O God, our help in ages our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home.You, O God, are our God. You are with us in all the times of life to offer hopeand light and comfort.We come to you now with thanks: thanks for our freedom; thanks for our peace;thanks for our prosperity and security. On this Veteran's Day, we thank you,especially, for the women and men who gave of themselves in times of war to helpto ensure the blessings that we enjoy. The names, the faces, the stories come tous, once again, and we honour them, their courage, their sacrifice, theirwillingness to put themselves in harms way for a better cause.May we never forget. May we never, again, march off to war. But if there is aneed, let those of us of younger generations go forth as faithfully as did ourancestors that the cause of peace and justice may be defended and upheld.O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be thou our guard while troubles last and our eternal home.We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace.AMEN.

  • Light a candle to remember Christ's presence with you.
  • Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying attention to the deep breath.
  • Remember at time of God's help in ages past.
  • How does this give you hope for years to come.
  • What shelter was given?
  • Where do you hide in this shelter?
  • What stormy blast was happening?
  • What stormy blast threatens you today?
  • Where do you seek your eternal home?
  • What peace do you find there?
  • How do you share this peace with others?
  • What troubles are lasting for you this day?
  • Is there a message for you from God?
  • What call to action do you hear?
  • Give thanks to God for this time in remembrance and prayer.  Give thanks for Veterans you know and those whose names you do not know.  Give thanks for any new insights you have received.
  • Share as you feel led in the reply box below.
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, November 13, 2011,  the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Judges 4:1-7
Psalm 123
I Thessalonians: 5:1-11
Matthew 25:14-30
If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author.
Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD
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Matthew 25:14-30 - To all those who have more will be given