Today we celebrate Veteran’s Day, in which we honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Scripture tells us, ‘No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’ and today we pay tribute to those who have been willing to risk their lives in the service of their country and their loved ones.

Below is a prayer from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that you can offer in thanksgiving for the brave men and women who fight for our freedom.

Prayer for Troops

For our Commander-In-Chief, President Donald Trump, and our political and military leaders that they may tirelessly seek peaceful settlements to international disputes; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That the Lord may preserve the members of our Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force from all harm; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That even in war, we may keep clearly before us the defense of all human rights, especially the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That the families, relatives and friends of our military members may be strengthened in this time of concern and anxiety; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That the Lord may help families with men and women in the armed forces to cope with daily challenges in the absence of their loved ones; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That our homeland will be preserved from violence and terrorism; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That the nations of the world will seek to work together in harmony and peace; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That the hearts of all men and women will be moved to pursue true peace and justice; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That violence may be overcome by peace; that weapons of destruction be transformed into tools of justice, and hate give way to true charity; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

That grateful for and inspired by those veterans who have given their lives for our country we may bravely face the challenges ahead; we pray to the Lord: Through the darkness, bring us to the light.

Lord God, Almighty Father,
creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever.
Amen.

Additional prayers can be found in the Prayers & Devotions section of the USCCB web site.