Tag Archives: United States

Praying on the National Day of Prayer (Thoughts from American Presidents)

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“The Prayer at Valley Forge” by Arnold Friberg

Today is the National Day of Prayer, and it is important to remember the role prayer has played in American History. As we consider the Patriot Quotes below, be sure to find a National Day of Prayer event near you and participate. Also, be sure to read A Prayer for America and download our FREE Prayer Guide. Also, today is the last day for the special offer on Kindle and Nook editions of American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot (also available in print edition). Check it out here.

The National Day of Prayer is unique because it’s the one day that our government asks us to pray. It is the one day that the highest authority in our land gives specific prayer requests. What a great witness to the world (and to our government officials) it would be if they see God respond to the prayer requests of our president because Christian Patriots were willing to humble themselves to the authority of our nation and the authority of Heaven on the same day! In his 2013 National Day of Prayer Proclamation  President Obama has made some very specific prayer requests for the nation:

“On this day, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers all those affected by recent events, such as the Boston Marathon bombings, the Newtown, Connecticut shootings, and the explosion in West, Texas. Let us pray for the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect their fellow Americans. Let us also pray for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform and their families who serve and sacrifice for our country. Let us come together to pray for peace and goodwill today and in the days ahead as we work to meet the great challenges of our time.”  [Read President Obama's full NDOP Proclomation]

Although the National Day of Prayer did not become an annual event until 1952 when President Truman signed a joint resolution of Congress, the idea of a National Day of Prayer and Fasting has actually existed longer than the nation itself. In 1775 the Continental Congress petitioned the people to pray as we formed our new country. Since then, many presidents have called the people of America to pray for the nation.

Here are a few Patriot Quotes to inspire you during today’s National Day of Prayer gatherings:

The Prayer at Valley Forge

Washington’s Prayer at Valley Forge, 
engraving by John C. McRae

There’s a great deal we can learn from George Washington’s personal prayer life, but he also made several declarations of national prayer and thanksgiving including this proclamation on January 1, 1795:

“It is in an especial manner our duty as a people, with devout reverence and affectionate gratitude, to acknowledge our many and great obligations to Almighty God, and to implore Him to continue and confirm the blessings we experienced.”

John Adams also called for a national day of prayer and fasting March 6, 1799:

“I have thought proper to recommend, and I hereby recommend accordingly, that Thursday, the twenty-fifth day of April next, be observed throughout the United States of America as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer; that the citizens on that day abstain, as far as may be, from their secular occupation, and devote the time to the sacred duties of religion, in public and in private; that they call to mind our numerous offenses against the most high God, confess them before Him with the sincerest penitence, implore his pardoning mercy, through the Great Mediator and Redeemer, for our past transgressions, and that through the grace of His Holy Spirit, we may be disposed and enabled to yield a more suitable obedience to his righteous requisitions in time to come; that He would interpose to arrest the progress of that impiety and licentiousness in principle and practice so offensive to Himself and so ruinous to mankind; that He would make us deeply sensible that ‘righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people’ (Proverbs 14:34)”

After the Union Army was defeated at the Battle of Bull Run, President Lincoln declared a National Day of Prayer and Fasting September 26, 1861, saying:

“It is fit and becoming in all people, at all times, to acknowledge and revere the Supreme Government of God; to bow in humble submission to his chastisement; to confess and deplore their sins and transgressions in the full conviction that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and to pray, with all fervency and contrition, for the pardon of their past offenses, and for a blessing upon their present and prospective action…”

Two months after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Abraham Lincoln called for another day of national prayer. His proclamation began:

“Whereas, the Senate of the United States devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just government of Almighty God in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for national prayer and humiliation…”

There are many more examples of our forefathers petitioning the nation for prayer. What’s important to remember from these brief examples is the importance prayer has played in the blessing of our nation. As we prepare to call out to God in one Christian voice tomorrow, pray for the healing of our nation and the wisdom of our leaders.

What activities do you have planned for the National Day of Prayer? How will you be praying for our nation?

