A Memorial Day Prayer of Remembrance

God of all comfort, today we remember.

We remember the men and women who put on the uniform of this country and did not come home. Some were young enough that we still ache at the number. All of them gave everything they had to give.

We speak their names where we know them, and we trust You with the names we never learned. Let none of them be forgotten — not by this nation, and never by You.

Greater love has no one than this, that a person lay down their life for their friends. Receive our gratitude today for that greater love, offered on beaches and hillsides and deserts far from the homes they were defending.

Comfort the families who live with the empty chair — the parents, the husbands and wives, the children who grew up on stories and photographs. On a weekend of cookouts and celebration, honor their quieter grief, and let us honor it too.

And make us worthy of the peace they purchased. Teach us to guard it, to be grateful for it, and to work for the day when no more names are added to the wall.

Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on Memorial Day — at a graveside, before a community ceremony, or at home before the day's gathering begins. It is fitting for the national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13 (KJV)