The Lord cares deeply
when his loved ones die. (Psalm 116:15)

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)

“…We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

While we enjoy a National Holiday today with picnics, great food, games and gatherings with friends and family, let’s set aside some moments to think of the many soldiers who fought and died on behalf of our freedom.

Please join us in this plain and simple Memorial Day prayer.

Father,

We thank You for the lives of each man and woman who voluntarily laid down their lives for the sake of their country, our country. With great courage, they stood firm against the powerful force of self-preservation, and with us in mind, fought on until the end – their end, an early and tragic one.

Lord, let not this sacrifice be in vain. May their deaths be like seeds of hope and freedom planted in the ground to bear a harvest of hope and freedom, not just for our country but for the world.

Lord, we are grateful for our land. While it isn’t perfect, You have left us here, each of us, to do our part to bring order out of chaos, freedom out of bondage, and life out of death in our communities and throughout our nation and the world.

We ask, as You instructed us, that Your Kingdom would be established in our kingdom – the land we call home, the United States of America. May Your precepts be ours – the law of love being supreme, encompassing every other law that exists.

Make us humble as nation, as You are humble.
Give us compassion, as You are our compassionate God.
Make us a generous nation, as You are generous.
Give us joy, as You are joyful, Jesus.

Open our eyes to our hidden faults, and help us repent and change where change is called for. Grant us peace within our boarders. Establish peace throughout the world. Give us wisdom as we deal with the enemy of fear and terror. We bless our enemies and ask that You would show them Your love that drives out fear.

For those who are especially grieving today, those who have lost a loved one in the line of duty, please give Your comfort and peace. You are the God of all comfort, so manifest Your presence in tangible ways to those who are grieving. Encourage them that their loss was not in vain; somehow You will bring good out of this tragedy.

Please protect our men and women in the armed forces. Thank you for each one, Lord. Create great stability in our nation and in the world through their loving service to us all.

In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.