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Quotes Source: America’s God and Country Encyclopedia of Quotations by William J. Federer, Photo Credit: Wikimedia Public Domain Collection

A Prayer for our Veterans

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Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Prince of Peace,1 you see those who are burdened by the emotional and physical scars of war. We are grateful for the soldiers who’ve sacrificed their lives defending freedom, but let us not forget the men and women who live among us as veterans. You have commanded us to honor those who came before us:

Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. (Deuteronomy 32:7)

Yet there are many veterans whose stories have not been told. There are soldiers of sacrifice who suffer in silence with bodies no longer responding to their command. There are veterans plagued by the chaos of trauma and nightmares, but you have formed their hearts and seen them.2 Deliver these men and women from their trials, for you are not a God of disorder, but of peace.3 Send the Holy Spirit to comfort and draw them toward you. For you have promised to carry our burdens:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

May the households of our veterans be blessed today, and may our nation recognize the importance and severity of their sacrifice. May their lives be honored and their history remembered.  I am grateful for the soldiers who serve away from their families so I might live in liberty with mine. Bless them with prosperity and peace.
AMEN.

(1) Isaiah 9:6, (2) Psalm 33:13-15, (3) 1 Cor. 14:33

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Arlington Panoramic: Jared, Wikimedia Public Domain Photo
Honoring Fallen Heroes:  U.S. Army Flickr Stream
Tomb of the Unknown: Tony Fischer

A Prayer for Patriot Day (September 11)

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Father God,
You are our strength in times of trouble.1 Today we are reminded of a wound in our nation’s history. We are grateful for the soldiers, fire fighters and police officers who voluntarily placed themselves in harm’s way to protect us—so many of our brave first responders were lost. This day is also filled with the remembrance of innocent victims who’ve lost their lives.

We know you are a God who sees our pain and comes close to the brokenhearted.2  Unlike many of our nation’s solemn days, we still remember the twisted metal and smoke rising into the horizon over New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania. For many, it is still a day of loss and suffering.

We remember the fear and uncertainty we felt that September morning. But like the Americans at Fort McHenry in 1814, we also remember the hope you gave us as the smoke began to clear and we saw our star-spangled banner, still waving, unfurled over the battlefield our enemies meant to be our place of defeat. Lord, encourage and strengthen us on this day.

I confess there are some of us who are still angry—some still live in fear. Send the Holy Spirit to comfort us, and give us the strength to comfort one another.3 Remind us that we have victory in Christ, and that we can find rest in you:

When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
for the LORD will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being snared.
(Proverbs 3:24-26)

I pray a blessing of peace on the families who mourn the loss of their loved ones—whether a flight passenger, office worker,  fire fighter, police officer or member of the military, each one of the people lost that morning had friends and families who suffer in silence today. May the Comforter4 be sent to their side, and may our communities rise up to meet their needs. Protect our hearts and strengthen our resolve.
AMEN.

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1 Psalm 46:1
2 Psalm 34:18
3 2 Cor.  1:3-4
4 John 14:16

This prayer is an excerpt from our book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot for Patriot Day. The Kindle edition of the book is available for free on September 11, 2012. Learn more by visiting this post.

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits Respectively:
Flickr Feeds by  timwilson, slagheap, and iluvcocacola

A Prayer for our Freedom

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“[Independence Day] ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty”
-John Adams 

Praying for America

Praying for America.

Father God,
You have granted freedom to our land and you are worthy of praise.1 You placed in the hearts of our forefathers a desire to seek Your will through independence and freedom.

I pray for our continued independence and sovereignty as we look toward You. For the gifts our Declaration of Independence speak of, “life. liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” are granted by you alone.

May we be secure in our freedom,
but never take it for granted.
May we be free from slavery,
but be a servant to Your will.
May we be protected from oppression
as we extend the provision of liberty to others,
And may we speak with honor as we honor your Word.

May we, as Christian Patriots, heed the words of Paul, who wrote:
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Bless those who serve our nation and have protected her shores.
Bring protection, honor and blessings to their households.

