Troop Prayer Thread 6

We have been gathering here in order to unite our forces to weave a tapestry of protection by God's grace over our troops who have been and are in harm's way. We operate under the theory that if the prayers of a righteous man availeth much, then the prayers of a single-minded group can avail even more!

We pray not only for our troops in harm's way, but also for our leaders, our nation, and our people, as well as our allies, and any situation or circumstance which can have an effect on any of those things.

We are listing here members of the active armed services known to us for whom we want to pray. We continue to hold vigil for those who are still in harm's way. Because stable government in Iraq and Afghanistan is a condition which reduces the risk of attack on our nation and her allies, and it thereby reduces the risk to our troops, we will also be holding vigil on this thread for the Victory War. In other words, we will be praying that the Victory won with the blood and sacrifice of our precious troops will not be lost by diplomatic or unwise negotiations. At all times we will be praying for only God's Will and Plan to be made manifest in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East region, and throughout the world.

If you would like to submit someone for our list, you are welcome to do so at any time. Post their name or pseudonym here on the thread or freepmail amom or myself. If we have made any errors, OR IF THE STATUS OF YOUR TROOPER HAS CHANGED please let us know so that we may correct the list. When your trooper returns home, let us know so that we may rejoice with you! We will be making periodic updates. If you want to be added or removed from the ping list please let amom or me know by freepmail.

We invite everyone, active Freepers and Lurkers alike to join our circle in prayer for these fine men and women who have volunteered to place their lives on the line for the defense of our nation and for the liberation of the oppressed peoples of other nations. To them we send our greatest respect and gratitude. We send them our prayers and good thoughts. We ask for God's blessing upon them and their families.

For those of us who have somewhat limited computer capacity, we request that graphics be limited to pictures of loved ones for whom we are offering prayers, special visuals that seem particularly appropriate, and as much as possible, non-moving graphics. Thank you.

We are grateful to God that for those who have been injured or taken back Home, He has dispatched angels to their care.

~Chong-Commander-In-Chief, President Bush, and his family.
~amom- Our leaders, our fallen, our missing and the innocent.
~FrogMom- son-in-law SSG Mike in Kuwait husband and father of two adorable children
~FrogMom-Joseph Hudson, and other POWs home safe.
~EuroFrog-SSGMike, SSG Kris
~FrogFish-cousin SPC Chad of the 3rd Infantry in Kuwait.
~maranatha-son Mitchell, USAF air refueling wing in Oman
~SAMWolf-Freeper BKWells, and Freeper Radix's son
~Tarheel-Capt. Eric US Army
~Tiki-Anton Peterson, Steve McKinley, Tim McKinley, Cory Simmons
~prairiebreeze-Marine Corpl. Nick, Navy seaman Brad
~LBGA- son Tyler, special ops, home safe, tired but in good health.
~HiJinx SPC Anna, BlackHawk Crew Chief has come home safe and sound and her husband is due home shortly. PVT Tom B., cannon crewman. Tom is on his way over now after being here for the birth of his son.
~Mr. Silverback-Corpsman Michael in Japan, Specialists John Colin Army near DMZ in Korea, Pudgeless and his unit the 333rd Mps of the Ill National Guard. County Board member Hadley in training at Bragg.
~JohnDoe#1-son Sergeant First Class Terry in Kuwait
~h8klintoon-Maj. William Glover, Sgt. Ellis Caudle
~fatima- Adam-spec ops, granddaughter Karen Army in Bagdad, Jim USN USS Constellation, freepers Daughter in law Patty Air Force.
~Shezza-darling husband Scott (Freeper Giles Corey) US Army
~amom-Defender2, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
~Lando Lincoln-Seth Crawford USAF
~68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-the Men and Women at the Coos Bay Coast Guard Station. Along with active duty Coast Guard FReeper CWO Jackson.
~My back yard-brother's youngest son Bryce Owen USNavy sailed right after Christmas
~RedWhiteBlue-nephew LCpl. Brian Kaul, USMC in Kuwait
~WLansberry-1st Lt. George Lansberry USAF
~doug from upland-PO2 Josh, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT
~OhioWfan- Son PFC Eric, Army Reserves, activated in Bagdad , son's unit buddy, Sean
~Heylady-Son Lt. Gregory Worden, 1ST CAV
~amom-Freeper Mike, WUSAF, Air National Guard
~GatorGirl -Husband "LT Gator"- USNR, Brother in Law-Jason-USNR, Cousin Rich-USNR, Friend Tom-USNR, Friend Alex-USAFR
~amom-Major Sellers, USMC in the ME. Son Dillion and mom Betsy. 4 mo old ...DADDY'S HOME!!! as of 5/24/03. Mom Sally and Dillon are doing fine. Dillion just had heart transplant.
~buffyt- Son in LawRobby Ellis Boswell USN
~WellsFargo94- CPT Bill, CPT Dan, MAJ John, CPT Tom, SGT Brian, CPT Dave, LTC Jim, Chaplain Dave, COL N, COL L, COL S, General Franks, LTC Pat, Dr. W
~GoRepGo-Husband Willie, Navy Corpsman, Ist MEU somewhere in the sandbox.
~amom-FReeper bkwells (Deployed on USS TARAWA (LHA-1)) from the Canteen.
~ProudArmyWife-Sgt. Roney 4th Infantry Divison (hubby)
~exhausted momma-Nephew, Matt Morgan, Navy
~Severa- husband (FR screen name Hostel), USN Submariner, brother Wes, USAF Little Rock AFB, friend Tosca, USN Corpsman, USNS Comfort, husband's cousin David, US Army, Fort Gordon, GA
~ stand4something- husband Mike AND son Scott, (both Air National Guard) deployed to the Mid-East)

