Sunday service May 28, 2023

As I offer these words of prayer for Memorial Day, let us invoke the spirit of divine love and human care to bless us and our loved ones, and to bless all who share this earthly home with us.

O Spirit of Life and Love, another Memorial Day is upon us.  On the solemn occasion of this national holiday, we acknowledge and honor the millions of human beings who have perished while serving in the United States Armed Forces over this country’s history.

The sacrifices include those lost in battle or killed in accidents, and those who died after their service had ended because of wartime injuries to the body, mind, or spirit.   The sacrifices include those of other countries (including Afghanistan) who allied themselves to this one. They served the U.S. government and military, and many of them have been killed.

On this holiday, we grieve the losses of all of the lives which might have been lived and the loss of the people they might have grown to be. As we grieve, let us endeavor to practice peace, promote understanding, and end violence.

As we honor those who served this country, today let us remember the people of the country of Ukraine, who continue to suffer under Russia’s military aggression.  We pray for the wellbeing of those risking their lives to resist that brutal invasion.  We extend our compassion as well to the Russian families who are caught up in their government’s cruel machinery of war and lies, the tyranny which is causing the ruination of their country.  We long for peace.  We pray for mercy.  O Spirit of Life and Love, grant us the courage to work for the dignity, liberty, and safety of all God’s children.

As we honor this holiday, let us ask for the courage to embody our deepest values in all areas of our lives.

As we remember the lives lost, give us the grace to appreciate each day we are given to live.

Let us give thanks for every good gift of life and share those gifts with others.  Amen.