May we be a people whose freedom is a beacon to the world of Your grace,
and may we be forever reminded of Your hand in our deliverance.
AMEN.

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1 Psalm 145:3

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Original Prayer Photo by: khrawlings
Original Flag Photo and editing by: Joshua J Masters 

America’s Weekly Prayer List (xii)

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In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of July 01 – July 07, 2012:

  • The week of Independence Day is a great time to start praying for the country. If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • Praise God for our independence this week! We too easily take our freedom for granted and should be reminded that our liberties come at a price. Remember to pray for the families of our fallen soldiers this Independence Day.
  • Devastating storms have left more than a dozen people dead on the east coast and millions without power or air conditioning in the sweltering heat. Pray for the families who have lost loved ones, the workers trying to restore power and those who are still in danger, particularly the elderly and young children.
  • Nearly 350 homes were destroyed in the Colorado wildfires last week. Pray for the families who have lost their homes and so much more.
  • Pray for a revitalization of faith in America. May we not be complacent in our lives, but be Christians of compassion-based action.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
For additional inspiration, visit our Prayers for America page or our weekly devotional book, American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot.
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Praying Patriot Tip:
Independence Day is about remembering the cost of freedom and the courage it takes to stand against the rule of oppression. The further our freedom takes us from that oppression, though, the more difficult it becomes to remember the price that someone else paid for our liberties. That’s true for us as American Patriots, but also as Christians. As we pray this week, let’s try to reconnect to the heart of gratitude we so often neglect. Let us remember the cost of national liberty and eternal freedom in our prayers.
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Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta:

Secretary Leon PanettaName: Leon E. Panetta
Birthdate: June 28, 1938
Position: Secretary of Defense
Duties Include: Authority over the Department of Defense, serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the National Security Council, Advising the President and developing national defense policy.
Spouse: Sylvia Panetta
Children: Secretary Panetta has three sons and six grandchildren.

You can learn more about Secretary Panetta and his duties by visiting the Department of Defense website. Remember to pray for the secretary and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Fireworks Photo Credit:  U.S. Army Flickr Stream

America’s Weekly Prayer List (xi)

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In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of June 10 – June 16, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson was found unconscious behind the wheel of his car after hitting two vehicles on Sunday. The incident seems to have been precipitated by a medical condition. Because of this incident, Secretary Bryson is our featured authority for prayer this week; please see his information below and pray for him throughout the week.
  • Pray for the diplomats and military leaders of our nation dealing with atrocities in Syria. Western diplomats are now being forced to leave Damascus.
  • More than 20,000 acres have been destroyed by a fierce wild fire in Colorado. As of Monday morning, 18 structures have been destroyed with hundreds of homes in jeopardy. Pray for the safety of the fire fighters and National Guard members fighting the blaze.  Pray also for the families who are in danger.
  •  Continue to pray for the wisdom and discernment of our anti-terrorist agents after it was revealed that the United States was involved in a cyber attack against Iran’s nuclear weapons program; pray for the safety of our facilities. There is no doubt Iran and its allies will attempt counter attacks.. Regardless of your political persuasion, let us give thanks that their nuclear program was stunted without the loss of American or Iranian lives.
  • Attorney General Eric Holder has assigned investigators to uncover the source of National Security leaks in the administration. It is vital for the safety of our troops and agents that the leak is stopped. Pray that political agendas do not interfere with the safety of our nation.
  • Pray for a revitalization of faith in America. May we not be complacent in our lives, but be Christians of compassion-based action.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
For additional inspiration, visit our Prayers for America page.
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Praying Patriot Tip:
As the election season ramps up, be careful to protect your heart from becoming hardened toward one candidate or the other. Scripture tells us to be respectful of those in authority and both Mitt Romney and the President have a national platform right now. Try praying for both men without bias. You can certainly have your political opinions; it is your responsibility to bring those beliefs into the voting booth, but it’s best to keep them out of the prayer closet.
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Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson:

Name: John Bryson
Birthdate: July 24, 1943
Position: Secretary of Commerce
Duties Include: Serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet, has authority over the Department of Commerce, Charged with the creation of jobs and economy growth, Advises the President on matters of the economy.
Spouse: Louise
Children: Secretary Bryson and his wife have four daughters.

