Veteran's Day Prayer

Gracious God, we praise you for your abiding presence from generation to generation, blessing your people, strengthening us to lives of service, empowering us to witness, and calling us to share the love of Christ with all.  You let us choose, O God, between you and the false gods of the world.  In the midst of the night of sin and death, wake us from our slumber and call us forth to greet Christ, so that with eyes and hearts fixed on him, we may follow to eternal light.

Holy Father, Father of Christ, the Prince of Peace, you rule the nations.  Today we give thanks for our Veterans, those service men and women who have defended our nation, our political liberty, and religious freedom.  Though for a season their hands prepared for war, let us all live for peace.  By your Spirit, grant our Veterans the strength to continue fighting the good fight of peace with justice so that swords may be plowshares and spears, pruning hooks.

Sovereign Lord, Father of all by the power of the Spirit, we ask for the fire of Pentecost, the anointing of your favor, the unity of communion, the grace of forgiveness, and the passion of sacrifice.  Revive us, Lord.  Give these dry bones new life, a resurrection life.  We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen!