A prayer for Memorial Day

Eternal God, from whom all life comes, 
to whom all life returns, 
we remember all who served our country in the military.
We remember and we give thanks.
We give thanks for sacrifices made and losses endured.
We give thanks for acts of courage, grace and hope.
We give thanks for our brothers and sisters 
who gave the full measure of devotion.
We give thanks for those we knew well and those we never met.
For the life, goodness, faith, courage, and love that was in each one, 
we give thanks. 
We pray for our brothers and sisters who are recovering from wounds 
in body, mind, spirit, or soul.
Work healing in them in all the forms that healing takes.
We pray for those who provide care to them.
Show us ways that we can extend care and support.
We pray for families and friends and all who grieve for loved ones 
who have died. 
Meet them in the valley of death's shadow. 
Embrace them in the healing warmth of 
your comfort, grace and love. 
Grant them and all of us the assurance 
that nothing in life or in death 
can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, 
in whose name we pray. 
May the day soon come when swords are beaten into plowshares, war is studied no more, and all peoples and your world will know peace. 
May we work for that day. 
We pray through Jesus Christ. 
Amen.
- Mark Koenig