VETERANS' DAY

Tomorrow, November 11, is VETERANS' DAY

The following was published yesterday by the people at the National Day of Prayer:

Honoring Our Veterans

"Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me." (Psalm 144:1-2)

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our Veterans who have served the United States of America and have protected freedom and liberty around the world. You and your family's sacrifices are innumerable and often unnoticed, but please know it is the NDP heart to pray for you frequently as one of our "seven mountains of influence," therefore encouraging our nation to pray for you, not just on Veterans Day or the National Day of Prayer, but every day, throughout the year.

We often use and relate to military terms to describe the life and service of "Prayer Warriors" as we fight on the frontlines of spiritual warfare. These biblical terms only deepen our gratefulness for those who have chosen to serve in the branches of our military; Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard. You put your lives at risk, serve near and far, often missing special occasions and milestone events in the lives of your family and friends. You study, train and sacrifice physically, mentally, emotionally and often even financially as you willingly work in areas of service that would oftentimes bring a much larger paycheck home in the civilian workplace.

"Thank you" just does not seem to cover the esteem and gratitude due to you, but the truth is you do not serve from selfish ambition or recognition; you serve with a heart to defend freedom and protect your country. Sometimes we forget, but you never do, that you signed up to "serve," not to be served, and not for fame and riches. I pray that we never forget to say, "thank you," and to pray for you and yours.

Veterans Day, Monday November 11th, is a special day of prayer for our military and their families but we shouldn't pray only on Veterans' Day. No. We must continue to pray for them regularly.

We must pray for those who are serving now as well as for our veterans; and we must certainly lift in prayer those who are still suffering from physical or emotional injuries they endured due to their service. Pray that they will put on the full armor of God every day so He can protect them from the onslaught of the enemy.

We must pray that those on active duty will know God's strength as they march, fly or sail into service each day. They serve every day and need our prayers every day.

Let's begin by praying together:

Lord Jesus we ask Your protection and provision for our military personnel. Please guide the decisions being made by our President and the commanding officers as they lead our military. Guard and protect our service members as they guard and defend freedom around the world; as they fight for the weak and defenseless, the hurting and helpless. Give them victory over evil and triumph over the enemy.

Please protect their families at home who miss and pray fervently for them.

Lord, as You created the earth, sky and sea we ask that you give wisdom, protection and favor over every military member training and serving in the earth, sky, and sea. Let them know Your delight in their sacrifice and we pray they would all know You and honor You as their Savior and Lord.

We pray that You are their fortress, their shield, and their refuge.

Serving Him with Gladness,
Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer