A Prayer for Memorial Day

 A Prayer for Memorial Day

 

In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts,

let each of us name and call on the One 

whose power over us is great and gentle, 

firm and forgiving, 

holy and healing...

    You who created us,
    who sustain us,
    who call us to live in peace,
        hear our prayer today...

    Hear our prayer for all who have died,

    whose hearts and hopes were known

        to you alone…

 

    Hear our prayer

    for those who put the welfare of others 

    ahead of their own

        and give us hearts as generous as theirs…

 

    Hear our prayer 

    for those who gave their lives 

    in the service of others

        and accept the gift of their sacrifice…

    Help us to shape and make a world
    where we will lay down the arms of war
    and turn our swords into ploughshares 
        for a harvest of justice and the victory of peace…

    Comfort those 

        who grieve the loss of their loved ones
    and let your healing 

        be the hope in their hearts...

    Hear our prayer today
    and in your mercy answer us
        in the name of all that's holy...

    Amen.

By Fr. Austin Fleming