~ JulieRNR21- a friend's grandson, Wesley in the USAF
~ LKR59-Timmy (Army) in Kuwait, John (Army) in Afghanistan, and Karen (Army) in Saudi Arabia
~Joy Angela-cousin Steve Jr. early 20s with a 6 year old son
~FReeper Proud Legions
~FReeper Hostel, USN Active Duty Submariner
~ OhioWfan -son Eric
~ mystery-ak -husband Mike and their son Jonathan both deployed
~ Gogranny - grandson
~ Inspectorette -son Eric
~ Slip18- nephew is aboard ship - active duty USN
~ anniegetyourgun - nephew Josh
~ Himyar - son Robert
~ homeschool mama- nephew Michael is in the Navy
~ CyberAnt- nephew Jody
~ milagro- son is deployed in the Mid-East
~ BlessedAmerican- nephew David Marine returned to San Diego 7 May 03.
~ Jewels1091 -friends of daughter, Ross (101st airborne), deployed to Mid-East, Chris (Navy) heading for Mid-East, cousin, Phil, serving in the US Navy
~ TruthNtegrity - lurker friend Pat's nephew Ben (Marines) Kuwait and his mother Tracy.
~ TruthNtegrity- younger brother, John (Navy), has been deployed, and his family.
~TruthNtegrity-Ensign Andy, US Navy - my cousin's son, pilot LTC Andrew deployed, Marine Keith.
~ Hoosiermama- Brad who has been deployed, His brother Jeff who has just enlisted. Shanty & Josh (husband & wife just deployed separately), Bill and Bill (both military academy grads), (when you teach, they're all your kids) Brad from Maigrey, Sgt. C. Cole
~notpoliticallycorewrecked- husband soon to be deployed
~notpoliticallycorewrecked- military email buddies
~ Wneighbor -son-in-law Thomas deployed, and his pregnant wife and mother of 3.
~ zlala -brother is deploying to the Mid-East
~ tamikamaria- cousin Annette (Navy) stationed on an aircraft carrier, .best friend's brother is in the Army, sister is in the Navy
~ Radix -son is deployed
~ Pippin - niece in the Air Force, nephew in the Army stationed in the Far East
~ WomanofStandard -a dear friend has three sons in the military ...Dustin (Army) - Mid-East-Troy (Air Force) - Italy, Tyler (Army) - just returned from Afghanistan and currently at Ft. Bragg, NC
~ baseball mom - friend's nephew, Thomas (Navy), just deployed
~ a special Freeper -brother is an Army Chaplain
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator -friend's son Danny (Army), just deployed
~ ivoteright - hubby (Air Force) has been deployed, he is also b-i-l to I'm ALL Right!
~ kemathen7 -boyfriend, John (AirForce)
~ GretchenEE -son of dear friends, Silas (Army), deployed to Mid-East
~bentfeather- Long Cut, Ms Cut, Mini Cut
~Warriormom -3 CIA agents whose plane crashed and may have been kidnapped in Colombia, dear friend Greg, deployed to Mid-East
~ Freeper Per-Ling active duty in the Navy has a wife and 2-year-old
~ leenie312 son Nicholas is in the Marines
~ rentense-friend's brother, Brian Z.
~ AF_Blue -active-duty AF, and family
~southern grit- coworker and dear friend SFC Sarah Augustine Kuwait
~Antijen-Jason Bontrager USN, Justin Lapp USN, Jack Snowden USN
~Antijen- friend Mark
~Jim O-L Cpl Travis Groce & Wife L Cpl Brandy Groce in Kuwait
~Snippy_about_it- Brian Wells (bkwells)and crew deployed on USS Tarawa, also his family back here at home, FReeper KKING (Tim is a contractor working in Kuwait in support our troops) , 2LT Radix Jr, Army-deployed (son of Freeper Radix), Freeper M1911A1 MSgt of Marines and his wife,freeper M0sby, Freeper Mojo2001's husband Navy-deployed, SPCKarl Gray Army-deployed(son of freeper beallyoucanbe)
~Blue Scourge- Sgt. Daniel Mayzik 3rd Armor Div.
~seams2me-Cody Buhler USN, David Blassingame USMC, Trey US Army, Darby Bishop US Army 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-Long Cut (USN) and Mrs. Cut, SK1 Thurman (USN) and her sister Trish (USMC)
~Maigrey-cousin C.C.
