A Veterans Day Prayer

Dear Friends in Christ -

Here on retreat, I was reminded by a colleague that prayer - saying my own prayers and teaching others to pray - is the #1 thing I'm called to do, not just on retreat days, but every day. How true. Many other things press in, but this is indeed my chief work as a Christian leader, for this work of prayer is nothing more or less than being in relationship with God, myself, those around me, the world.

On this Veterans Day, I invite you to join me in giving thanks for the service so many have given to our country - their labors, their lives. Let us remember to say a kind, encouraging word to the Veterans we know, and to lift them all to God in prayer.

Faithfully,
Janet+

A VETERANS DAY PRAYER

God of peace,
we pray for those who have served our nation
and who laid down their lives
to protect and defend our freedom.

We pray for those who have fought,
whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war,
whose nights are haunted by memories
too painful for the light of day.

We pray for those who serve us now,
especially for those in harm's way.
Shield them from danger
and bring them home.

Turn the hearts and minds
of our leaders and our enemies
to the work of justice and a harvest of peace.

Spare the poor, Lord, spare the poor!

Let the peace you left us,
the peace you gave us,
be the peace that sustains,
the peace that saves us.

Christ Jesus, hear us!
Lord Jesus, hear our prayer!

-Concord Pastor