by The Last Post. Wreaths will then be laid on the Cenotaph.
The Lord Bishop of London will offer the following prayer:
O Almighty God, grant, we beseech thee,
that we who here do honour to the memory of those
who have died in the service of their country and
of the Crown, may be so inspired by the spirit of
their love and fortitude that,
forgetting all selfish and unworthy motives,
we may live only to thy glory and to the service of mankind
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
The following hymn will be sung, accompanied by the Bands of the Guards Division.
All present are requested to join in the singing:
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
Beneath the shadow of thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is thine arm alone,
And our defence is sure.
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting thou art God,
To endless years the same.
A thousand ages in thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
The Lord Bishop of London will offer the following prayer:
Teach us, good Lord, to serve thee as thou deservest;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labour and not to ask for any reward, save that of
knowing that we do thy will;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
All present are requested to say The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father
Which art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
In earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive them that trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom
The power and the glory
For ever and ever.
Amen
The Lord Bishop of London will then give The Blessing:
Unto God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit you
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
And be gracious unto you
The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you
And give you his peace this day and always.
Amen
The Rouse
God Save The King