~Condi2008- Friend J.D.
~tamikamaria- cousin Annette, best friend's brother and sister
~lizbet-cousin's son Marc
~jtill- friend P.A. and family
~steams tome-adopted servicemen Trey, David, Cody and Darby and their families.
~CENTVRIO EQVITVM and his loved ones
~Reagan's Mom's brother -in-law Dave
~Judith Anne's friend Deana's son
~Judith Anne's daughter-in-law's two brothers
~AFPhys
~AFPhys' friend C.M.
~olliemb's two young patients now serving
~Patsor Mike's brother Tom and friend Kevin
~Char and Dale's son Dean
~Cindy's stepson Adam
~Jim and Terri's son Matt
~Joy's son Michael
~Kay and Don's son-in-law Stephan
~Jan's nephew Michael
~patriciaruth's cousin Ed
~Marvin and Carolyn's sons Alan and Andrew
~TigerCap's coworker Kevin
~JimRob-Two Nephews
~MozartLover-nephew
~G'nad-active duty
~Trish-active duty
~deadhead-cousin
~Armymarinemom-three sons
~WaterDragon-Son-in-law, grandson
~Maigrey-cousin
~ladtx-two sons
~Mama_Bear-nephew
~SKI Thurman-active duty
~David Osborne-active duty
~Boxerblues'-two sons and SGT Erik with the 101st somewhere in the desert.
~the piper-son
~sheeza-husband
~Diver Dave-niece
~weldgophardline-brother-in-law
~Future Snake Eater-cousin
~Warrior Nurse-active duty
~SpookBrat-nephew
~Consort-2 daughters
~big easy-a friend whose husband is a major(air ranger, delta force) would like our prayers.
~amom-FReeper fc2tomschermuly who says " God willing, we'll all come home safe and sound."
~ladyinred-Eric Ludwick and Scott Ludwick brothers and both deployed. Sons of a lifelong friend. They have a sister, Pamela who is also enlisted Army recently.
~bell-Sgt. Jason Beach, Joshua George USMC , Daniel Bristow USMC
~maranatha-General Franks and Don Rumsfeld
~NRA2BFree-Major Peter Horn US Special Forces, LCPL Jonathan Marquez USMC, CPL Antonio Martin USMC
~GilesB-namesake Pfc Gyles, stationed in South Korea,
~armymarinemom-Spc. Brad-Army in Kuwait and active duty. Pfc Stuart-Army and Sgt. Graham-USMC.
~BeforeISleep-my son-Marines
~.30Carbine-Jim Ferry, Vermont Army National Guard, Chemical Weapons Defense Specialits/Trainer and his wife and 2 small children.
~AppyPappy-two adopted Marines from the next county who are in Kuwait.
~Lando Lincoln-remembering the gallant UK and Aussie troops who are at our side.
~condi2008-our friends, Jimmy, Brian, Jon, Dustin and their families.
~Chong-Chris Kollhoff, nephew-to-be who is shipping out tonight for Iraq.
~Textide- Please pray for Wes, my cousin, a Marine Captain now home from Kuwait.
~TEXOKIE- Niece, active army nurse still stateside. Niece's hubby, army, deployed to Afghanistan (returned home), Niece's brother-in-law, active army, deployment status unknown at this time
~Dubya-Royal Marine commandos
~twstearman-80+ crew of this itty, bitty ship I'm on. USS Devastator (MCM 6) home ported in Texas, is a mine countermeasures ship (i.e., mine sweeper), been deployed since early January, and we have no idea when we're going home. We all know now it's time to go to work.
~Dutchgirl - Norman Hamm USAFR and his mom and family. Hamms are old AF brat buddies, all grown up.
~BeAllYouCanBe-My son Karl, a National Guard infantryman and part of 293 Infantry Regiment. He is 26 has a wife and 18 month old daughter and lived in San Jose CA before last November when he was called up.
~Peach-my stepson - Steven Seaha, Master Sgt., Air National Guard, Jordan.
~Jaded- Matthew K. in the Navy
~Wild Irish Rogue- my brother,John-Special Forces, Airborne-deployed Mid East.
~Southflanknorthpawsis- my son-in-law, USMC Staff Sergeant, Dan; currrently in Kuwait.
~OhioWfan-Aaron, son of one of my students who is a Marine and has been stationed on the Iraqi border. Andy, the boyfriend of another of my students, involved in Psy Ops.
