Thursday, May 24, 2012

Honoring Sacred Gifts


In the generational cycle and course of human events, when groups and nations have behaved in ways far less than you, our Creator, intended; and war has become the tool through which protection and/or resolution is sought, it is a burden borne directly on the shoulders of young men and women. Throughout the history of our nation, human beings have served on the front lines, from the war for independence out of which our nation was formed, to the conflicts in the Middle East today, and numerous wars and conflicts in-between. First, young men; and for a number of years now, both young men and young women have been drafted or have volunteered to place themselves in the line of fire on our behalf, as directed by the leaders of our nation and our military.

This weekend, O God, marks our nation's annual remembrance and thanksgiving for all who have given their lives in military service to our country. So now we pause, remembering both those soldiers who were near and dear to us, and those whose family ties and neighborly bonds are elsewhere.
(Silence)
We also remember the families they left and leave behind: wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, parents, children, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins.
(Silence)

We pray, O God, that you would teach us how best to honor the sacred gift of their lives; how to live and govern ourselves in ways that will lessen the duration and intensity of existing wars and conflicts; how to tread softly on your planet; and, as beings given life by you and created in your image, how to become fountains of dignity and respect through which your promised peace, which knows no borders, may one day overflow, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

© 2012 Todd Jenkins


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