GREETINGS AMERICANS,
We are Americans. We are Christians. We are Lutherans. We are Children of God. We enjoyed the freedom and the opportunity to vote on November 8 participating in our governing process. Friday, November 11 is Veterans Day. It is not a religious holy day. It is a national holiday. We live with a dual citizenship belonging to God’s kingdom and belonging to this nation.
I invite you to take what we learned from our holy day, All Saints Sunday, a time to remember those who have died and the promise of resurrection and make some connections with this national holiday celebrating our veterans, their service, their sacrifice, their willingness to give of themselves for the larger purposes of this nation. Reflecting on the service and sacrifice of our armed forces may help us to live more fully in this nation putting our gifts and talents to God’s use. Reflect on the things you give yourself to and what you are willing to make sacrifices for.
Sometimes looking at other countries may help us to recognize the beauty of our nation with all of its complexity as we remember and give thanks for those who served and continue to serve in our armed forces. We pray for peace and an end to war while humanity continues to fight and destroy each other, seeking power and control of others and resources. We are grateful for those who are willing to defend and protect us.
We at CTK have supported for many years the missionary work of the Saha Family in Bangladesh through the World Mission Prayer League. This is a Lutheran community in the mission of God, numbering more than 6,000 praying people serving in Kingdom partnership with global workers around the country.
In the November 2022 newsletter for World Mission Prayer League, the first article, “Praying for the Persecuted Church” by Leslie Urie and Anita Jackson lifted up the top 50 countries where it is most difficult to follow Jesus. The United States, Canada and Mexico do not make the list. Afghanistan, North Korea and Somalia are the top three and Bangladesh ranks 29 (opendoorusa.org/world-watch-list).
Paul Gossman, the director of WMPL, article, “Evil Repurposed” reminds us of God’s creative power to turn evil on its head to accomplish God’s purposes. In the section of the actionable prayer items, for Bangladesh the prayers are focused on visas. Changes in government policy have led to several WMPL workers having to leave suddenly. Please hold in prayer the Saha family and the important work they do in Bangladesh with health care for women and Bible study.
Looking beyond our nation might give us a better look at our nation and the freedoms and opportunities we have as we honor and celebrate our veterans on November 11. Following is prayer litany for your use.
A Litany for Veterans
On this day, we remember those who have served in our armed forces
Pause for silent reflection
Prince of Peace, even as we pray
for an end to war,
We give thanks for our soldiers’ courage, for their love of country,
and for their work to bring
peace to our world.
Healer of All, bind up the wounds of all who have served
Show us how to comfort
those who are hurting.
Merciful God, all suffer the cost of war.
We remember widows and widowers, orphans, and all those separated from those they love.
We pray, Gracious God,
that swords will be turned into plowshares and that peace will reign.
We give thanks for all who have served. Shield from danger those who bravely protect us. With them, may we glory not in war, but in your love and righteousness. Strengthen us to be your peacemakers in the world. Amen.
(Adapted from “A Litany for Veterans,” The Rev. Tom Williams Whitefish Bay, Wis. Used with permission and reproducible for one-time congregational use with proper attribution.)
Bold Inquisitive Belief Loving Expansively,
Pastor Connie Spitzack