~weldgophardline-Merle ,in the Air Force Brother in law of weldgophardline. All the troops.
~NYCop-SSgt. Rojas, currently deployed in Kuwait and awaiting Iraqi POW's, he's a co-worker and friend
~KineticKitty-Master Seargent Jenkins, SSG John Burton , SPC Paul Dobiesz , SGT Freeman, SFC Lewis, LT Nelson, LT Ortez, SGT Call, SGT Rogers, PVT Potao, SPC Morgan, PVT Surface, Master Seargent Wiley, Lt Col. McNeely, CPT Love, CPT Vaught, SSG Fortney. Most of these soldiers are in various Units with the 4th Infantry Division these are friends of mine and my husband mostly from the Ft. Hood area.
~HiJinx-those who have chosen to take up arms against tyranny, keep them safe, help them to accomplish their objectives, bring them home to their loved ones
~NotJustAnotherPrettyFace-my nephew - paratrooper with the US Army
~glory-nephew Adam, is working patriot missiles in the Army. Hubby's best buddy, Eric, who is in a refueling unit for the Air Force.
~DAVEY CROCKETT-Steve Countryman US Airforce, Josh Ray US Marines, Brad Newman US Navy, Tex (my son buddy) US Navy
~baseballmom - asking for prayers for freeper Mystix, USMC
~Mrs.Liberty-nephew Sgt Charles Mapa, Jr. USAF C17-Crew chief.
~2ndIDVet- J.B. and B.G.
~jwalsh07-1st LT Brian Helsin Iraq, Ist LT Alex D'Amico Marines
~free kitty-close friend Barbara who just went in the Army.
~The Right Stuff- my penpal, Sadie from the USS Boxer.
~sakka- email friend, Rick, Navy USS Constellation and all the others on his ship.
~baseballmom-my brother's brother-in-law, Chris, USAF, Blackhawk Pilot-Iraq. "Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly,..."
~mountaineer-a friend's sone, Sgt Andrew J with the 101st Airborne in Iraq, and another friend's son, Stephen M with the USAF somewhere in the Kuwait area.
~UncleHambone-Jeff M and Steven L of the 3rd Marines.
~Valin-waitress at my favorite greasy spoon's nephew is over there. Marine Cpl Mark Arnold .
~amom- co worker's boyfriend Cpl Pablo Gabriel Alarcon USMC Kuwait
~snickers via homeschool mama- Alexis Lankford, HHC 1-63 Armor 173rd Ariborne Brigade, older daughter in Kuwait Heather (Lankford) Ballone 124th Transportation Co, my son Clayton Lankford 2-118th Infantry.
~pollywog- grand-nephew SPC Jonathan Cook from Eagle Idaho in Kuwait (probably in Iraq by now). He will be 21 on April 7th.
~TEXOKIE-SGT Elsa, USA, on the front lines in Iraq receiving prisoners of war as they surrender; her brother CPT Mark, USA, at FT Benning, GA; her boyfriend, CPT Nat, USA, 1st Cav at Ft. Hood, TX and her cousin SP Miranda waiting for deployment at Ft. Sill, OK.
~SAMWolf- Karl, BeAllYouCanBe's son, entered Iraq on Tuesday (25 Mar 03) Infantryman National Guard in support of the 101ST Airborne Division.
~Xenalyte-Daniel Osborne, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1-43rd out of Ft. Riley, Kansas friend of a friend. Danny Oz, special ops, son of a friend and colleague.
~judicial meanz- the men and women of the 29th ID, and the Virginia Guard all over the world.
~dandelion-PFC Valentine Leyva, 3rd Battalion, 1st Division in the Marines. He is a friend of my daughter
~Smocker-my TWO brothers now both safely stateside.
~repubmom-Wendy's son Chris, a marine on the front lines. A prayer for Wendy too who is home with two daughters and shouldering this by herself.
~TEXOKIE-Matt S. Army
~Hamilton2-Jeffrey Ron Davis and his wife Megan
~Dubya -Mary and Freddy Medellin parents of Cpl. Jesus Martin "Marty" Antonio Medellin Fort Worth's first casualty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
~beachn4fun-CW2 Dan Alexander stationed in Kuwait and PFC.Kenneth Lewis Marshall USMC
~Phyllis-my "adopted" soldier PFC Edward, Operation Enduring Freedom, U.S. Army.

