Troop Prayer Thread 9 "A CALL TO ARMS!"

[TEXOKIE]

To view previous threads in this series, use these links:

Troop Prayer Thread 8

Troop Prayer Thread 7

Troop Prayer Thread 6

Troop Prayer Thread 5

Troop Prayer Thread 4

Troop Prayer Thread 3

Troop Prayer Thread 2

Troop Prayer Thread 1

For those who wish to pay their respects and honor our Fallen Heroes, please visit this thread:

Names,Stories, and Pictures of Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

STAR SPANGELED BANNER

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

FRANCES SCOTT KEY

AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AND OUR LOVE IS GREAT ENOUGH TO HOLD YOU ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS IN THE LIGHT!

Repost of the Call to Arms Prayer:

BLESSED MERCIFUL FATHER,

We commend to your heart and keeping those who have been taken in war, especially those who recently went down in those helicopter crashes. Surround them with your love and our prayers on their Homeward Journey to your Kingdom. We ask that you will greet them, and tell them for us how grateful we are for their sacrifice, and that we honor them and shall not forget their service. Seal their families and loved ones in your love and our prayers. Seal them in flames of comfort and healing. Help them to adjust and bear this loss and sacrifice of their greatest treasure. Reach into their hearts and directly convey to them that we acknowledge our debt of gratitude which we can never repay. A wise man* has pointed out that we cannot be complacent during a time of war, for someone has died for us this day. We are required to ask and answer the question, "am I worth it?" Dear God in Heaven, guide us and show us how to answer "yes!"

Father, enter now into any and all court martial procedings and let only your divine Will be done. Overshadow the entire military justice system. Intercede especially in the case of Col. West, and most particularly let only your divine plan for this man be allowed to manifest. We bow to your Will, for your Will is indeed Good.

We call forth your Divine Presence over our Supreme Court and all who work with it and present cases before it. Father, we ask that you will take command particularly of this case before them now regarding the Guantanmo Bay prisoners being granted access to the US Court system. Father, we can see that this case will have very important implications and ramifications for how we conduct the War on Terror, so we ask that you will see to it that ONLY your Will in this matter is done. Take particular notice of any and all cases which have any implications affecting our military in any way. We continue to ask that you will overshadow our entire justice system and that you will guide our leaders in the best way to overcome the deadlock we are seeing with judge appointments by our President.

We are distressed, Father, to learn that the Select Committee on Intelligence in our Senate has been compromised by plans outlined in a memo to use classified information for party political gain. Father, guide our Senate leaders into the best and wisest course to follow to safeguard our intelligence and to restore integrity back to that committee which is We the People's instrument for necessary oversight of our intelligence organs. We further ask that any and all compromise of the safety of our troops which may have already occurred be mitigated and neutralized by your Grace.

Shatter all opposition to our system of government, and any and all possible judicial abuse, executive branch abuse, or Congressional/Senate abuse!

Father, you have responded over the past few years to our collective prayers to reveal to those in charge, any plots against our people and cities. We have heard of another round of threats to our large cities during this Islamic month of Ramadan, so we ask that you will please intercede and expose any and all such plots and plotters! Surround our cities and their public servants with walls of your blue lightening and angels of protection from your very own Throne.

Enter now into our media and expose the Truth and Lies. Let our people know what is the Truth about the situation in Afghanistan and Iraq and elsewhere....both good AND bad! Let the Lies and distortions also be exposed and publicized as such so that our people can judge righteous judgement in the decisions before them. Father, we know how a truly free and unbiased press is so very necessary for the preservation of our freedoms. Take command of all media, and let your Word reign!

We pray, dear Father, and our Lord, for your Presence in our lives. Help us to know how to perform the tasks and say the comforting kind word which can make a difference in the lives of those around us. Help us to draw ever closer to you as we learn more and more about you through our attention on you. Help us to be your hands and feet as we move through the world. Help us to serve and find the measure of joy which selfless service gives as its own reward.

