A Soldier's Prayer

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.  An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2: 1-5

A Soldier’s Prayer

I am here Lord

far from home

called by grace

by duty

standing with my brothers

against an enemy I do not know

who does not know me

I don’t always understand the reasons for being here

for the madness that surrounds me

the terror, the loss, the twisted nature of what war is

I have witnessed horrors no one should see,

done things that are unholy, but necessary

I have watched terrified children

become hardened soldiers

yet I believe in what I am doing

without someone to defend them

these people would perish

at the hands of zealots

men who believe that they are god

or speak for god

punish as they believe god would punish

with cruelty and violence

without mercy or equity

without regard for truth

it is our task as soldiers to protect these innocents

to give them a choice

other than death or insanity

to help to make them whole

to keep them safe

it is a soldier’s misfortune

to share in their suffering

they have lost family

we have lost brothers

all have lost their innocence

oh, Lord,

grant me empathy

for those who suffer

and compassion

for the victims of war

please give me the wisdom

to recognize my enemy

and to act justly toward him

to quell the anger in me for my loss

help me to remember

that the rules of war

are the path to lasting peace

finally,

grant me the forgiveness

that brings a peaceful heart

a quiet mind

and a soul

filled with Your grace

Amen