A PRAYER FOR OUR VETERANS

 

By Joel Balam,

Chaplain of the American G.I. Forum of Kansas

 

 

Almighty God,

 

Today we humbly come to you to thank you for our Veterans. We lift them up to you in prayer, asking you, oh God, to bless them and continue to keep them under your divine protection and care.

 

Today we remember our hundreds of thousands of Veterans, all those men and women in uniform who have served our country in time of war and time of peace.

 

Today we remember and pray for all our soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen, and we honor them for their selfless service and sacrifice in defense of our nation, in defense of freedom and liberty.

 

Today we pray for our ground troops in conflict areas, for those who are presently serving in harm’s way. We ask you, oh God, to protect them. May your Holy Spirit be their refuge and strength.

 

Today we pray for our Veterans’ families: mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and children who are anxiously waiting for the safe return of their loved ones. Strengthen their faith, dear God, and give them a full measure of your encouragement and support.

 

In your Holy Name we pray. Amen.

 

Note: This prayer was said before a full audience at the Guadalupe Center in Kansas City on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2005.