As we celebrate this Veterans Day, let us honor those brave women and men who have so selflessly served our country through prayers of servicemen and servicewomen.
For Peace
O God, who art the author of peace, and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies, that we surely trusting in thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-The Book of Common Prayer 1785, for King's Chapel
For Thankfulness (1863)
Most gracious and bountiful Lord, who fillest all things with good, and hast taught us that it is a joyful and pleasant thing to be thankful, suffer me not, I beseech Thee, to my part in that divine pleasure, but grant that as I daily receive blessings from Thee, so may I daily, from an affectionate and devout heart, offer up thanks to Thee; let Thy mercies lead me to repentance, and give me grace to improve them all to the advancement of Thy Glory, and the furtherance of my salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Pain
Help us, God of Life, to bear our pain as thy beloved Son bore his trials and passion, so that we may gather strength out of weakness and suffering, and consecrate our sorrows even as he did. Enable us to bear quietly whatever hardness there may be in our lot, neither exulting in our pride, nor yielding to despondency, but always relying upon thee. And be pleased, O thou great Deliverer, to put an end at last to our suffering, whether in tranquil life, or at the coming of the final peace; and when thou callest us to give an account of our stewardship of pain, may we be found worthy of the recompense of those whose suffering was instead of work for thee. Amen.
To Serve with Honor
O God, help me to live in such a way that I will always bring honor to thee and to my uniform. Help me to be obedient to the voice of conscience and to serve the highest that I know. Amen.
-Chaplain William E. Parsons, Jr., Meditations for Servicemen, 1967
For Our Enemies
O God, the father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies; Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer When Far From Home
Dear Lord, I am far from my loved one but not alone; Miles away from my friends but I have a Friend. My heart is filled with courage and I have hope, For thou art with me. Thou art the light that fills my soul with brightness and with joy. I shall lean upon Thee and not fall. I shall accomplish the task I have set out to do and not fail; With Thy help nobody can fail. I love thee, O Lord, my God, with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my might, And I know Thou dost love me and will care for me. Amen.
-Dr. Edgar Magnin (1890-1984), Rabbi of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple
*All of these prayers come from the text Endowed By Their Creator.
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