Special Edition: Pray for our Military on Monday

Memorial Day 2010

Today, I am taking a slight detour, but one that I feel is important. Rather than praying for “M.O.M.” (marriages on Monday) today lets change that first M to military.

I thought it important to recognize and pray for all of our soldiers and support staff who have died for our country. They are a shining example of courage and faith.

As Christians, we can learn so much from them.

Soldiers are called. They answer the call because of their love for man and country, and most often, leave their families behind. They learn to deny their own will and to follow the commands of their superiors. They are called into total self-giving for the good of the whole. And most of all, they are willing to die for what they believe in.

Similarly, each of us is called by God to love and protect our fellow man and lead one another to Christ. We are chosen. We too must answer His call and step out in faith. We must follow His commandments, deny our own will, and follow His, knowing it is for the good of the whole. We are to build up the body of Christ.

So then, now that we have been justified by faith, we are at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; it is through him, by faith, that we have been admitted into God's favour in which we are living, and look forward exultantly to God's glory. Not only that; let us exult, too, in our hardships, understanding that hardship develops perseverance, and perseverance develops a tested character, something that gives us hope, and a hope which will not let us down, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5

So in honor of those soldiers and support personnel who have given their all and made the ultimate sacrifice, let us pray. Let us pray for the families that are fractured in the wake of their deaths. Let us pray for healing, comfort, and abundant blessings to be poured out on these families. Let us also pray for the marriages of all soldiers who are separated from their spouses for months at a time. Let us pray that they remain united through their mutual courage and faith. And finally, let us pray for the children who ache for the love and hugs of their deployed parent(s).

So today, hug a soldier, hug their families, and thank all of them for their sacrifices for the good of humanity.

Peace, Love, and Joy,
Janet