God of Peace,

On Veteran’s Day, we pray for all who have served our country on land or sea or air, at home or in far away lands.

We pray for the safety of future veterans in active combat zones, and for those in places where violence could rear its ugly head at any time.

We pray for those who made it home alive, but for whom life has never been the same. For those who died by suicide attempting to escape the pain, and for those who continue to struggle to find a way to live again.

We pray for families left behind when soldiers deploy. For temporarily single moms and dads and for brothers and sisters and grandparents and friends who help keep the family going and together. We pray for relationships renewed when those men and women return home for good.

We pray for our nation’s leaders. That they would make good on the promise to “support our troops” by funding needed medical, housing and employment assistance programs for those who served our country.

We pray for the leaders of all nations. We boldy and unabashedly pray that peace would be the number one priority for all who rule and govern.

May we never take for granted what those who wore (and wear) the uniform have done and continue to do for the rest of us–especially those of us who would be highly unqualified if ever called upon to serve in that capacity.

We pray all of these things in the name of the Prince of Peace,

Amen

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Rev. Anne Russ is an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), currently based in New York City. Doubting Believer provides tools and encouragement for the rollercoaster ride of your faith journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube. You can also follow on TikTok. Get emails to keep up with all that is happening.