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Pocket Prayers for Military Life

40 Simple Prayers that Bring Faith and Courage

Thomas Nelson

Prayers for Home and Family

1

May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent one from another. Genesis 31:49

Father in heaven, your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are so much higher than ours. Your wisdom is beyond anyone's understanding.

The military life is not easy. The time away from my family and my home is so hard, Lord. Please help me stay connected with my family so that our bonds remain strong. Keep my loved ones and my relationship with you at the forefront of my thoughts when I am away. Enable me to serve and to do my job, knowing that you are watching over those at home.

Please be with my family when I'm deployed or when I have to leave them. Remove the worry and fear, and replace it with your peace and comfort. Assure them that you are in control. Bless them today, Lord.

Thank you, Jesus, for watching over us.

In your name I pray, amen.

2

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Lord, you are the perfect expression of love. Your love never ends, and your love never fails. Your love conquers all.

Help me understand what real love means and how to express that love to you and to the people in my life. Give me wisdom to know when to turn off the intense warrior side that I need for my job and simply love the way you love. Help me serve, never forgetting to love as you teach us in your Word.

My desire is that our family will be filled with an abundance of love — true, godly love — for one another and for you. Please bless those at home that they, too, will seek to love as you do.

Thank you for loving us first and bringing us into your family. Thank you for teaching us through your Son what love really is.

In Christ's name, amen.

3

Do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6:31–32

My father in heaven, you are the ultimate provider. You see the needs of your people and bless them mightily out of the abundance of your love.

I confess, Lord, that I worry too often about how I will pay my bills, put food on the table, and prepare for the future. Help me trust in you as my provider and not stress out about the things of this world. Teach me to rely on you and your guidance for our provision and to appreciate the job you have given me so I can earn a living.

Remind my family that you are their ultimate provider. As you meet their needs, may they give you the glory and honor for providing for them.

Thank you for taking such great care of us.

In your Son's name I pray, amen.

4

If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24

Lord God, you are the holy Redeemer. You have given us the perfect example of forgiveness and reconciliation in your Son, Jesus.

I have held on to many grudges and old grievances and hurts, Lord. I fear that they get in the way of my walk with you, but I struggle to forgive as you would have me do. I need your help. Please show me how to forgive and heal. Help me let go of the toxic attitudes that heavy my heart and threaten my peace.

In my family, like most, we've had conflicts and unresolved issues. Help us today to put aside past hurts and to reconcile. Heal us, Lord, and restore our relationships.

Thank you for showing us what forgiveness and reconciliation really look like. Thank you for healing our old wounds and helping us move forward.

In Jesus' name, amen.

5

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Almighty God, you are worthy of all worship and honor. You are the only true God, the King of the universe. Lord, help me follow you with my whole heart. Give me the passion and courage to choose to serve you all my days. May I have the boldness to stand strong regardless of what others think. May I not be swayed by people's opinions or the way the wind is blowing in our culture and the world around us. Help me stand firm with you.

Strengthen my loved ones at home to serve you only, Lord. Guide my family to be committed to you so that we stand together, proclaiming your Word.

Thank you for strengthening our faith and our resolve to follow you. Thank you for your faithfulness.

In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

6

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Heavenly Father, your yoke is easy, and your burden is light. You carry your people in times of trouble and pain. Lord, I often forget to pray for my family and friends as I should. Whether I'm deployed or at home or in the field, I'm grateful I can always pray for them. I can still be supportive of those who need me, those you have placed in my life. Give me the heart to see others I can help, and take my focus off me and my problems. Help me be a prayer warrior for those who need me.

You know the concerns and burdens my family and friends are struggling with right now. Please intercede for them, and let them feel your presence.

Thank you for hearing our prayers and placing us together to share one another's burdens.

In Christ's holy name, amen.

7

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Our father, you are the God who pours out his love and mercies on his people. You guide them with your gentle, loving hand.

I want to live a full life with all the blessings, joy, and purpose you have for me, Lord. At the end of my life, I want to know that I have lived it well and have honored you, served my country, and been a blessing to my family. Help me know your abundant life. Lead me to the scriptures that can guide me in the right direction so my life will always stay on the course you have set for me.

Direct the steps of my family today. Help them to see your amazing blessings in their lives and to have the abundant life in you.

Thank you for filling our days with purpose and blessings and joy.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Prayers for Duty and Courage

8

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. John 15:13

God, you are the supreme warrior. Your mighty hands will bring true justice and peace to the world in your good time.

Lord, I believe you have called me to serve my country and place my life on the line if necessary. Please strengthen my spirit, my mind, and my body so I can serve with honor and distinction. I pray I never have to enter the field of battle, but if I do, remind me that I am secure in you no matter what. Enable me to put the needs of my friends and the people in my unit ahead of my own. Let them see you in my service.

Please give peace and comfort to my loved ones and friends. Remind them that our lives are in your loving hands.

Thank you for strengthening me and showing me true love through your Son's sacrifice.

In Jesus' name, amen.

9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Lord, your strength and authority are without limits. You cast out all fear, and you fill your people with boldness and power.

Help me, Lord, not to be gripped and controlled by fear. When frightening times come, please remind me that you are with me. Set my eyes and my heart on your promise that you will never leave me or forsake me. Help me trust you with my very life so I can serve without fear or hesitation. Go before me like a light, and shine in the very dark places I am called to enter.

