A Prayer for Veterans

We ask for blessings on all those
who have served their country in the armed forces.
We ask for healing for the veterans
who have been wounded, in body and soul,
in conflicts around the globe.

We pray especially for the young men and women,
in the thousands, who are coming home from Iraq
with injured bodies and traumatized spirits.
Bring solace to them, O Lord;
may we pray for them when they cannot pray.

Have mercy on all our veterans
from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq,
Bring peace to their hearts and peace
to the regions they fought in.

Bless all the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines
who served in non-combative posts;
May their calling to service continue
in service to You

Give us all the creative vision
to see a world which, grown weary with fighting,
Moves to affirming the life of every human being
and so moves beyond war.
Hear our prayer, O King of Peace, hear our prayer.

Amen.