There are no American military personnel listed as missing during Operation Iraqi Freedom as of 6:30 p.m. EDT Monday.

Many thanks to amom for updating the troops list.

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 of Fallen Heroes

Beloved Heavenly Father,

This is the Memorial Day weekend celebration. Father, we are so very mindful about the precious hearts who have recently given their lives for the freedom and protection of our nation. We are very mindful that it is the time to specially hold in our hearts the sacrifice which men and women throughout our history have given. We individually may not know each and every single name of the Ones who have fallen, but each and every single one is precious to us and we know that you not only know their names, but you know their hearts. Father, please, we ask that you will grant a special blessing to each and every one of them wherever they are in your universe. Thank each and every single one for us for the immense gift they have given to us individually and as a nation. We ask this not only for the Fallen Heroes of our own nation, but also for those who have ever given their lives in the holy cause of Freedom on this earth. Bless, Father, the families of those who yet mourn a Fallen Hero.

While we have seen with gratitude, the return of our POWs and the accounting of those who have been listed as MIA in the recent conflict, we are aware that there are yet MIAs remaining from previous conflicts. We are aware that there are even those who are working to protect us who do not wear uniforms. Father, we ask that you will bless all Fallen Heroes and all who serve in our intelligence services and agencies. We are particularly mindful of the 3 agents in Columbia who are MIA. Father, we are asking, united in our prayers, and confident with great hope, that you will protect and care for and bring home those who are missing and yet alive. Give information to those who are searching for answers, and guide and protect any rescue missions. For those whom you have seen fit to call Home, we ask that you will bless them and their families. Grant the families the relief and comfort of a full accounting of their loved ones.

Father, some of us here in our prayer circle have seen the horrors of war. They have experienced the bullets and shrapnel flying. They have seen buddies fall. They have felt the hurry-up-and-wait tedium of war. For these who are our veterans throughout this nation, we ask that you, Father, will place a huge package of our gratitude and your blessing upon their heads. Heal any and all scars and open wounds caused by the Hell of war. Let these who have come home know of a certainty that their service IS appreciated, howbeit in some cases belatedly.

Father, we who have been spared from being on the battlefield kneel before you in humble gratitude for all of our heroes who have fought and held watch to defend our cocoon of peace and freedom. Please take our gratitude and grant the active military and our veterans and their families a very special blessing during the festivities of the weekend. Bless the boyscouts who are decorating the graves of the Fallen with flags. Grant this nation the blessing of being able to maintain the memory and cognizance of the importance of our military and the profound gift which each one who serves honorably has bestowed on us. As long as we can remember where our freedom comes from, we have a chance of holding on to it. Father, bless these who have given all to defend our Constitution and the Rule of Law which preserves the freedoms which you bestow as our natural birthright.

