12/11/2022
Heavenly Father,
We come to you today filled with gratitude and humbled by our freedom, for we know that freedom is not free. In order to grant us freedom, you sacrificed your only Son to break the chains of sin. And in order to grant our country’s freedom, millions of men and women have submitted their lives to serve on our behalf.
Lord, help us to remember the sacrifice of every man and woman in our armed forces, for their service meant a commitment to our country and to us. Let us celebrate their willingness to lay their lives down for their friends, the greatest act of love (John 15:13).
Help us to remember that their service likely meant sacrifice—time spent away from loved ones, eyes that cannot unsee war, and memories that do not seem to fade. Lord, we may not know the hardships they have endured, but You do. You see all. You know all. And you are with all. We pray that these men and women would cast their burdens on you and find everlasting peace in Your presence. Let our hearts be stirred by the selflessness of our veterans. Let their sacrifice motivate us to serve one another as they have served us.
Father, help us to remember the sacrifice of their families. The parents who exchanged last hugs before deployments, never knowing if they would see their baby again. The moms and dads raising the children of our military personnel, willingly taking on the role of both mother and father. The kids who wait patiently by the door day after day, just waiting for their hero to come back home. Freedom is not free and the weight of our veterans’ services fell too on their families.
Help us to remember our current service members and their active role in defending our nation. Heavenly Father, we ask for your provision for them and your protection over them. We pray that You would use this season in the military to bring them closer to You, for we know that you use all things for our good and Your glory.
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