7 Inspiring Memorial Day Prayers for Honor and Remembrance

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We are blessed to have a nation of brave men and women who have sacrificed greatly for our country. Our great nation celebrates and commemorates their memory on Memorial Day in honor of their courage and service. 

May these Memorial Day prayers encourage and strengthen those who have lost loved ones, inspire those serving in the military, and pay respect to those who given their all for our freedom. We remember the ultimate sacrifice today and honor the families with appreciation and thanks. 

A Prayer for Memorial Day

Dear God, We thank you for the freedom you have given to us, and for the price that was paid by Christ so that we could live free. We remember today. The cost of it all. The great sacrifice for freedom.

Please be with all those who wear the uniform, who serve our communities and nation every single day. We ask that you provide your protection, that you would be their guiding force who leads the way, and their rear guard who keeps them safe from behind. We ask that you would draw them to yourself amidst the dangers they face in a dark world, for you are the Truth, you are the Way, you are the Light. (by Debbie McDaniel)

A Prayer for Military Families Who Have Lost Loved Ones

O Lord, We weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. Comfort these moms and dads, children and spouses as only You can. You have collected all their tears in a bottle. Help them feel Your strong presence, see Your tender hand all around them and hear Your voice directing them in these dark circumstances. Draw them daily to Your Word to process their pain and grieve with hope. Spur the body of Christ around them to be Your hands and feet and to meet their practical needs. 

Thank you, Lord, that You are the defender of widows and father to the fatherless.  Bind up their wounds and heal their broken hearts. You are good and You do good and we pray that even in their pain they will see Your goodness sustaining them through pain. Restore to them the joy of your salvation and sing over them a new song. Amen. (by Lisa Appelo)

A Prayer of Gratitude for Those Who Serve

O God, we give you praise for these people who have allowed us to serve and worship You in freedom. We do not take for granted that there are millions of Christians around the world afraid of prison or even death because of what they believe. Our veterans are a significant reason why we do not fear and we thank You for them. Amen. (by Sarah Frazer)

A Prayer for Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones in Service

Heavenly Father who sees all of the hurt, comfort the hearts of those who have lost loved ones in the military. It might seem to us “unfair,” but You are the God who ordains our days. Let us remember those families are still grieving today. Remind them of Your love for them. Their loss provides for us a safe place to live and worship You. Keep those families close to Your heart today. Comfort them and let them know we do not forget their loved one’s sacrifice. Amen. (by Sarah Frazer)

A Prayer For Military Families

Bless their families. Bless those they love. Give them your great favor, this day, and every day. 

Help them to walk wisely. To stay covered in your armor. Give them godly discernment. Make them constantly aware of what lurks close by whether on the battlefield or at home. Help them to be men and women of prayer, realizing that this is where their greatest help comes from. Help them to stay united and strong, bold and resolute, determined and unwavering.

For a Strong Nation

Thank you that in our nation today, we are free to worship. We are free to pray. We are free to read your Word.  We are free to speak.  We are free to share. For this, we are incredibly grateful. Yet, we understand how quickly these freedoms can be taken away. Give us an increased awareness of the spiritual battle we’re in. Help us to stand strong in you and for your purposes.

Thank you that as believers, we can be assured, you will never leave us, and are with us always, in this life, and the next.

Thank you for your truth that says, who the Son sets free is free indeed! We know that in you alone, true freedom is found. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen. (by Debbie McDaniel)

A Simple Prayer of Thanks

Father, may I be one who notices a servant today and stops to genuinely thank them. May they sense Your immense love through my simple gesture. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

A Prayer for America's Future

Make us a great nation, yes. But more than that, make us good, Lord, with a heartbeat that wants every person of every creed and color to know Your love, Your goodness, and Your worth. Make us wise as serpents, but gentle as doves. Turn our fears to faith, as we look to You and You alone for the future of our country. Give us God-confidence that no matter what happens, we will believe You are not only in control, but that You know exactly what is needed to accomplish Your purpose. Help us not to second-guess Your moves, but to move at Your command, always without hesitation.

Forgive us for wanting our own way and making our own paths—often the ones paved with least resistance. Forgive us for fence-walking, or for ignoring completely the truths that can so easily set us free. Deliver us from mindless quarrels and destinations that lead us nowhere, but away from You. Free us from divisiveness, and melt our hardened hearts to love, not hate, and to heal, not debate.  (by Rebecca Barlow Jordan)

Bible Verses and Scriptures for Memorial Day 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. – Psalm 29:11

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. – Psalm 33:20-22

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. – Psalm 91:1-3

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.– John 14:27

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. – John 15:13

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. – 1 Corinthians 16:13

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesians 6:11

Read more: Bible Verses for Memorial Day and Scriptures to Honor The Fallen

This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.