Blessing the Troops

Following is the prayer I wrote for this morning's send-off ceremony at the state capitol.

"Most merciful and gracious God,

"We thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. All of our needs your hand has provided. By your grace, we have enjoyed unparalleled freedom and opportunity in this land we love and defend.

"As we prepare to depart this assembly, we humbly ask your further blessing upon those gathered. For the leaders of this land, both present and represented, we pray your continued guidance and wisdom, that we and our families might continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty.

"For the loved ones gathered -- wives and husbands, children, parents, friends and family -- we pray that you would grant the calm assurance of knowing that we are in your hands now, and that you care for all of us. Ease the pangs of loneliness, slake the hunger of their souls, and bind together these individuals into one family.

"And for these soldiers gathered, we beseech above all your hand of protection. Although we have the best equipment, the best training, the best leadership possible, we know that ultimately, we are in your hands. As the psalmist wrote so many centuries ago:

"'We who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust." For you will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; you will cover us with your pinions, and under your wings will we find refuge; your faithfulness is a shield and buckler.'

"We ask of you these blessings, knowing that you are ever more ready to hear us than we are ready to pray. We ask all these things for your glory, in accordance with your will, and in your eternal and holy name. Amen."