Veterans Day is observed in this country on November 11. It is the day that we honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
We have a prayer for the occasion, reminding us that whoever we are, wherever we are, we are under God’s care and keeping. I like that word, “keeping.” In the spiritual sense, keeping conjures up images of being held. Being held is not a one time, quick thing. Like holding a baby, like keeping a promise, it’s something that is intentional – something that is enduring and done in love. I can only imagine what those in our military services go through. I hope they know that God is keeping them . . . and that we are holding them up in one of the only ways that we can . . . with prayer.
Here’s the prayer that we offer for Veteran’s Day (BCP, p. 823)
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all those who currently serve in the armed forces and those who have served in times past. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
You may recall that in the narthex (lobby) of our church were two memorial plaques honoring those from St. Paul’s who lost their lives during service in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. They were taken down during the renovation, and the Vestry is following up on the plans to reinstall them. I am sure that the individuals on those memorials relied on the God that they came to know and love through worshipping at St. Paul’s. I’m confident that the St. Paul’s community provided support and encouragement during those frightening times. I am confident, also, that the prayers that spilled forth from this community allowed them to feel deeply held and remembered . . . what a blessing.
When we can regather again for worship in the church, I hope you’ll take a moment to take in their names, give thanks for their service, and pray for peace.
Peace,
Charlie+
Rector