As you know, it is Memorial Day weekend, so I want to offer a few words of appreciation for those who have served and died in our Armed Forces.  Every serviceman and women knows full well that when they join the military, they give up part of themselves for the sake of neighbor and nation.  They give up some of their freedom.  They go where they’re told to go.  They do what they’re told to do.  It is one form of putting the needs of others before their own. Today, we pray to God in sorrow but also thanksgiving for those who died in service to our nation.  Let us pray.

Almighty God, you are our strength and our shield.  We give you thanks for the men and women of our armed forces, past and present, and especially for those who have died while serving.  May their sacrifices serve the cause of peace, and may our nation be ever grateful for their service.  With your wisdom and strength guide our military’s leaders and give to all people a desire for justice and peace.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The above introductory remarks, which I altered slightly, and prayer were written by The Rev. Chris Duckworth, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor and former U.S. Army chaplain. I found this post on the ELCA’s Facebook page, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | Facebook. It was also included in an email from the Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA dated Sat, May 29 at 11:05 AM. Pastor Duckworth’s prayer and complete reflection can be found by clicking on the following link.

Praying in Church on Memorial Day Weekend – The Lutheran Zephyr

https://fb.watch/5PDfO55g7G/