Congregational Prayer, May 25, 2008
Offered by Pastor Doug Scalise
Eternal God, Creator of years, of centuries, of millennia, of eons,
Lord of whatever is beyond time,
Maker of all species and master of all history --
How shall we speak to you from our smallness and inconsequence?
Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth;
You have created us and dignified us with love and loyalty;
Therefore we humbly come before you in worship today.
We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us;
You have redeemed us and invited us to be your people.
God, lift the hearts of those for whom this Memorial Day Weekend holiday is not just diversion for barbeques and a day at the beach, but a painful memory and a reminder of continued deprivation.
We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the awfulness of combat. As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, who laid down his life for his friends and for all of us. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in your mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support. Lord at the same time as we remember and weep for those who have given their lives to protect our lives and freedoms, we also weep for the innocent… the young and old… children and parents… who are also the casualties of war.
We weep for those left behind… the widows and orphans… children and parents, for those who will only know a loved one from a photograph.
Merciful God cause us to remember the laughter and the tears… the faces and the voices… the hopes and fears.
Remember their footprints and their promise… their strength and their gentleness, their goodness and their potential.
We weep with those who weep and we remember and pray that one day there will be no need for wars… no need for widows and orphans and “collateral damage” and “acceptable losses” no need for bombs and IED’s… no need for memorials or soldier’s graves.
We weep and and we remember and pray… That one day there will be peace.
In Jesus’ name
Amen.