Father, and Blessed Redeemer, enfold our family, our friends, our troops and our allies, and all for whom we are responsible in any way in your Light and Peace. As the Thanksgiving, Hanukah, and Christmas Seasons approach, grant us an extraordinary gift of being able to touch the hem of your garment amidst the hustle and bustle and stresses of our lives during this busy time. Help us to be mindful of those who are putting it all on the line to make it possible to even have the hustle and bustle making those stressful demands! We are so grateful that as our President reminded us this last week, you are the author of Freedom, and you care about what happens to Freedom on this planet! Many of us are not on the front lines in this war in our physical bodies, but many of us have pledged to hold vigil on the frontlines of the spiritual warfare which is going on concurrent to the physical battles. Help us to fulfill that pledge and make a difference so that each and every precious young son and daughter will return home to their families safe and victorious.

Take our prayers now, blessed Father and Lord, and multiply and make them perfect and in alignment with your Will. We thank you for hearing us. Help us now to wait in stillness and Peace for your loving reply and instructions for each of us individually as to our special and acceptable offering to lay on your altar for the protection of our troops and nation during this month, November 10 through December 10, 2003, which we deem as your time for a special Call to Arms.

Amen

* "Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way
Help me remember
Somewhere out there
A man died for me today
--As long as there be war
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?"

Taken from the book, "A Man Called Intrepid" by William Stevenson about William Stephenson, the head of British intelligence services prior to and during WWII.

[TEXOKIE]

Welcome to the new thread, Troop Prayer Thread 9 "Call to Arms!"

[SAMWolf]

As our and coalition troops maintain our Freedoms and protect us around the world,

Please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops. Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, prayer is the very best one.

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."



Asking Divine Protection for Those In Service

O God, I beseech You, watch over those exposed to the horror of war, and the spiritual dangers of a soldier’s or sailor’s life.

Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, nor fear ever to practice it. By Your grace, O God, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that being preserved from vice, and serving You faithfully, they may be ready to meet you face to face when they are so called: through Christ our Lord. Amen

Sacred Heart! Inspire them with sorrow for sin, and grant them pardon. Mother of God! Be with them on the battlefield during life and at the hour of death, and grant that they may live and die in the grace of thy Son. Amen. St. Joseph! Pray for them. May their Guardian Angel protect them. Amen.

Special Forces Prayer

Almighty God Who art the Author of Liberty and the Champion of the oppressed hear our prayer. We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom.

Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved. May we ever remember that our nation, whose oath "in God We Trust," expects that we shall requit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men.

Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, and protection by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to thee belongs the victor's crown. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory forever. Amen!

The Marine Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Semper Fidelis

Prayers For Our Soldiers

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the US Navy

O eternal Lord, God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country's Navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A Soldier’s Prayer

Lord Jesus, Mighty Warrior and Prince of Peace, all glory and power is yours. I offer myself and my military career for the welfare of our nation and for your glory.

You said "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"; make us mindful of our nation's heritage and of who we are. You said "Be strong and of good courage", this is my prayer. You said "A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength"; be my protection and my strength. While I defend the nation, may all of Heaven safeguard my family back home.

Almighty God, when you will to safely return me home, help me to see in each member of my family all that I am willing to fight for- life, liberty, freedom and justice. Give me wisdom to share what experiences would lead my sons to Christ-like valor, my daughters to Christian compassion. When Mary witnessed you falling wounded to the ground, she reaffirmed her trust in God her savior. Fill my spouse with surety in your divine plan for me, our family and our nation. You called me to be a soldier. March along side me. Jesus, I place my trust in you. Amen.

Air Force Hymn

Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly,
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair.

You who keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight,
Lord of the tempered winds, be near,
That, having you, they know no fear.

Control their minds with instinct fit
Whene'er adventuring, they quit
Firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand.

Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with your saving grace.
Oh, God, protect the ones who fly
Through lonely ways beneath the sky. Amen.

Coast Guard Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting God, Whose hand stills the tumult of the deep, we offer our prayers for those who serve in our Coast Guard. We are mindful of their traditions of selfless service to the seafarers who make their ways to appointed ports.

