May the Lord bless and keep them!
by Rob Kerby, Senior Editor
A special prayer on Memorial Day -- As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection. We also remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray your peace, provision, and strength will fill their lives. May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
From Mary Fairchild at About.Com
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Prayer for Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice – Eternal God, Creator of years, of centuries, Lord of whatever is beyond time, Maker of all species and master of all history -- How shall we speak to you from our smallness and inconsequence? Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth; You have dignified us with loves and loyalties; You have lifted us up with your lovingkindnesses. Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling [though we sometimes feel that low] and without fear [though we are often anxious]. We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us; You have redeemed us from the aimlessness of things' going meaninglessly well. God, lift the hearts of those for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation. Bless those whose dear ones have died needlessly, wastefully [as it seems] in accident or misadventure. We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the futility of combat. There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation, when all the answers we are offered fail the question death asks of each of us. We believe that you will provide for us as others have been provided with the fulfillment of "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
By Rev. Dick Kozelka, retired pastor of First Congregational Church of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Prayer for the Special Forces -- Almighty God Who art the Author of Liberty and the Champion of the oppressed hear our prayer. We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom. Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved. May we ever remember that our nation, whose oath "in God We Trust," expects that we shall requit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men. Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, and protection by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to thee belongs the victor's crown. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory forever. Amen!
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
Asking Divine Protection for Those In Service -- O God, I beseech You, watch over those exposed to the horror of war, and the spiritual dangers of a soldier’s or sailor’s life. Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, nor fear ever to practice it. By Your grace, O God, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that being preserved from vice, and serving You faithfully, they may be ready to meet you face to face when they are so called: through Christ our Lord. Amen
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Marine Prayer -- Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Semper Fidelis
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
On this Memorial Day, I am thankful for the sacrifice so many throughout our history have made, for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice and for their families who had to carry on without them. It is a sacrifice that is easy to forget. For those who have it, freedom is like oxygen. It’s something we just have. Many will not understand just how precious either is until they are at risk of being taken away. There are encroachments being made on our freedoms right now by those who think they know better. This is a conversation for another time. Today I remember a sacrifice made and a debt I cannot repay. Today I pray for the God of heaven to bless the families of those who have lost loved ones while serving our great nation. I pray for Him to bless and comfort the walking wounded who are still with us, and bless their families as well. It is also my prayer that we remember their sacrifice and the precious gift of freedom every day, not just once a year or when they are in danger of being taken away.
May the Lord bless and keep them!
Prayer for the US Navy -- O eternal Lord, God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country's Navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Memorial Day Prayer – Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our sinful souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us repentant of sin. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace and hope for eternity, we pray. Amen.
From the Evangelical Lutheran Synod
May the Lord bless and keep them!
Combat Medic Prayer – Oh, Lord I ask for your divine strength to meet the demands of my profession. Help me to be the finest medic, both technically and tactically. If I am called to the battlefield, give me the courage to conserve our fighting forces by providing medical care to all who are in need. If I am called to a mission of peace, give me the strength to lead by caring for those who need my assistance. Finally, Lord help me take care of my own spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. Teach me to trust in your presence and never-failing love. AMEN
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
Prayer for Prisoners of War – Lord, I bring before you now our soldiers who have been captured, and ask that You would uphold them with Your right hand.Be their rock in the midst of uncertainty and their light in the midst of darkness. Guard their hearts from fear and strengthen them according to Your Word. Cause them Lord, to lie down and sleep in peace for You alone are their safety. Surround them Lord with Your favor as a shield. Soften the hearts of those who watch over them and cause them to show compassion and mercy. Keep the hearts of our soldiers filled with hope, and guard them from despair. Be near to them Lord, for Your nearness is their good, and bring them back safely to their families. In Jesus mighty name, Amen.
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
An Air Force Prayer – Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly Through the great spaces of the sky; Be with them traversing the air In darkening storms or sunshine fair. You who keep with tender might The balanced birds in all their flight, Lord of the tempered winds, be near, That, having you, they know no fear. Control their minds with instinct fit whene'er adventuring, they quit Firm security of land; Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand. Aloft in solitudes of space, Uphold them with your saving grace. Oh, God, protect the ones who fly Through lonely ways beneath the sky. Amen.
Mary C.D. Hamilton, 1915, Quebec: L.M., Henry Baker, 1854
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Coast Guard Prayer – Almighty and Everlasting God, Whose hand stills the tumult of the deep, we offer our prayers for those who serve in our Coast Guard. We are mindful of their traditions of selfless service to the seafarers who make their ways to appointed ports. Employ their devotions of good ends as they track the weather and search for the seas for those in extremity of storm, shipwreck or battle. Make their soundings and markings sure that safe passages may be found by those who go down to the sea in ships. Encourage them, O Lord, as they stand guard over our coasts and the bulwarks of our freedoms. Graciously deliver them from threatening calamities in all their perilous voyages. Bless the keepers of the lights and be Thou their close friend in lonely watches. Keep the beacons of honor and duty burning that they may reach the home port with duty well performed, in service to Thee and our land. AMEN.
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Memorial Day Prayer for Our Military and Military Families – Heavenly Father, Today is yours. We thank you for giving us this beautiful opportunity to honor the men and women who so bravely served this country in the past as well as in the present. Father we ask you to bless and strengthen those brave souls who selflessly give of themselves without asking anything in return. We ask you to heal our wounded warriors who returned home in pain after they gave their all for this great land. Bless them. Restore their souls. Heal their bodies. Bring salvation to the lost. Father we ask you to bless the families of our military who stay behind while their loved one goes into battle. Keep them safe and provide for their needs according to your abundance. Lord, we pray for a special blessing upon the families whose loved one gave his or her life to this country. Keep them safe and comfort their hearts. Lord, we ask you to anoint our Chaplains and others who bring the Word to our military. Bless their ministry and bring a great harvest of souls from their efforts. Father, we ask you to forgive the sins of this nation as well as the sins of the leaders who have forgotten how to pray. Have mercy on all Americans and bring us to a state of repentance in these difficult times. We ask you to forgive our pride as a nation and deliver us from the evil that has come upon us. You alone are righteous and holy. You alone are worthy of praise. We thank you for hearing our prayer! In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
May the Lord bless and keep them!
A Soldier’s Prayer – Lord Jesus, Mighty Warrior and Prince of Peace, all glory and power is yours. I offer myself and my military career for the welfare of our nation and for your glory. You said "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"; make us mindful of our nation's heritage and of who we are. You said "Be strong and of good courage", this is my prayer. You said "A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength"; be my protection and my strength. While I defend the nation, may all of Heaven safeguard my family back home. Almighty God, when you will to safely return me home, help me to see in each member of my family all that I am willing to fight for- life, liberty, freedom and justice. Give me wisdom to share what experiences would lead my sons to Christ-like valor, my daughters to Christian compassion. When Mary witnessed you falling wounded to the ground, she reaffirmed her trust in God her savior. Fill my spouse with surety in your divine plan for me, our family and our nation. You called me to be a soldier. March along side me. Jesus, I place my trust in you. Amen.
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
May the Lord bless and keep them!
Prayers For Our Soldiers -- 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. Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
From the Road to Emmaus Ministries
