With Gratitude to our Veterans

Dear Friends in Christ -

Today, I pause to give thanks to all those who have sacrificed for the freedom we enjoy in our country. I pause to pay respect to all those, living and deceased, who have served in the armed forces of the United States. I pause to pray a prayer of blessing and protection over those who are currently serving in the military, especially those deployed overseas.

On this bright Fall day, as I breath deeply of the clear, clean air in these rolling Connecticut hills, I look heavenward and my heart fills with gratitude. It's sobering to realize that I wouldn't enjoy this beauty and freedom without the labor and loss of those who fought in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the World Wars, and all the other wars around the globe over these most recent decades.

Oh, how I long for the time when the fighting will cease, when swords are beaten into plowshares and there isn't reason for anyone to need to wear a uniform and carry a weapon! Until then, I pray to see the day when all wars shall cease, and I give thanks for our Veterans, past and present.

Faithfully,
Janet+

THREE PRAYERS FOR VETERANS' DAY

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer - p. 839)

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP - p.823)

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP - p.815)