Priest:
Let us pray for our brothers and sisters as they go
forth with courage and determination to face the
forces of violence, weapons of destruction and
hearts filled with hate.
RESPONSE:THROUGH THE DARKNESS
BRING US TO THE LIGHT.
Deacon or Reader:
For our Commander-In-Chief, President George Bush
and our political and military leaders that they may
tirelessly seek peaceful settlements to
international disputes; we pray to the Lord:
That the Lord may preserve the members of our Army,
Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force from all
harm; we pray to the Lord:
That even in war, we may keep clearly before us the
defense of all human rights, especially the right to
life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; we pray
to the Lord:
That the families, relatives and friends of our
military members may be strengthened in this time of
concern and anxiety; we pray to the Lord:
That the Lord may help families with men and women
in the armed forces to cope with daily challenges in
the absence of their loved ones; we pray to the
Lord:
That our homeland will be preserved from violence
and terrorism; we pray to the Lord:
That the nations of the world will seek to work
together in harmony and peace; we pray to the Lord:
That the hearts of all men and women will be moved
to pursue true peace and justice; we pray to the
Lord:
That violence may be overcome by peace; that weapons
of destruction be transformed into tools of justice,
and hate give way to true charity; we pray to the
Lord:
That grateful for and inspired by those veterans who
have given their lives for our country we may
bravely face the challenges ahead; we pray to the
Lord:
Priest: Lord
God, Almighty Father,
creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the
liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle
love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from
darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and
forever.
O God, Protector of all people and nations,
protect my family and friends at home
from the violence and evil of others.
Keep them safe from the weapons of hate and
destruction
and guard them against the deeds of evildoers.
Grant them your protection and care
in tranquility and peace.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
2. On
the Eve of Battle
God of power and mercy,
maker and love of peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to reign.
Through the intercession of St. Michael, the
archangel,
be our protection in battle against all evil.
Help me [us] to overcome war and violence
and to establish your law of love and justice.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
3. For
Hope in the Midst of Destruction
God of mercy,
you know the secrets of all human hearts,
for you know who is just and you forgive the
repentant sinner.
Hear my prayer in the midst of destruction;
give me patience and hope,
so that under your protection and with you as my
guide,
I may one day be reunited with my family and friends
in peace, tranquility, and love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Hear my prayer for these soldiers under my command.
Grant that I may bring the spirit of Christ
to all my efforts and orders
as I exercise my authority over those entrusted to
my care.
Inform my judgment with your Holy Spirit
so that I may make decisions
in conformity with your law and for the common good.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
5. For
Fellow Combatants
Lord God,
Remember Christ your Son who is peace itself
and who has washed away our hatred with His blood.
Because you love all men and women,
look with mercy on all who are engaged in battle.
Banish the violence and evil within all combatants
so that one day, we may all deserve to be
called your sons and your daughters.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
6. For
the innocent victims of war
Lord God,
your own Son was delivered into the hands of the
wicked,
yet he prayed for his persecutors
and overcame hatred with the blood of the Cross.
Relive the sufferings of the innocent victims of
war;
grant them peace of mind, healing of body,
and a renewed faith in your protection and care.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Lord God,
no one is a stranger to you
and no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of
war,
those separated from their loved ones,
young people who are lost,
and those who have left home or who have run away
from home.
Bring them back safely to the place where they long
to be
and help us always to show your kindness
to strangers and to all in need
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Prayers
in a Time of War
1. For
Departing Troops
All-powerful and ever-living God,
when Abraham left his native land
and departed from his people
you kept him safe through all his journeys.
Protect these soldiers.
Be their constant companion and their strength in
battle,
their refuge in every adversity.
Guide them, O Lord, that they may return home in
safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
God of power and might,
at every moment and in every place
you are near to those who call upon your name in
faith.
In marriage you have blessed us with a share in your
divine love.
Look upon my husband/wife and keep him/her in your
safekeeping,
no matter where the road may lead.
And when the battle is ended,
bring him/her safely home to those who love him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
3. Prayer of a Parent for a
Departing Soldier
Father all-powerful and ever-loving God,
from before we were born,
your love has nurtured and sustained us.
Hear my prayer for N., my son/daughter.
Keep him/her safe in time of battle
and faithful to you, day in and day out.
Bring him/her safely home to those who love him/her.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
4. Prayer for Those who
Await a Soldier's Return
God of all goodness,
Look with love on those who wait
for the safe return of their loved ones
who serve in the armed forces of their country.
In faith and hope, we turn to you for comfort.
Grant that we may trust in your mercy
and send an angel to sustain us as we await their
safe return.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
