Kristofer and Reflections on Veterans Day

Reflections on Veterans Day

Today, Kristofer shares a spiritual reflection on Veterans Day and offers prayers to help focus and guide us in the work we are called to do, as a parish, as a people, as a nation. In addition to giving thanks for those who serve or have served in the military, his video invites us to ponder the lives of saints like Martin of Tours (whose feast day is today) and Francis of Assisi who were both soldiers themselves in very different times and places. As we contemplate the sacrifices that so many willingly make, what are you willing to do for the sake of love?

For Heroic Service (Book of Common Prayer p 839)

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Nation (Book of Common Prayer pp 838-839)

Almighty God, giver of all good things: We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land. They restore us, though we often destroy them.
Heal us.

We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us.

We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them.
Inspire us.

We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.

We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again.
Renew us.

Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.