You can learn more about Secretary Bryson and his duties by visiting the Department of Commerce website. Remember to pray for the secretary and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List (x)

Posted by joshuajmasters on

In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.

Prayer Points for the Week of June 03 – June 09, 2012:

  • If you’ve not already done so, visit The First Prayer page on this blog and make a commitment to pray for our nation on a regular basis.
  • As world tensions continue to rise over atrocities in Syria, pray for the diplomats and military leaders of our nation.
  • Praise God for the agreement made between The US and Vietnamese governments this week. Vietnam will open three sites in their country for the United States to search for the remains of American soldiers missing in action since the war. Pray this expedition will bring closure and peace to the families of our fallen soldiers.
  • The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth’s reign is a perfect time to pray for relations between America and England. We should never take such relationships for granted.
  • After it was revealed that the United States was involved in a cyber attack against Iran’s nuclear weapons program, pray for the safety of our facilities. There is no doubt Iran and its allies will attempt counter attacks. Pray for the wisdom and discernment of our anti-terrorist agents. Regardless of your political persuasion, let us give thanks that their nuclear program was stunted without the loss of American or Iranian lives.
  • Pray for a revitalization of faith in America. May we not be complacent in our lives, but be Christians of compassion-based action.
  • As always, remember to pray for our president and his family (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Even if you disagree with his policies, you are called to pray for him without bias. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
For additional inspiration, visit our Prayers for America page.
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Praying Patriot Tip:
We sometimes feel our prayers for America must share the eloquence of our forefathers or a Shakespearean sonnet, but God is more concerned with the sincerity of your heart than the eloquence of your words. God uses our inabilities as the vessel of His greatness because it makes clear that it is through His power that we succeed. Do not stumble in your prayer life because you fear a lack of eloquence. Come before the Lord with simple direct prayers for our nations and your words will be accepted as a child of God.
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Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

This week’s featured Authority is Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta:

Secretary Leon PanettaName: Leon E. Panetta
Birthdate: June 28, 1938
Position: Secretary of Defense
Duties Include: Authority over the Department of Defense, serving as a member of the President’s Cabinet and the National Security Council, Advising the President and developing national defense policy.
Spouse: Sylvia Panetta
Children: Secretary Panetta has three sons and six grandchildren.

You can learn more about Secretary Panetta and his duties by visiting the Department of Defense website. Remember to pray for the secretary and his family throughout this week.

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Praying Hands Photo Credit: Jasper Noer

America’s Weekly Prayer List (Memorial Day)

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In addition to posts on Spiritual Formation, History and Prayer, American Psalms offers this weekly update with relevant Prayer Points, a featured American leader to pray for, and tips on growing in your Christian walk as you pray for America. Please join us in praying for the nation.


Praying Patriot Tip:
This week we remember the fallen soldiers who have given their lives to protect our freedom. It’s a thought that becomes lost in the hurry-up culture we’ve created with that freedom, but we can do better than that. As we spend this week in prayer for our military leaders, troops, and the families of those who’ve lost loved ones, let’s do more than simply speak the words—let’s allow ourselves to share their suffering. Let’s spend time in the Word and recognize that neither freedom nor liberty come without a price being paid. Christ paid for our eternal freedom, and our soldier and their families have paid the price for our liberties. May the Holy Spirit impress this truth upon me daily. May we, as a people, never forget the sacrifices made by our God and our soldiers so we might be given the grace of freedom.

