Though the hostilities in Iraq officially ended months ago, our soldiers and their families need our prayers now as much as ever. During the coming week, remember to keep them and others in your prayers. You might pray for:

• protection for the men and women of our armed forces who still face great danger.
• patience and hope for the military personnel who endure delays and continue to wait to return home.
• strength for the families whose loved ones are still deployed in Iraq and around the world.
• comfort for the families of military personnel who have been killed in hostilities.
• wisdom for military leaders as they use their skills to bring peace and calm to Iraq and also to protect our troops.
• faithfulness for our military chaplains as they bring the comfort of Christ’s forgiveness to soldiers and their families.
• patience and hope for the people of Iraq as they wait for their country to be delivered from lawlessness and poverty.
• wisdom for our nation’s leaders as they guide us through difficult times.
• peace in our time.

Almighty God, You alone are our strong Defender, an ever-present help in time of trouble. Watch over and defend our military personnel and all others who defend our life and liberty, that they may serve justly and honorably in the pursuit of peace. Grant them courage and strength in their time of service, and bring them safely home to their families and communities; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Blessed Lord, You commissioned Your disciples to continue the work which the Father sent You into the world to do. Support with Your Word and Spirit those who minister in the armed forces of our country. Give them grace to preach the Gospel boldly and to administer Your sacraments faithfully. Strengthen them in temptation, and give them courage in the perils of their calling, that they might glorify You before all people; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Father of all mercies and God of all comfort, look in pity on all who are suffering during this time of strife and warfare. Protect the defenseless, heal the wounded, and sustain the homeless and hungry. Turn the hearts of our enemies, and forgive both them and us for our share in the sin that has brought this anguish on humanity. Open to us a way of reconciliation, and lead us to the path of peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Prepared by the LCMS Commission on Worship. 2003.

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Prayers in Time of War