We have seen in recent days, Father, the waves of returning servicemen from overseas. We rejoice in the stories of those such as Major Sellers, who today has returned to see his baby Dillon who had heart surgery while he was serving overseas. We rejoice that you have seen fit to answer the many prayers which have been given on the Sellers' behalf, and that Dillon and his mother are doing well and now reunited with the Major. We rejoice at the safe return of each and every one of our men and women.

Father, we have been experiencing terror alerts over the past several days. We are mindful of the extra efforts our military, intelligence, police, firemen, healthcare professionals and all public servants, are exerting at this time. We are grateful for their service. Please grant that all plans for mischief will be revealed in a timely manner to those who can put a stop to the injury which evil ones are seeking to inflict. We are mindful that agents and troops and interests not only at home but abroad are targeted. Please, Father, intercede and protect our nation, her people, her interests, and her allies in this hour and in the days to come. Father, help our leaders and those in decision-making roles win the Peace! Bind all attempts to compromise the sorely won Victory! We CLAIM that Victory, and we demand, according to thy will, that ONLY your will shall be done in Iraq, Afghanistan, the entire Middle East and throughout the earth!

We invoke your mercy and forgiveness for our shortcomings, and as your children, we are grateful for the infinite care and love you have for each of us. We ask that our prayer be adjusted in accordance with your own perfection and that you will multiply our prayers as much as your Great Law will allow. We thank you and praise you, our God, our own Father, for the miracles which we know we can expect to see. To you is the Glory and Honor. To you we give our hearts.

Amen

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.

I thought I'd share this update on baby Dillion Sellers and family.

Marine in Calif. rejoins infant son who had heart transplant
ASSOCIATED PRESS 10:09 a.m., May 24, 2003

SAN DIEGO – When Marine Maj. Hal Sellers left for the war in Iraq, there were no guarantees that he would come home, or that his infant son Dillon would be there if he did.

The boy was born with an inoperable heart defect and needed a transplant to survive. His father left him with a prayer.

"I told him 'Hey, I love you' and that I wanted him to be here when I came back," Sellers recalled.

Dillon did what he was told. Sellers recently returned to Twentynine Palms and found the boy, now 7 months old, recovering from his March 12 surgery.

"I told him he's a good boy. He did what I asked him," Sellers said. "He's still here."

Sellers, 37, is second-in-command of the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion based in Twentynine Palms. The 13-year Marine chose to deploy with his troops about three months ago rather than accept a desk assignment that would have kept him close to his wife and baby as they waited and hoped for a heart to become available.

The decision attracted national media attention as well as some criticism. But with Dillon crying in the background, Sellers said Friday he had no regrets.

"I knew there wasn't anything I could personally do for Dillon," he said. "In my own mind, there were things I felt I could do for my fellow Marines. I certainly understand that people may have differing opinions. But I had to make the decision for myself."

While his choice was difficult, he points out that many men and women deployed and missed births, deaths and other important moments with their families.

"Everybody makes sacrifices. But you understand that when you join up," Sellers said. "Fortunately, everything worked out for the better."

Doctors said Dillon would have died without the transplant. Now, he is recovering from the procedure performed at Loma Linda University Medical Center and shows no signs of organ rejection or infection. He and his mother, Betsy Sellers, are staying in an apartment in Loma Linda so he can be close to the hospital in case of an emergency.

During Sellers' deployment, Dillon grew from 9 pounds to 17. He can now roll himself over and lift his head. He's also making cooing sounds that were impossible before his dad's deployment because of the constant need to use a respirator.

The child's time in the hospital has slowed his development slightly. But physical therapy sessions scheduled to begin soon should help that, Sellers said.
Everyday, the Sellers say a prayer for the parents of the child whose heart gave Dillon a second chance. They have not learned the identity of the child or the parents.
"We're incredibly grateful they made the decision they did, that something positive came out of their tragedy," Hal Sellers said.

The couple has two older sons, Alex, 8, and Erik, 6, who are happy to have their dad home and encouraged by the recovery of their baby brother.

Doctors will evaluate Dillon's progress in the coming week. If everything is going well, he could go home in early June.

Said Hal Sellers: "That would be a great Father's Day present."

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/military/20030524-1009-ca-afathersduty.html

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