Prayer Points for the Week of May 27-June 2, 2012:
Our Prayer Points list is slightly different this week. Rather than being focused on current events, they focus on the men and women who protect us. Please join us in praying for our military:

  • Memorial Day is the perfect time for you to commit to praying for the nation on a regular basis. If you’re not sure how to get started, visit The First Prayer page on this blog.
  • Remember to pray for the Commander in Chief. The lives of many troops are in his hand on a daily basis, which means we should pray for him daily. A sample prayer for the President is available here.
  • Throughout this week, pray for our soldiers and their families. If you need inspiration, there is a Prayer for our Troops available here.
  • On this Memorial Day week, remember to pray for the families of those who have  given their lives for our freedom. Join us in a Prayer to Honor Fallen Heroes.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can serve the families of those who are deployed or have given their lives. There are military families throughout our communities that deserve our support.
  • Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities of honoring our veterans. May His mercy and compassion be reflected in our actions.
  • Remember to pray for our Military leaders. A partial list of men and women to pray for can be found in our Featured Authority section below.

Featured Authority:

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, NIV)

While we normally feature a single authority to pray for each week, but today American Psalms offers a list of our top military leaders. It is not a comprehensive list, but I encourage you to pray for those who hold the lives of our soldiers in their command:

Commander-in-Chief: President Barack Obama
Secretary of Defense: Leon Panetta
Deputy Secretary of Defense: Ashton Carter
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman: General Martin E. Dempsey
Army Chief of Staff: General Raymond T. Odierno
Marine Corps Commandant: General James F. Amos
Chief of Naval Operations:  Admiral Jonathan W. Greenert
Air Force Chief of Staff: General Norton A. Schwartz
Coast Guard Commandant: Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr.
Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan: General John R. Allen

Biographies for these and other Military Leaders can be found on the Department of Defense website. Remember to pray for our Military Leaders on a regular basis.

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© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
PhotoCredits:
Memorial Flags: Robert Linder

A Prayer in Honor of Fallen Heroes

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Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery

Comforter and Councilor,1
We turn to you in our time of grief; our help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.2 Since the Civil War, we have set aside a day for remembrance, and our hearts are broken for the men and women who have been lost while serving our country.

Fallen HeroesNeither national liberty nor eternal freedom comes without a price. You paid for our eternal salvation with your own son,3 and you feel the suffering4 of parents who’ve lost their children defending America’s freedom. You have heard the cries of spouses, children, siblings and friends. You have collected their tears5 and will be their comfort:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

I am grateful for those who have died defending my freedom. Do not allow me to become complacent toward their sacrifice, but exercise my freedom to benefit my country and your Kingdom. Remind me daily that my freedom in both life and eternity came at a price someone else paid.

For hundreds of years, men and women have sacrificed themselves for my right to pursue happiness. They have shown the true meaning of love, for:

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
(John 15:13)

I am grateful to those individuals, and my heart turns toward the family members who are left behind. This day is a reminder of their sacrifice and I pray the Holy Spirit would comfort them.
AMEN.

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1 John 14:26
2 Psalm 121:3
3 1 Corinthians 6:20
4 Hebrews 4:15
5 Psalm 56:8

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Please see the Condition of Use for this blog.
© Joshua J. Masters and American Psalms, 2012.
Photo Credits:
Arlington Panoramic: Jared, Wikimedia Public Domain Photo
Both Honoring Fallen Heroes:  U.S. Army Flickr Stream

A Prayer for our Troops

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Father God and Protector of Nations,
You are our strength and our shield.1 May you receive all the glory and praise for the blessings you have bestowed on our country.

United States Joint Service Color Guard

United States Joint Service Color Guard

I ask you to bless and protect our soldiers. They sacrifice more than most of us know in protection of the freedom and liberty You have given us. These are the men and women who truly have a servant’s heart;2 they are the Americans who truly understand living a sacrificial life for others. Place Your angels of protection before them and give them a sense of your hand upon them.

Our troops have left their families and the comfort of their homes to ensure liberty for the United States and freedom for those who are oppressed. Do not allow them to feel isolated or alone in their deployment. Instead, let them hear your promise to be with them always3 and find peace in your strength. In moments of fear, let them find comfort from the Holy Spirit. Give them courage as you did David when he wrote:
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