Prayer for our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines

As we celebrate independence day, let us pray for those serving in the military. They risk their lives for us every single day. No matter what happens in any part of the world, they risk their lives. They deserve our prayers and our love.

An email that I got a long time ago pointed out that: Only two forces have ever laid down their lives for you. The American soldiers who died to make you free and Jesus who died so that you might have eternal life in heaven with God.

Father, we pray in the holy name of Jesus for safety of our military forces as well as for peace. We know that the Prince of Peace is the only one who will ever bring this about, so we seek Him in all things. Amen.

An Open Letter to the US Military

June 28, 2004

To my brothers and sisters of the Armed Forces of the United States:
The people of Iraq received their independence today (just a few days before millions of Americans will celebrate the holiday that we call Independence Day).

On July 4th, we will have family get-togethers, bar-b-ques and trips to the beach. Yet most of us have absolutely no appreciation for what it means for a country to be independent. Most have forgotten that many, many lives were lost in our fight for independence so many years ago. A precious few of us have not.

I do not know if Iraq will be able to sustain her independence after you are gone. The one thing that I do know is that Jesus Christ said: “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down His life for his friends.” John 15:13

You risk your lives each and every day for:
---a people that you did not know, so that this day they might have the freedom that we
have known our entire lives (and now take for granted and seemingly despise).
---so that we might be a little safer from the terrorists that you are fighting.
---so that we might enjoy our freedom of religion (that they hate so much).
---so that we might enjoy our freedom of speech (even as some use that freedom to protest
your courage).

Thank you for that love that Jesus spoke of 2,000 years ago.
My brothers and sisters – please know that not only do I appreciate you, respect you and love you, but I also salute you and pray for you.

Keep up the great work!
In Christ Jesus,
Pastor David Macer