Please be with my family and chase their fears away. Comfort them and give them peace when I'm absent.

Thank you for being with me today and every day. I am grateful for your promises and your guidance.

In your Son's holy name, amen.

10

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped, therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7

Father, you never leave us. You never forsake us. You are the God who protects his people. You are worthy of all praise and honor.

I confess that I rely too often on my own strength and training. I don't trust you first and foremost. Help me place my entire faith and hope in you as my shield and my strength. Teach me to pray and follow your Spirit and rely on you.

Keep watch over my loved ones at home. When things seem dark and overwhelming, pull them closer to you under your shelter of protection, comfort, and love. Teach them to lean on you during those times.

Thank you for going ahead of me into the darkness. Thank you for covering me and my family with your power and your truth.

In Christ's name, amen.

11

He teaches my hands to make war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Psalm 18:34

Heavenly Father, you know the hearts and intentions of all people, and your justice is perfect and righteous. Your plans will reign supreme.

I yearn for peace but prepare for war. Sharpen my skills and strengthen my hands and my heart for my job so I can defend my country and its people. Guide my spirit to be one of service to you and my nation.

My family needs you. I have to train so often, and my job requires a lot of time away. Help them understand and be able to manage the days I am away. Reassure them that I'm following your will for my life.

Thank you for the privilege of being in the military. I am so grateful for what this job has done for me and how it has shaped me.

In your name, amen.

12

Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

Gracious Father, you are the Great Deliverer and my true salvation. You parted a sea and walked your people through it. Nothing is beyond your mighty reach.

Help me serve not only you and my nation but those in my unit as well. Bind us together so we can work as one. Make us strong and resolute in our duty to stand between evil and our friends, families, and countrymen. Teach us to stand firm in the face of all challenges.

Please protect my friends and those in all the branches of the service. Let them know you are always with them. Reassure them that their service is good and noble. Bless their families and give them peace and comfort.

Thank you for the incredible men and women with whom you have allowed me to serve. May I always be faithful to you and to them.

In your holy name, amen.

13

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

God, you have given us the Comforter. You ease the concerns of your people. Death has no power, because you hold the keys to death and hades.

Lord, sometimes I am called to serve in evil places and very tense and challenging situations. Please walk with me in those times, and keep me calm and focused so I won't fear the evil I must face.

I can imagine what my family must feel while I'm serving. Don't let the fear of the unknown and other unrelenting concerns overcome them. Grant them reassurance and serenity.

I am thankful for the confidence that comes from knowing you. Thank you for being with me as I do my best to serve my country and honor my commitment to you.

In Jesus' name, amen.

14

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8

Holy, holy, holy are you, Lord Almighty. You are high above all people. Let them praise your name forever.

I am here, Lord. Send me — not just in my job but in my life. I haven't always made myself fully available to you and your will. Please forgive me and change my heart so I will go where you would have me go and stay where you would have me stay. I do not want to hold back from you in any part of my life.

May the little ones at home be filled with the desire to serve you. Let the spirit of our home be one of boldness and courage and faith. Continue to minister to them.

Thank you for guiding my steps and placing me where you have. I am grateful for the opportunities to serve you today and tomorrow and beyond.

In your mighty name, amen.

Prayers for Protection and Guidance

15

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11–12

Heavenly Father, your power knows no limits. Your enemies tremble at the mere thought of you. You are my God and my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

I need every piece of your armor to protect me, Lord. I know the evil I fight starts in the spiritual kingdom. Though I am trained for war, I am way out of my league. Please give me your spiritual protection. Prepare me to face all my challenges, both physical and spiritual.

My family has a hard time understanding the enemy I prepare to face. Please protect them and give them peace. Lead them to the Scriptures to calm their worries and concerns.

Thank you for protecting my family and me. I am so grateful you have prepared me for whatever is to come.

In your name, amen.

16

He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

Psalm 91:11–12

Father, you are the defender of your people and the upholder of righteousness. I am powerless without you.

I am called to dangerous places where I need your super-natural protection. Please put angels around me to guard me from the seen and unseen dangers in my life. Let them shield and guide me and those in my unit. Keep us safe as we do our jobs.

Surround my family with your angelic warriors. Keep the evil one far from them, and give my loved ones comfort in knowing that you fight for them. Protect every step they take today.

Thank you for using your army of angels to care for us and fight for us. I am grateful for the many ways you watch over my family and me.

In Christ's holy name, amen.

17

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

God, you are the origin of all that is good, righteous, and true. You are high above all nations and all peoples. You are a sanctuary for those who call on your name.

I confess that there are days I feel my spirit and resolve weaken. I have so much pressure from my job and the expectations of serving my country. I desperately need your strength to uphold me and renew my spirit. Please remind me to be anxious for nothing because you are near. Lead me through this tough period.

Protect my family today. Shield them from trouble and the worries of the world. Teach them to rest in your promises so they will have peace.

I am extremely grateful for your gentle spirit, which can calm the raging seas around us. Thank you for your unfailing love and support.

In Jesus' name, amen.

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Excerpted from Pocket Prayers for Military Life by Max Lucado, Mark Mynheir. Copyright © 2016 Max Lucado. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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