A Prayer to Thank Veterans for Their Service
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
Listen or Read Below:
Veterans Day is celebrated each November 11th in the United States, a date marking the day Germany and its allies officially ended World War I fighting on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The great freedom we enjoy today and every day has been made possible through the service and sacrifices of men and women on our behalf.
As veterans and their families know well, being strong and courageous often comes with a price, and America’s freedom has not come cheaply. It has been paid and continues to be paid by the sacrifices made by brave men and women on our behalf.
Every Veterans Day is a time to offer our gratitude and to remember, honor, and celebrate all the brave men and women who faithfully served our nation around the world, both in foreign countries and in the United States.
Veterans Are Made up of Americans Who Banded Together
United States Armed Forces veterans comprise men and women from diverse backgrounds and home lives, including those from rich, middle-class, and poor families, who have banded together to build and defend a free nation that offers each citizen life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
One such American Veteran is Bishop E. W. Jackson, Founder and President of Staying True to America’s National Destiny (STAND), who is a great-grandson of slaves, grew up in foster care, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
When entering the Armed Forces, Bishop Jackson, like all our veterans, pledged to serve our nation and protect all those who live in it and call it home. Many who pledged didn’t return from service but gave their lives for their country, deserving of our respect, honor, and gratitude for their sacrifices.
As John 15:13 explains, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
God Gives Comfort and Peace in Serving
Many veterans were drafted and entered the military during wartime. For some, it significantly altered the course of the life they had planned.
Believers who gave their lives to Christ could go to military service and wartime with the assurance that God was with them. As Jeremiah 10:23 describes, “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”
Veterans who know Christ can serve with the reassurance that even if they hadn’t chosen the Armed Forces, God was with them, leading, guiding, and directing their steps in life.
Although many veterans struggle with PTSD from their time spent in combat, Romans 8:1 assures them of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness: “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
They can find comfort and peace, as 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 explains: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
Thank You for the brave men and women who have served our country, for their lives, the lives of their families, and for their sacrifices.
Today, on Veterans Day, we ask You to fill them with Your peace and comfort as they remember and consider their service in the Armed Forces.
Let this be a day of gratitude, where those around them express it to them, and where they are grateful for their lives.
We ask You, God of all comfort and mercy, to wrap Your loving, compassionate arms around veterans who are suffering physically, emotionally, or spiritually today from their times of military service.
Heal their wartime wounds, letting Your healing balm flow into every broken and wounded area of their bodies, minds, and hearts.
Send Your comfort and peace to free them from the deep sorrow and losses they may have experienced in military service to their country.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/WellfordT
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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