A Prayer of Gratefulness and Appreciation for Our Nation’s Veterans
By Lynette Kittle
Bible Reading
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” - John 15:13
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Americans’ freedom has not come cheaply. Today and every day, we enjoy great freedom because of the service and sacrifices made by men and women on our behalf. Veterans Day is observed on November 11 each year, celebrating the individuals who have served their country honorably in our five military branches, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard.
As Joshua 1:9 encourages, “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.”
This holiday offers us a time to honor, remember, and celebrate the brave individuals who faithfully served our nation around the world, both in the United States and in foreign countries.
Why Is Veterans Day Observed on November 11?
Some may wonder why Veterans Day is always scheduled on November 11 each year. Whereas many holidays move around dates on the calendars, why does it remain steadfastly the same? Veterans Day first began in 1919 as Armistice Day, a date marking the day Germany and allies officially ended World War I fighting on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. In 1938, Congress passed a law making November 11 a legal holiday, and in 1954, 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a law officially changing its name to Veterans Day.
Gospel Outreach During World War II
In his book Silence Equals Consent: The Sin of Omission, author, historian, and speaker William J. Federer writes how on January 25, 1941, during World War II, our 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote the prologue in the Gideon’s New Testament and Book of Psalms given out by the millions to servicemen just months before the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor —blue-covered copies were given to sailors and brown covers to soldiers. On the front page, Roosevelt wrote:
“To the Armed Forces: As Commander-in-Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States. Throughout the centuries men of many faiths and diverse origins have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration. It is a fountain of strength and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the human soul.”
How many servicemen and women’s lives were transformed and brought to Salvation in Jesus Christ through this widespread gospel outreach to our military men and women just months before the United States officially entered World War II?
Honoring Generations of Service
One of those men receiving a copy of Gideon’s New Testament was my father-in-law, Richard, who served in the Army during World War II. In many families like ours, generations of members have served in various branches of the United States Armed Forces, as did my husband, Philip, in the Air Force, along with some of our uncles, cousins, and in-laws also serving in various branches of the military. My husband’s military background helps him as a hospice chaplain and veteran liaison. He spends hours sitting with veterans, hearing their stories, showing a genuine interest in their military experiences, praying with them, and reassuring them that their service to our country was honorable.
Recognizing God’s Control in Life
In hearing veterans’ stories, for those who were drafted, entering the military and wartime was an unexpected pathway and not of their choosing. As Proverbs 16:9 describes, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Like Jeremiah 10:23 describes, “Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”
Many veterans need reassurance that God was with them, leading and guiding them in their lives, even when it seemed like the government was directing their steps. Many veterans also struggle with being in combat, needing assurance of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness for what they experienced during battles. Those who served during wartime especially need to know what Romans 8:1 assures Christians: “Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Let’s Pray:
Dear Father,
With grateful hearts, full of appreciation for their service and sacrifices, we thank you for our veterans. O God of all comfort and mercy, we ask You to wrap Your loving, compassionate arms around those veterans who are suffering today from their times of service, whether it be physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Heal their broken bodies, hearts, and spirits today. Pour Your healing balm into every crevice and area affected by war. Let Your comfort flow through their hearts and minds, freeing them from the deep sorrow and losses they may have experienced in their military service to their country.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Rozbyshaka
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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