We Pray For Peace And Healing For All Veterans
“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” ~ Douglas MacArthur
Whenever you want to know what someone thinks about any given situation, it is important to go to those who are actually involved to find out what you want to know. If you ask someone who has no idea about the subject at hand, they will not be able to give you what you want or need to know.
If you want to hear about peace, you need to talk to people who actively struggle and/or have struggled to bring about peace. They know that peace comes at a price. They know that those who engage in peace-keeping activities often put themselves at peril. And they believe that the price is worth it because peace is so important.
Today is Veteran’s Day. Today gives us pause to think about our veterans: those brave, fearless people who put themselves in jeopardy in order to secure our freedom.
The price they paid was quite high. They left family and friends in order to go somewhere and put their lives on the line. Many times, when they returned home, their lives were changed in ways that they never would have considered.
Some bear the emotional scars of the conflict that they experienced and struggle every day for peace of mind. It is alarming to know that the suicide rate of veterans is very high. The scars that they bear are sometimes too great for them and they take their lives.
Today, then, we pray for peace. We pray that the world knows peace so that a day will come when there will never be armed conflict for people to face. We pray that those who served our country and now suffer emotionally or spiritually may find peace of mind. We pray that all veterans might know that we are profoundly grateful for their service.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace. As we pray this day, we ask Him to come into the hearts and minds of our beloved veterans and ask Him, as well, to bring this fragile world to a peace that only He can provide.
FAITH ACTION: If you know any veterans, thank them this day. Pray for peace in the world and for peace in the hearts of all veterans who may struggle with their thoughts and feelings after coming back from military service.