Prayer for the Sermon Nov. 15, 2009 "When The Birthpangs Begin"

Gracious God, you are the wellspring of all life and to you we offer our thanks and praise. We lift our voices this morning remembering the men and women who have pledged their loyalty and their lives to keep freedom alive in this frantic world. We pray for the safety of those who stand vigilant watching through the long days and nights, who travel the treacherous routes and roads in distant lands so far from home. Be ever near for they stand in our stead placing themselves in harms way and their lives on a line they can never clearly see. We honor those soldiers who have sacrificed and are sacrificing themselves, as they remain true to their word, faithful in their duty, daily prepared to give all to liberate the oppressed, rescue the weak and disarm the oppressor. As they have served us, help us Lord, to love and serve them in return. Empower us by giving us the stamina and courage to help heal the visible and invisible wounds they have sustained amid the violence of war. In the name of the Christ we pray. Amen.