For over 200 years, men and women have left their families to defend our right to pray and worship. Please remember and thank those who have served our nation this Veterans Day, and I encourage you to be in prayer for them and their families throughout this holiday week. It’s always best to come before God with your own sincere words of gratitude and intercession, but I offer this Prayer for Veterans Day from my book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot as a starting point:
A PRAYER FOR VETERANS DAY
Prince of Peace,[1] you see those who are burdened by the emotional and physical scars of war. We are grateful for the soldiers who’ve sacrificed their lives defending freedom, but let us not forget the men and women who live among us as veterans.
I thank you for those who have returned home from defending my right to worship you freely. May they sense the gratitude of our country and know your love for them.
Some have been home for decades, others are just returning from deployment. But no long how long it’s been since they wore the uniform, I ask you to encourage and strengthen them, showing me how I can best honor the gift they have given us.
You have commanded us to honor those who came before us:
Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. (Deuteronomy 32:7 NIV)
Yet there are many veterans whose stories have not been told. There are soldiers of sacrifice who suffer in silence with bodies no longer responding to their commands. There are veterans plagued by the chaos of trauma and nightmares, but you have formed their hearts and see them.[2]
Deliver these men and women from their trials, for you are not a God of disorder, but of peace.[3] Send the Holy Spirit to comfort and draw them toward you. For you have promised to carry our burdens:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)
May the households of our veterans be blessed today, and may our nation recognize the importance and severity of their sacrifice. May their lives be honored and their history remembered.
I am grateful for the soldiers who serve away from their families so I might live in liberty with mine. Bless them with prosperity and peace.
AMEN.
__________
[1] Isaiah 9:6
[2] Psalm 33:13-15
[3] 1 Corinthians 14:33
How do you honor those who have served our nation? What Bible verses do you feel honor our veterans? We’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.
A Prayer for Veterans Day | Honor, Remember, Pray | #VeteransDay #VeteransDay2021 #Prayer | Click To Tweet© Joshua J. Masters and Kingdom Knight Productions. See this blog’s Conditions of Use for additional information.
Josh
Veterans have always been my heroes since a little girl that knew from her Mom
I sent Veterans cards call them sometimes bake a cake or cookies always post Thank You Heroes During the year l sometimes but a meal or pay part
I have a Hero for each war My war is Vietnam ,(late husband Ray Robinson) my Special Friend Virgil Ellison
My WWII ALL IN HEAVEN WWI HEAVEN IRGU DESERT STORM Kevin Patterson Kurt Hartley
All too many to name
Freedom isn’t free l was active friend for over 10 plus years with East German Jorg (his first name ) we met after The fall fell Jorg became a Mayor of his city because he was a CHRISTAIN he risk his life for many yrs before being free.
Jesus Christ gave His life for us me Freedom cost
We should live like we deserve the price for freedom
Jevia Lyn
Such a soul-stirring and heartfelt prayer, Joshua! I’m praying this prayer for our veterans and just prayed it out loud to hear the power and sincerity in each word to our Prince of peace.
I always enjoy your beautiful prayers. And as a mother, sister, and daughter of veterans, I really appreciate this one. Thank you.
Beautifully said, Joshua. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jessica. Thanks for your encouragement
Thank you, Pastor Joshua, for remembering our veterans. My father was a vet and he would be so grateful that young folks are remembering the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.
Beautiful prayer, Joshua!
As a granddaughter, daughter, and now mother of those who have served and currently serve this great nation, I thank you.
You are welcome, Beckie. Thank you to the sacrifice you and you’re family have made. We too often forget that the families of our veterans have also paid a price for our freedom. Thank you
Thank you Pastor Joshua. Sometimes, in the silence of an evening, the muffled cries of the wounded fill your mind. Horrific scenes of mayhem, death, and destruction find their way to the forefront. Other times, a cold chill passes through you as your spine straightens or your head jerks. In the silence, you hear the cracks of the bullets passing by from decades ago. They still travel through the pathways of time, not forgotten. If America would remember just one thing about veterans, I would hope they would remember that they gave up a part of their life to go over there and fight so no one in America would ever have to view these things here in the country we love.
This comment is more beautiful and moving than my post. I’m so honored that you would share this transparent, honest tribute to those who have served the cause of freedom in combat. Thank you for your service, brother. Thank you for the sacrifice you and your family have made. May the Lord encourage you, and bring blessings on your household.
Thank you for your service 🇺🇸
Great prayer, thank you Josh for the reminder.
Thank you, Dawn. I pray we will remember our veterans today.
Thank you, Joshua, for remembering our service members and for your book American Psalms where you pray for all aspects of our nation.
You’re welcome, Barbara. I appreciate your encouragement and support.