A prayer for Memorial Day 2013

I wrote this prayer for use at Memorial Day exercises conducted by the town I live in and so it's phrased to be as inclusive as possible of all who might be present.  On Memorial Day my parish celebrates Mass in our own cemetery where, of course, our prayer will be offered through, with and in Christ the Lord. 

Memorial Day Prayer

In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts,

let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us

is great and gentle, firm and forgiving, holy and healing:

You who created us,

who sustain us,

who call us to live in peace,

hear our prayer this day.

Hear our prayer for all who have died,

whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone…

Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of others
ahead of their own

and give us hearts as generous as theirs…

Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives
in the service of others,

and accept the gift of their sacrifice…

Help us to shape and make a world

where we will lay down the arms of war

and turn our swords into ploughshares
for a harvest of justice and peace…

Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones

and let your healing be the hope in our hearts...

Hear our prayer this day

and in your mercy answer us

in the name of all that is holy.

Amen.

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