Honoring Our Veterans

Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me (Psalm 144:1-2).

On behalf of the entire National Day of Prayer Task Force, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our Veterans who have served the United States of America and have protected freedom and liberty around the world. Veterans and their families’ sacrifices are innumerable and often unnoticed. Yet please know it is the National Day of Prayer’s (NDP) heart to pray frequently for our “seven mountains of influence” veterans, therefore encouraging our nation to pray for you Veterans, not just on Veterans Day or the National Day of Prayer, but every day, throughout the year.

We often use and relate to military terms to describe the life and service of “Prayer Warriors” as we fight on the frontlines of spiritual warfare. These biblical terms only deepen our gratefulness for those who have chosen to serve in the branches of our military—Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. You put your lives at risk, serve near and far, often missing special occasions and milestone events in the lives of your family and friends. You study, train and sacrifice physically, mentally, emotionally and often even financially as you willingly work in areas of service that would oftentimes bring a much larger paycheck home in the civilian workplace. “Thank you” just does not seem to cover the esteem and gratitude due to you, but the truth is you do not serve from selfish ambition or recognition. You serve with a heart to defend freedom and protect your country. Sometimes we forget, but you never do, that you signed up to “serve,” not to be served, and not for fame and riches. I pray that we never forget to say, “thank you,” and to pray for you and yours.

I am thankful that I had the privilege of being a military brat and a military wife. No one fully knows the hurts, hardships and the honor of being in a military family unless you are one. I am so proud of my dad and my husband, as well as my grandfather, brother-in-law, father-in-law, uncle, and more. Please let us all take some time to pray for our military and their families over the next few days as we approach Veterans Day on Monday November 11th and then continue to pray for them regularly. Pray for those who are serving now and for those who are still suffering from physical or emotional injuries they suffered due to their service. Pray that they will put on the full armor of God every day as they put on their uniform and that they will know God’s strength as they march, fly or sail into service each day. They serve every day and need our prayers every day.

Let’s begin by praying together: Lord Jesus we ask Your protection and provision for our military personnel. Please guide the decisions being made by our President and the commanding officers as they lead our military. Guard and protect our service members as they guard and defend freedom around the world; as they fight for the weak and defenseless, the hurting and helpless. Give them victory over evil and triumph over the enemy. Please protect their families at home who miss and pray fervently for them while taking care of every aspect of life on the home front as their spouses or children serve on the frontlines. Lord, as You created the earth, sky and sea we ask that you give wisdom, protection and favor over every military member training and serving in these. Let them know Your delight in their sacrifice and we pray they would all know You and honor You as their Savior and Lord. We pray that You are their fortress, their shield, and their refuge.

Serving Him with Gladness,

Kathy Branzell, President

National Day of Prayer Task Force

About the National Day of Prayer

The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America, evidenced by the Continental Congress’ proclamation in 1775 setting aside a day of prayer. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May.

To learn more, or to find a National Day of Prayer event in your community, visit www.NationalDayofPrayer.org. To schedule a media interview, send your request to [email protected], or contact Dion Elmore, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at The National Day of Prayer Task Force, (719) 559-9574.

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