Almighty God, our Father in heaven — 
As we gather on this Memorial Day, we bow our heads and thank you, Lord, for pouring out your great mercy and your amazing grace upon America. We have been blessed, perhaps more than any other nation in the history of world — and we acknowledge Your hand in all of this.

Yet these blessings — of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — have not been received or maintained without a price, a price so often paid by members of our armed forces with their blood and with their lives. We gather this day to remember their sacrifice, to honor their service and to cherish our legacy of freedom.

Lord, may Your grace and peace be with every family that has lost loved ones in the service of our country. May we support them, and stand with them.

Lord protect and preserve each & every American soldier, sailor, marine and airman serving our country at this dangerous hour of world history.

Finally, remind us Lord, that freedom must still be guarded, and that each generation much share in paying its price. May we be sobered and challenged by the words of George Washington (from his first inaugural address): “The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are … deeply, perhaps finally staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the the American people.”

On this Memorial Day, Lord, we humbly ask for Your blessing upon all gathered here, and upon our great country.

This I pray, in Jesus’ name, AMEN.