Wednesday Prayer: Honoring Veterans

Father, today I honor those who served in the military—who left families, risked death, endured trauma, and carried wounds for causes they believed were just. Thank you for their sacrifice, their courage, their willingness to put others' welfare above their own safety.

I confess my ambivalence. I want to honor service while acknowledging war's horror. I want to thank veterans while questioning whether specific wars were necessary. Help me hold both—respect for warriors alongside critique of warfare.

Many veterans still suffer from service—PTSD, addiction, homelessness, suicide. Don't let my gratitude be merely words. Show me how to support veterans practically—through advocacy, employment, friendship, care. They gave much. We owe much.

You are the Prince of Peace. One day you'll establish peace permanently—swords into plowshares, nations learning war no more. Until then, help me honor those who served, care for those who suffer, and work for justice that makes war unnecessary. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.