Prayers For Veteran’s Day

 

The Red Poppy Is A Symbol Long Associated With Veteran's Day and Memorial Day

On Veteran’s Day, let us all pause to honor our service men and women, and to recall the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom and liberty.This year, our thoughts especially turn to those who were killed at Ft. Hood, and their families.

The following prayers are from the A Book of Offices (1914) of the PECUSA.Perhaps they can be useful in devotions on this day.

For the Armed Forces

O most powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord of hosts, that rulest and commandest all things; Vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to bless the officers and men of our armed forces. Grant that in the midst of the dangers and temptations which beset them, they may fight manfully against the world, the flesh, and the devil; and resisting all evil by the mighty power of Thy Spirit, may acquire true courage in the hour of danger and in the day of battle. Prosper them in the maintenance of our country’s honor; keep them safe from enemies spiritual and temporal; that they may glorify Thee upon the earth, until they are called to rest in the triumph of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

During Times of War

Almighty, God, who art everywhere present, we commend to Thy fatherly care our soldiers and sailors absent from their homes on the service of their country. Protect them from all evil; give them courage and obedience in danger, and mercy in victory. Prosper their arms to the establishment of justice, peace, and truth among all nations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, we pray Thee to have mercy upon all who are this day wounded and suffering. Let Thy grace be their comfort, though kindred and friends be far away. Raise them to health again, if it be Thy good pleasure; but chiefly give them such patience and faith in Thee, that they, being delivered from the assaults of their spiritual enemies, may rest in peace and rise to partake of Thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen