A Prayer for Hurting Veterans
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”-Psalm 34:18
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America’s first president, George Washington, believed that “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”
Without our veterans, America wouldn’t be known as the home of the free because of the brave. The sacrifices of our men and women in uniform have made it possible for us to live in freedom.
Christian apologist C.K. Chesterton wrote, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Counting the High Cost of Freedom
Tragically, America’s freedom does not come to us without sacrifice and at a high cost. Our military men and women from all the wars and conflicts leading up to now have paid dearly for our freedom with their lives, through committing their time to guard and protect our nation, many on foreign lands, far away from their loved ones. Service members, men and women, have suffered separation from their families, along with enduring injury, trauma, and death, in their efforts to serve America.
As many of us realize, America’s freedom hasn’t come freely to our nation. Sadly, with every battle have come losses to families, with some losing spouses, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Heartbreaking losses for the families, friends, and everyone involved.
Still, the infamous General Douglas MacArthur said, “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
Home of the Free and the Brave
America’s military relies heavily on our young men and women who enlist and are commissioned into the Armed Forces, trained to be strong and heroic, with many lives lost over the years. The United States 31st President, Herbert Clark Hoover, said, “Older men declare war. But it is youth that must fight and die.”
Bishop E.W. Jackson, Founder and President of STAND and Author of Sweet Land of Liberty, is one of those who entered the military as a young man, a great-grandson of enslaved people who grew up in foster care, to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, going on to become a Summa Cum Laude college graduate with a Phi Beta Kappa Key, and a graduate of Harvard Law School.
For military members who are Christians, they can call upon, rely on, and trust in what Joshua 1:9 teaches: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Highly decorated U.S. Army colonel, combat commander, journalist, and author David Haskell Hackworth wrote, “Bravery is being the only one who knows you’re afraid.”
Wounded But Not Forsaken
Unfortunately, many men and women who return from war are physically and emotionally wounded by what they’ve experienced, seen, and done. Some of these wounds are easier to overcome than others.
Still, God understands more than any of us because He has been with them during the battles and is near afterward to comfort the brokenhearted, to offer forgiveness, and to bring peace to the painful, traumatic memories.
Let’s Pray
Dear Father,
I come before you tonight seeking comfort for hurting veterans, those who have sacrificed and paid the high cost for my freedom.
Heal their hurting hearts, minds, and bodies, Lord; bring health, restoration, and renewal to them.
Free them from traumatic war experiences, from the suffering and losses they have endured, so that America may remain the home of the free and the brave.
Forgive and release them from the memories they may experience in following wartime orders to launch missiles, drones, grenades, bombs, firearms, and hand weapons, and from the overwhelming regret and guilt they may be carrying within them at the loss of lives, including fellow servicemen and women, enemy soldiers, and possibly even innocent civilians.
Lord, because You heal the brokenhearted, I ask You now to heal their broken hearts and bodies, and free them from the sorrow and regret some may be experiencing that is more than they can bear.
Restore their broken hearts and minds so that they may live and enjoy their families, their lives, and their country.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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Photo Courtesy: ©Pexel/Brett Sayles
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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