by Barry Howard

God of faith and freedom, on this Veteran’s Day we are thankful for all of the men and women, past and present, who have served or are currently serving in the various branches of our nation’s military services.

We are especially grateful for the privilege of living in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.”  And we are thankful for each and every veteran who has paved the way for the unrivaled liberties that allow us to freely make choices about our work, our worship, our political convictions, and our lifestyle.  We are forever indebted to these past and present veterans who risked life and limb in the pursuit and protection of these freedoms.

As we observe this Veteran’s Day with memory and story, we also ask you to forgive our sin and to heal our land. You tell us in an ancient but relevant scripture that, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)

On this day, we pray for the leaders of our nation, our state, and our community that they will lead with wisdom, courage, and integrity. And we pray for the men and women who currently serve in our military forces that they will fulfill their mission effectively and return home safely and soon.

Just as we have come to know you, O Lord, as a freedom-loving God, send us into the world to be your freedom-loving people.  And may every story and every memory inspire us to live responsibly, serve generously, and sacrifice selflessly, as we treasure and pursue liberty and justice for all of your children.  We pray in the name of one who gives ultimate freedom and unmerited grace.  Amen.