Memorial Day prayers are the perfect way to honor the lives that were graciously sacrificed for our freedoms.
Life can be so busy that it’s easy to forget the freedom we experience (and oftentimes take for granted). Memorial Day is the perfect day to slow down and really stop to think why we have the freedom we do.
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” –Franklin D. Roosevelt
It’s because of all the brave men and women who fought and died for our freedom that we’re able to have the busy lives that we have.
- The ability to worship God freely with no worry of persecution
- The ability to make the choices with how our children are educated
- The ability to simply go to the grocery store without fear of being killed
All of that is a direct result of the sacrifices our brave soldiers have made for us. The least we can do is, with a heart of gratitude, pray to thank God for the sacrifices that were made for us – often by strangers!
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Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day for us to pause, remember, and reflect on the sacrifices made to defend our earthly freedoms.
So many many and women in uniform have sacrificed their own lives so that we can have a better life.
There is no higher or greater form of love that one can offer to their family or friends – or even strangers – than to lay down their own life for them.
Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day
Memorial Day is set aside to honor all men and women who have died in U.S. military service.
While many confuse this special day with Veterans Day, they are celebrated for different reasons. Memorial Day was started to honor the fallen soldiers over the course of American history.
In contrast, Veteran’s Day commemorates the service of U.S. military veterans and those currently in service.
Some may argue that we don’t “celebrate” on this day, but the truth is, we should celebrate the life we have because of their sacrifice!
God sent His own son to die in our place. Do we not celebrate that sacrifice? Yes, we most certainly do!
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Memorial Day Prayers
Looking for some ideas on Memorial Day Prayers?
Maybe you’re attending a family picnic, giving a speech on Memorial Day, or just simply want to honor and appreciate those who served.
Whatever the reason, it’s a great day to think about the sacrifices our brave men and women made for Americans’ freedom today.
Memorial Day Prayer of Remembrance of the Fallen
The focus of Memorial Day is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom and our country.
We should always take a moment to remember them and the sacrificial gift they’ve given us. And we should pray to thank God for them!
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV
Dear Lord, As we remember the fallen who sacrificed their comforts, family time, and ultimately, their lives to give us the freedoms we enjoy today. Help us to never forget this selfless act — the service they paid for our free society. There is a time for everything and while we struggle with their time to leave earth, give us comfort and contentment that Your plan is in progress. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Memorial Day Prayer of Thanks (for the sacrifice made)
Brave men and women continually step up to the plate and put their own lives on the line in defense of others.
Unfortunately, many of them do make the ultimate sacrifice. To sacrifice one’s life for another is the ultimate gift anyone can ever give another person!
John 15:3 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
We should thank God every single day for giving us people like this. On Memorial Day, we should definitely say a prayer of thanks for their sacrifice.
Dear Father, We thank you for our amazingly brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the people of this nation. Thank you for people who put others before themselves and, in doing so, emulate the same kind of love that you did when you died on the cross for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Memorial Day Prayer for the Families of Lost Loved Ones
Let’s not forget the families who lost loved ones and may struggle in several areas. The grief and emptiness it causes when losing a parent, spouse, child, family member, or friend can be devastating.
It can affect future decisions and cause fear and worry among families including their left-behind spouses and children.
God can put a hedge of protection around them and provide even more than just their basic needs.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
Please Heavenly Father, bless the families of lost loved ones who are struggling today or in the future. We ask for their protection, and a guiding light to lead them on the right path. Whatever crisis or trials they are going through, remind them of your unfailing love and support. Send someone to comfort and provide them with the support they desperately desire. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Memorial Day Prayer of the Faithful
The families of fallen soldiers can be proud of their sons, daughters, fathers, and mothers. They are called the ‘faithful’, the ones who sacrificed everything for their loved ones and strangers alike.
Praying for the families of the faithful will remind us how grateful we are for their trust in God in His calling to serve their country.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15 NIV
Lord, we are thankful for our veterans who were called according to their purpose. While we may grieve over the loss of a beloved, help us remember that it was their calling. You chose them to be special among the faithful and fearless. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Memorial Day Prayers of Worship
Our Lord is worthy to be praised for giving our military men and women the strength to sign up for the military, to keep moving forward with their commitment, and to stay strong during the battles for the freedoms we believe are so precious to us as a nation.
He said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. “I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and have been saved from my enemies.” 2 Samuel 22:2-4 NIV
Here is an example Memorial Day Prayer of worship that you can use to praise our creator for orchestrating every single event that led us to be the greatest nation in the world!
Dear Father, as we remember, grieve, and honor those who were willing to give up their lives, we praise Your name for giving our fallen the strength to carry on, the will to protect our nation and the conviction to do what’s right. We praise You for the peace you’ve given our nation and thank You for these brave and faithful men and women. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!
While Memorial Day seems to be remembered as the mark of the beginning of the summer, it’s actually SO much more.
It’s an honorable time of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives while fighting for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Let us take this special day to remember these special men and women by saying Memorial Day prayers to honor, thank, and commemorate the families of those who served our country.
If you had a loved one in the military, be proud and excited that they made a huge impact on the lives of all who live in the United States.
Without their military presence and service, America would not be the greatest nation in the world.
Take time out of your day today to praise Him for His goodness, thank Him for His faithful followers, and worship Him for giving us so many sacrificial soldiers.
Be sure to also Pray for Our Military to keep them safe and Pray for Our Nation.
