:: In.a.Mirror.Dimly ::

I am a citizen of the Kingdom of God and a disciple of Jesus before anything else. As such, I am compelled to remember the soldiers of all sides and the victims of all wars. To this end…

I pray that one day war will become extinct, that our soldiers will only be used to maintain peace and stability in the world, and that no veteran will ever suffer from post traumatic stress disorder or return home with injuries that receive inadequate treatment.

I pray that we will find ways to build up nations around the world who would otherwise become our enemies and that no civilians will ever again be caught in the cross-fire of bullets or fall victim to a rain of bombs.

I pray that veterans and active duty soldiers will heal mentally and physically and that their families will be protected.

I pray that our conflicts overseas will soon be peacefully resolved and that our soldiers can return home safely to their families.

I pray that all of the disciples of Jesus will meditate on what it means to love their enemies and will follow God’s lead no matter what the consequences may be.

I pray that soldiers of past conflicts will never be vilified unjustly, nor the conflicts glorified unrealistically.

I pray for God’s forgiveness for the unjust actions our nation has taken and the suffering we have brought to others.

I pray for soldiers who daily face difficult, life-changing decisions and require God’s wisdom.

I pray that our government will give up on war as a means to any end, that our soldiers will be spared from future conflict and suffering, and that we would reach peaceful resolutions with our enemies.

I pray that above all else, that the Good News of Jesus as Lord will trump any political, national, or personal goals. I ask that his Kingdom will come into our lives and that we will live as its ambassadors.