O Creator of the universe, You did not form Adam from the dust of the world so that His children would spill their brothers’ blood in that dust. With Adam’s sin came death, destruction, and war. Yet You did not turn from Your fallen creation but embraced it in the flesh of Your incarnate Son, winning our peace with You through His death and resurrection. Still, humanity rebels, and evil flourishes with wars and rumors of war. Young men and women today protect our nation in the profession of arms, even now serving in places of danger, to shield us from the manifested evil of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and other wicked instruments of Satan’s hatred. I pray, dear Lord of peace, that you would protect those who wear the uniforms of my country and serve with courage, honor, and commitment. Comfort and strengthen our sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and coast guardsmen. Be with their loved ones who must wait at home while they go to far and distant lands, answering the call of duty. Bless the faithful ministry of chaplains who go with them to proclaim Your Gospel and administer Your sacraments on ships and in foxholes. Guide the leaders of this world that they may seek to walk in peace so that the skills of warriors may not be used except to deter those who would seek to harm us. I ask this in the name of the Prince of Peace, the only Savior of the world, Jeasus the Christ, Amen.
