Prayers for those who lost their lives in defense of this Nation and on 9.11

FOR ALL IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving this country, that they, being armed with thy defense, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FOR OUR ARMED FORCES Heavenly Father, we commend to thy gracious care and keeping all the men and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with thy heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils that beset them; and help them to know that none can pluck out of thy hand those who put their trust in thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O Eternal God, we commend to thy fatherly care all those who are enlisted in the Armed Forces. In time of preparation grant that discipline and training may fit them worthily to serve our country, and in the day of strife guide and sustain them in upholding the cause of justice and freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR THOSE WHO MOURN Almighty God, who didst offer thy only Son to be made perfect through suffering, and to win our salvation by enduring the cross; sustain with thy healing power all those whose loved ones have given their lives in the service of our country. Redeem, we pray thee, the pain of their bereavement, that knowing their loss to be the price of our freedom, they may remember the gratitude of the nation for which they gave so costly a sacrifice. And grant, O Lord, that these dead shall not have died in vain, and that out of the distress of this present age there may arise a new and better world in which thy will shall rule, to the honor of thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. FOR OUR ENEMIES O Saviour of the world, our Redeemer, whose love embraces all mankind, we hear thy prayer from the Cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Forgive, O Lord, those who have poured out the innocent blood and caused suffering in the world. May our prayers be for them a ministry of reconciliation. We ask it in thine own Name. Amen.