THANKFUL

Photo by Robert Linder on Unsplash

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

November 11, 2023 is Veterans Day. I am deeply thankful for all who have made the sacrifices to serve our country including my uncle who served in the Marine Corps, my father who served in the Navy, my brother who served in the Marine Corps, and my nephew who is currently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve.

The discipline, commitment, and sacrifice by all of our veterans for our country and our peace is truly awe- inspiring and deserving of genuine respect. In these chaotic days and an uncertain future with global events beyond our control, one thing in our control is prayer and our responses to events and people we encounter. The words from Colossians speak into our world today, and I encourage you to join me in “devoting yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” 

Please join me in this Veterans Day Prayer written by Rev. David Lose:

God of peace,

We pray for those who have served our nation and laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom, asking that we remember their sacrifice and make right use of our liberty.

We pray for those who still bear the scars of their service, asking for healing for them in mind, body, and spirit.

We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way, asking that you shield them from danger and bring them home in safety.

We pray for all those who govern, asking that you turn their hearts and minds to the work of establishing a peace born of justice and equity.

We pray for all those who are caught up in conflict around the globe this day, civilians and peace-keepers and the poor who have no escape, asking that we have the courage to defend the defenseless, make room for those who flee for safety, and look to that day when we will train for war no more.

May the peace you gave us, the peace that passes all human understanding, be the peace that guides and sustains us. For it is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

Thankful, Pastor Andrea