A Memorial Day Prayer – Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember those in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort, and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us close to you. Move us to know, take hold, and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives us peace and hope for eternity, Amen.
Next Saturday, June 2 at our Cathedral, Deacon Matthew Rawson will be ordained to the Diocesan Priesthood. Matthew studied at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore and will be assigned to one of our parishes immediately after ordination. Our prayers are with him and all of our seminarians as they answer the call of Jesus to serve his church.