A Prayer for Soldiers
By Emma Danzey
Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The life of a soldier is a life of sacrifice. It is dedication and selflessness. It is putting others' lives above one’s own to protect a nation. We see countless soldiers throughout the Bible. Men of God would fight in battles and many times see incredible victories because of the Lord. It is one thing to know that there are soldiers, it is another to know one or be related to one personally. Although war is a result of sin, God does not avoid it. In fact, there is a spiritual war going on. Jesus already won the battle. The Lord knows and personally relates to soldiers. He knows the great sacrifice and lengths that men and women go to in order to protect and serve their people. Jesus Himself modeled laying down His life for the world in a battle against sin and death. God cares about soldiers, He was the best of them, fighting the battle against His adversary, the Devil.
Today’s verse reminds us, that we do not need to be afraid or discouraged because God is with us wherever we go, and we can be strong and courageous because of Him. Soldiers' lives are unpredictable. They might wake up on a base and get called overseas, to sleep in a foreign land that night. They could be in the most dangerous places trying to protect others from harm. They might be separated from family and friends for extended periods of time. However, one thing remains, that Christ never leaves them, He is with them wherever they go and He is with us too.
Let's pray:
Lord God,
I praise you that you are ever-present in times of need. Thank you for never leaving a soldier’s side. I pray for the men and women serving in the military today. Would you minister to their hearts in a special way? Help them to feel seen and loved in their service. In the midst of their physical battles would you remind them that You already have given them eternal victory in you and they do not have to fear death. Help them to know that they are in the palm of your hand.
I pray for soldiers to remember Your words in Joshua 1:9. Remind them to that You have told them to be strong and courageous. When they are tempted to be afraid or discouraged, give them strength to choose Your peace and endurance. When they feel alone and distant from loved ones, speak comfort to them and reveal Your presence to them in a unique way. Bless them with hope. Help them to not lose the joy of hoping for victories in You.
Lord, we pray over their family and friends who equally sacrifice their lives to serve their country. Give them extra strength in knowing that You are constantly there and always able to diminish their fears and help them to regain confidence in You and Your plan. Help them to have community and not be isolated during spouse deployments. Help them to remain faithful and strong in the midst of uncertainty.
“For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11) Thank you that You are protecting the soldiers. We praise you that your angels minister and guard soldiers.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) Thank you that soldiers or anyone else does not have to worry about death because of Jesus. We can be confident that even if current sufferings are great, they will not compare to the glory that will come. I praise you for this everlasting hope and peace in knowing that soldiers are in Your loving hands.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) In this world soldiers and all people will have troubles, but help us to all remember the peace that comes from You because You have overcome the world.
Thank you for soldiers. I am so grateful for their courage and strength to do hard things to protect me and others. Lord, bless them today with a reminder that you are always with them and You are their eternal prize and victory. Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/Bethany Pyle
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Originally published Monday, 30 May 2022.
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