Employ their devotions of good ends as they track the weather and search for the seas for those in extremity of storm, shipwreck or battle. Make their soundings and markings sure that safe passages may be found by those who go down to the sea in ships.

Encourage them, O Lord, as they stand guard over our coasts and the bulwarks of our freedoms. Graciously deliver them from threatening calamities in all their perilous voyages. Bless the keepers of the lights and be Thou their close friend in lonely watches. Keep the beacons of honor and duty burning that they may reach the home port with duty well performed, in service to Thee and our land. AMEN.

Night Stalker Prayer

Father of the heavens and the night; Stretch forth Your almighty arms to strengthen and protect us. Even as You gave Saint Michael, Your angelic warrior, power to do spiritual battle in the heavens, so give us power to command the darkened skies.

Guide and direct us in the defense of our country and in the maintenance of justice among the nations. Give us the courage to face all obstacles that might keep us from our time on target. Send Your holy Angels to protect the precious cargo which we carry; the elite Special Operations forces of the United States. Sustain us in the hour of danger with the knowledge of Your mercy and return us safely home.

Watch over our families when we can not. May Your presence give them comfort, and Your love lend them the courage to face each day, confident in the knowledge that You will never leave them nor forsake them. Protect them with Your unfailing mercy and grace. Grant that wherever we serve, we may be loyal to our proud heritage. Make us to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won. May we ever embody the principles upon which the Night Stalkers are founded and serve proudly with the memory of those who have gone before. Give us the courage to fight to win and the faith to die rather than quit. Because, Night Stalkers Don't Quit!

Prayer For Absent Family Members

O God, whose fatherly care reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech you graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body, and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to you, may be bound together by your love in the communion of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[SAMWolf]

GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON, JR.'S PRAYER

Below is the famous "Patton Prayer" and Christmas greeting sent to the men of the Third Army December 8, 1944:

"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish Thy justice among men and nations. Amen."

I figure it still applies to today

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks for posting the official prayers again, SAMWOLF. The Patton Prayer is a wonderful addition!!

[blackie]

Prayer ~ Bump!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Troop Prayer Thread 9 "A CALL TO ARMS!" NEW THREAD PING

TEXOKIE : God Bless You and Thank You

[Texas Termite]

Thanks for the ping Uncle Tonkin!

We echo the above prayers for our troops and their families.

We also hope that they know how much we appreciate all of them for all they do and for the sacrifices they make. God bless them and keep them safe until they are at last home again.

Logan, Beth & Nana

[MEG33]

May God bless our armed forces and keep them safe.May they be enabled to combat the enemy,secure the country from terrorists and prevail in their mission.May those working in the Provisional Authority be blessed and guided in their efforts to reconstruct Iraq and pursue a representative government.May the Iraqis work to pursue a better Iraq.Give us success ,we pray.

[TEXOKIE]

We had a request for prayers from two of our FReepers at the end of Thread 8.

This from Alamo-Girl:

"My great nephew who is in the Army reserve, will be leaving for Iraq on the 17th. We don't know any more at this time. I'd appreciate his name being placed on the pray-for list!"

This from Ragtime Cowgirl:

"Asking Freepers to please say a special prayer for newlywed Cheney Chick as she travels to CA today for additional training before heading to the ME after New Years."


Our Blessed Father God,

We have two of our own going into battle shortly, Alamo-Girl's great nephew and Freeper Cheney Chick.

We lift these young people up to you, Lord God, and request your merciful blessings of protection upon them.

Father, surround Alamo-Girl's great nephew and Cheney Chick with the light of your love woven with our prayers into prayer blankets made especially for them and charged with protection and the armor of Light according to their individual need. We petition you for a team of angels to be with them at all times to guide, guard, direct, and protect them. May these two special young people be granted the grace of extraordinary courage, strength, wisdom, and all which is needful for them to completely fulfill their duties and missions. Keep them safe and bring them home victorious.

