Worship Resources for Remembrance / Veteran's Day

Remembrance Day Prayer

    Lord of the nations, on this day when we remember the struggles through which our country has gone in its efforts to preserve our liberties, we thank Thee for having made our country great and our people free. Above all do we thank Thee for the blessings of religious liberty to preach Thy Word without hindrance and to worship Thee according to the dictates of Thy holy and infallible Word.

    We pray Thee to hold Thy gracious protecting hand over us and over all the people of our country. Guide those in authority and grant them wisdom so to rule that peace and prosperity may be ours according, to Thy will.

    Thou hast told as that that nation is blessed whose God is the Lord and therefore we pray most of all that Thy Gospel, which alone can make men truly free, may be preached in all its truth and purity throughout our land. Thou hast granted us religious liberty.

    Help us to use this freedom to the fullest extent, so that through the length and breadth of our nation men may hear from Thy people the good news of their salvation in Christ. Bring to us and to them and to all men all over the world that peace which passes all understanding and which is to be found in the knowledge that Jesus loves us and has redeemed us from all our sin. We ask it in His name. Amen 

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Prayer for Protection

P: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. (brief silence)
Mighty Lord, we give thanks for the shield of faith You’ve given all who bear Your Name.  Continue to supply and defend us through Your Word and Sacraments.  Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: We remember before You those who need the shield of faith for physical protection today.   Keep safe in body and soul those serving in our nation’s armed forces or other occupations whose duty puts them in harm’s way [especially—give names of those from the congregation]. Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: We pray for those who need the shield of faith as they lead nations or serve the world’s people.  Guide and direct them to paths of peace and justice, that common good may replace policies of shortsighted self-interest.   Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

P: We pray for those who need the shield of faith today as they face sickness.  Provide [give names or use “them”] with the care and medical help they need and, according to Your will, restore them to health.  Lord, in Your mercy.
C: Hear our prayer.

P: We pray for the shield of faith for those whose last hour draws near.  Sustain them with Your presence and Your gracious promises, that they may praise You now and forever in heaven.  Lord, in Your mercy,
C: Hear our prayer.

(special petitions)

P: Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

C: Amen.   

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A Litany from The Book of Worship for United States Forces (1974)
(One-time permission to print and use this litany in congregational worship has been granted by The Armed Forces Chaplains' Board, Washington, D.C.)

Leader: Let us give thanks to God for the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties. For all the wonder of our country’s story:

PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: For leaders in nation and state, and for those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth:

PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows:

PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: For those who served their country in its hour of need, and especially for those who gave even their lives in that service:

PEOPLE: WE GIVE YOU THANKS, O GOD.

Leader: O almighty God and most merciful Father, as we remember these your servants, remembering with gratitude their courage and strength, we hold before you those who mourn them. Look upon your bereaved servants with your mercy. As this day brings them memories of those they have lost awhile, may it also bring your consolation and the assurance that their loved ones are alive now and forever in your living presence.

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Scripture Readings

• Deuteronomy 10:12-13, 17-21: What does God require of a nation?
• Psalm 2: Warning to rulers of the earth.
• Psalm 72: A prayer for justice and righteousness.
• Amos 5:11-15: Establish justice.
• Galatians 5:13-26: The proper use of freedom.
• John 8:31-36: True freedom.

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Hymns

• For the Healing of the Nations
• Let There Be Peace on Earth
• The Battle Hymn of the Republic
• O God of Every Nation
• This Is My Song