"We, Lord Jesus, are children of God. Yet we would not be the sons
and daughters of men were we not sometimes fearful, did not our hearts often
ache and harbor anxiety for those we love who wear our country's uniform,
who serve her in distant places.
Yet, we know, our Father, that the Everlasting Arms reach out across the world.
We know that the shadow of Thy wings covers all Thy children.
We are persuaded that in that world of the Spirit in which we really live
neither persecution nor peril nor sword shall be able to separate us from Thy love.
We know that the bonds of fellowship of prayer are real. We know that at the throne
of grace we are all united, that our souls mingle with those we love on earth even
though separated by tumbling sea and dreary miles.
So now our minds and hearts reach out to be in spirit with those whom we name
now before Thee; to surround them with our love and prayers and hopes.
For them we ask:
Support in time of need...
Strength beyond their own...
Confidence that Thou are their Shepherd, that Thou wilt never
for a moment forsake them...
Thy strength in temptation, that they may be kept clean...
The gift of inner peace, a serenity that no tragedy can destroy...
That knowledge of God that shall assure them of eternal life,
of peace and joy forevermore...
Thy gift of resoluteness in duty; gird them with courage;
enable them to quit themselves like men who have deposited
all their trust in their God...
A determination toward love, not hatred, that the fruits of
victory shall not wither...
Salvation of body and soul, and if it be possible, bring them safely home.
We thank Thee that this ministry of intercessory prayer has linked our hearts
and bound us even closer to those we love-closer to Thee and to them.
May we feel Thy presence, and see by faith that day when the love of Christ
shall live in the hearts of men everywhere.
Hear, O God, not alone these prayers, but the unspoken inarticulate
yearning of every seeking heart bowed before Thee.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
To all American veterans, past and present, thank you
for your service to this nation and for my freedom.
For those who are no longer on this earth
May you rest in God's eternal peace.
"A Prayer For Those In Service To Our Country"
Reverend Peter Marshall Sr.
Scottish American minister
(1902-1949)
Twice-appointed Chaplain of the United States Senate
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