Memorial Day Prayers

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. (1928 BCP)

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (1979 BCP)

Almighty God, Father of all humankind: We pause on this Day of Memorial to honor the memories of the heroic sons and daughters of our country who rendered their full measure of devotion on all the far-flung battlefields of the world in the defense of these United States. They fought valiantly and courageously in storms of fire and blood so that we, the living, may enjoy the blessings of liberty, democracy and freedom. May the deeds of our fallen heroes be an inspiration to us and to all our fellow Americans. Grant that their supreme sacrifices shall not have been in vain. Let this Memorial Day stimulate us to be mindful of our responsibilities and duties as conscientious citizens of this great Republic. We pray thee, Merciful God, sustain the leaders of the United Nations in their efforts to remove the dark shadow of fear which lurks over the abode of peace-loving people. Help all nations of our 21st century world realize the cruelty of bloodshed and the futility of warfare. Inspire them to labor with all their might to banish conflict and strife and establish world peace. Hasten the fulfillment of the visions of our Prophets when the work of righteousness shall be peace, and its effect, tranquility and security forever; when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Amen. (original by Louis J. Swichkow, 1964)

And a Prayer from the Lutheran Book of Worship, 1970...