Today let us offer prayers to God for the men and women of our armed forces. What oppression, what chaos would be ours, were it not for all who served and died on our behalf. Their resolute character, their sacrifice and courage shame so many of our petty pursuits. Dear God, continue to equip every man and woman in uniform with the qualities that preserve peace in our dangerous and hate-filled world.
Let us pray for the families of our military personnel. How worrisome to know that the child you bore and raised, the wife or husband you have embraced, is now far away and in grave danger.
Let us pray for those whose homes have been visited with the sad news of the death of their loved one. Dear God, give the comfort we would but cannot give.
Let us pray for our wounded veterans. Their lives have been defined by the wounds they received while defending us. Dear God, help us to care for “him who has borne the battle, and his widow and his orphan” (Abraham Lincoln).
Let us pray for our culture, too self-indulgent, too impatient, so that we learn that heaven cannot be had on earth and begin to imitate the One who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy!
Comments