Father, we call forth a special blessing upon Cheney Chick, who is a newly wed. Bless her marriage and both of their entire families during this time of upcoming separation. Let them understand how truly grateful we all are for the sacrifice of this young couple.

We call forth a special blessing for and on behalf of Alamo-Girl's great nephew and entire family. Grant them and all waiting families the special grace of extraordinary faith and peace. Assure all our troops' families that YOU are indeed the One In Charge, and Your Will is always good, even if at times we dont understand or immediately appreciate the fruits of your Will. Help all of these families separated by war with physical assistance as needed, and emotional support. In the absence of those things, please send the love of our hearts by your direct touch to them and reassure them and lift them up in dark and difficult times. If there is a small task or devotion which is in our individual power to perform in their behalf, please bring it to our attention. Help us to hear your quiet voice and gentle nudge at our elbow so we may be obediant to your promptings.

We ask for your perfect Will to be done in the lives of these two young people, in the lives of all our troops and allies, and all their families. All which have called forth for these two young troops, we call forth for all. We thank you for hearing our prayers, and we lovingly anticipate watching the unfoldment of your Will and Plan.

amen

[TEXOKIE]

Thank you for the prayer bump, blackie!

[blackie]

Amen!

[TEXOKIE]

Thank you for calling your friends, Tonk! God bless you and yours as well, my friend! Thanks for holding vigil here and over there in the Canteen!

[TEXOKIE]

Amen, MEG33.

Thank you for leading us in prayer.

[Eva]

That is the first time that I have read Patton's prayer, it makes me want to to end with "and Christ is Lord, Indeed." It reminds me of the hymn, that goes, "from victory, onto victory, His army doth he lead, until every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord, indeed."

It's much like the words from the Bush state of the union where he said, "There's power, wonder working power in the... people of this country'. The words were similar to the hymn, "power, power wonder working power in blood of the lamb." I posted about the phrase the night of the STOU, but none of the Freepers caught it, or knew what I was talking about, but the liberal press must of read my post because I keep seeing references to it in their writing.

[TEXOKIE]

We've had some updates which came in after we had our newly updated list ready to go:

From boxerblues:
"Texokie "
"Thank you for asking about my son and for the prayer thread. "
"My son is doing fine a little home sick but his injuries have healed. He hopes to have R&R sometime this month. What a great Christmas present if he could get home in time for the holidays. "

bb



From TruthNTegrity:

"I think it's time for some updates on my prayer requests."

"TruthNtegrity - lurker friend Pat’s nephew Ben (Marines) Kuwait and his mother Tracy.
Ben has been home since mid-October, back at Camp LeJeune. He has been told he might be shipped back in June 2004 - part of the sending in more ground troops. "


"~ TruthNtegrity- younger brother, John (Navy), has been deployed, and his family.
John has returned home and retired from the Navy in a marvelous ceremony in Dam Neck, VA on Oct. 3. Please pray for post-retirement employment.
~TruthNtegrity-Ensign Andy, US Navy - my cousin's son,
pilot LTC Andrew has returned, seen his newborn son and is undergoing some additonal training; He expects to be redeployed as part of the Navy group going back in Summer 204. Marine Keith is still in Iraq. An ironworker - he is helping rebuid schools and hospitals. "

"New prayer request from mystery-ak and TruthNtegrity: for Sgt. Santos in Walter Reed hospital, recovering from wounds suffered when his Chinook was shot down by a SAM on Nov. 2. Also pray for complete healing so he passes his fitness quals. He wants to remain in the Army and return to Iraq. "

"Thanks to all for their prayers. "

"TnT "

[snippy_about_it]

prayerful bump!

[TEXOKIE]

Bumping your post 15, Eva! What great parallels you have noted....and how funny that the liberal press seems to have picked up on your post before our own FReepers!

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks for your prayerful bump, snippy!

[TEXOKIE]

"We also hope that they know how much we appreciate all of them for all they do and for the sacrifices they make. God bless them and keep them safe until they are at last home again. "

Amen and bump.