Memorial Day is a national holiday, observed every year on the last Monday of May, in which we celebrate those men and women, past and present, who have lost their lives bravely serving our country.
Here are 5 Scripture-based prayers to pray to remember and honor those who died serving in the Armed Forces.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. – Psalm 34:18 NLT
God, today we remember and grieve all the men and women who have lost their lives in selfless service to our country. Their willingness to serve, even knowing the great personal risk of that choice, is what keeps our country safe and free. Be near to those who have lost a family member. Comfort them. Be their peace. Bring to their minds all the happy memories they have with their loved one. In Jesus’ name, amen.
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13 NLT
Heavenly Father, even as I grieve today, I recognize that there is honor in laying down one’s life for a greater purpose, and I pray that all the men and women who served believed that, too. I may not fully understand what that greater purpose is right now, but I choose to trust You with the outcome anyway. I trust that You can redeem even the worst circumstances for Your good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.” – Psalm 82:3-4 NLT
God, we remember the brave men and women who have died in the name of justice. Thank You for the care they showed to the poor and helpless. Thank You for all their efforts to protect, serve, and assist as many people as possible. Their sacrifice was not for nothing. I remind myself of that on days when I feel so disheartened about the state of our world. I know that You are the true Judge, the author of justice itself, and that one day all things will be made right in You. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. – Galatians 5:1 NLT
Almighty God, I am so grateful that living in this country means we get to worship You freely. That is a privilege so many Christians do not have. So I thank You for every service member who has given up their life in an effort to sustain that freedom for our country. Even though it hurts to consider all the men and women who have died during war time, it brings me comfort to know they willingly did so to protect something they loved, cared about, and believed in. Thank You for the freedom we have as a country, and thank You for the freedom I have in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” – Revelation 21:3-4 NLT
Lord, war is never the ideal circumstance. I know You are grieved by the violence and disunity among Your children. Your Kingdom is characterized by peace and love. We long for that amidst the sting of war. We know one day that there will be no more violence or death, and we set our sights on that promise as we endure the brokenness of this fallen world. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. In Your name, amen.
