Prayer for the World November 12, 2025

Veterans Day and True Patriotism

Introduction

Since yesterday was Veterans Day, that is the focus of our prayer today.  Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919.   It commemorated the end of World War I and the signing of the armistice in 1918, a step toward negotiating a peace treaty.   In 1954, at the urging of veterans and others, Congress changed it to Veterans Day in gratitude to all Veterans for their sacrifice and service to the Country.  While honoring veterans, let us not lose sight of the original focus for this day…an end to World War I and a step toward negotiating a peace treaty.

Song: This is My Song  https://youtu.be/eXooDIWVRZs?si=O-S0TwLB82izhJRm

THIS IS MY SONG This is my song, O God of all the nations, A song of peace for lands afar and mine. This is my home, the country where my heart is; Here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine; But other hearts in other lands are beating, With hopes and dreams as true and high as mine. My country's skies are bluer than the ocean, And sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine. But other lands have sunlight too and clover, And skies are everywhere as blue as mine. Oh, hear my song, O God of all the nations, A song of peace for their land and for mine. To the melody of Finlandia *Lyrics by Lloyd Stone

Thoughts for Reflection

Veterans and their families sacrifice personal time, physical and mental well-being, and at times, financial stability to serve the country, whether they were drafted or enlisted on their own.  One of the most significant measures of gratitude we can extend is how we treat Veterans when they return home.  The number of homeless veterans is a very sad commentary on our society’s lack of respect for these men and women who, for whatever reason, do not have the basic necessities of life.  Many bear the kind of scars from war that are most difficult to heal, like PTSD.   And we could ask the question of how far our gratitude and respect extends, when we hear incidents of Veterans who are detained and even deported by ICE. 

One description of patriotism is the willingness to sacrifice to promote the country’s good and the God-given rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” enshrined in our Constitution.  Certainly a person’s willingness to serve in one of the armed services is a high form of patriotism.  Is it not also a sign of patriotism and love of country when one protests threats to these rights here at home, for which men and women have sacrificed their lives. 

Quiet Reflection and Prayer

Some of the most powerful stories of Veterans who have returned from War are those men and women who go to visit the country and the people with whom they were “at war.”  The smiles and the hugs are an indication of the purpose of such visits.  It seems obvious that they want to re-connect on a human level and in an effort to in some way arrive at a level of peace and healing.  

Intercessions

For all veterans, living and deceased, who made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in time of war, we pray.

For the families of veterans who share in their sacrifice through times of separation and at times financial hardship, we pray.

For the people from all Nations who have suffered the ravages of war and for their healing, we pray.

For an end to all wars and greater efforts toward peace, we pray:

For the leaders of Nations, that they may see war as a last resort and always seek first peaceful solutions, we pray: 

God of peace, we pray for those who have served our nation. We pray for those who have fought, whose spirits and bodies are scarred by war, and whose nights are haunted by memories. We pray for those who serve us now, especially those in harm's way. Shield them from danger and bring them home. We pray for strength and peace of mind for all veterans, and we ask that you support them in their infirmity and in the fragility of old age. Teach us to remember their sacrifices and to express our gratitude through our own conduct and by upholding the values they fought to protect. Amen". 

Quiet Reflection and prayer

Patriotism and Faith

The following quote is from Christ in Crisis:  Why We Need to Reclaim Jesus, by Jim Wallis, pp. 15-16.

“I believe two things are now at stake: the soul of the nation and the integrity of faith.  Who we are and want to be and what we truly believe about God and our purposes in the world must be made clear in a time such as this.  Much is at stake in this crisis.  How we answer key questions will determine whether we go deeper and use this opportunity to create a better world or not: Who are we as a nation?  Who do we want to be and become?  What is our identity as Americans?  What is our identity as a people of faith or moral conscience, and how does that relate both to our personal lives and our public posture and participation in the world?  Will what we say we believe compel us to reject other things—behaviors, practices, and policies—that are contrary to our faith and moral values?  These questions can serve as the moral test of what now lies before us.”

From Pope Leo: “The earth will rest, justice will prevail, the poor will rejoice, and peace will return, once we no longer act as predators but as pilgrims. No longer each of us for ourselves but walking alongside one another.  Jun 17, 2025

Quiet Reflection and Prayer

Song:  This is My Song