t is so important for the faithful to pray much and pray often for our military personnel, who daily put themselves in harm's way for the defense and protection of our nation. The below prayers are taken from the USCCB website and republished here.
It is estimated that 1/4 of the U.S. military is Catholic. Pope St. John Paul II created the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA to offer pastoral and spiritual care to Catholic servicemen and servicewomen and their families who faithfully serve our nation; they are responsible for the support of 1.8 million men, women, and children worldwide.
Are we supporting our military as much as we could? Here are practical ways to do more for them:
Ways to use these prayers for our troops:
1) Regularly include them in the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass, especially on national holidays.
2) Print personalized prayer cards; give them out or place them in conspicuous areas to encourage others to pray for our troops.
3) Have their names rinted regularly in your parish bulletin.
Other ways you can spiritually support our troops:
1) Have Masses offered for our military and their families, including for the faithful departed who have died in service to our country.
2) Pray a daily rosary for wisdom, strength, and spiritual and physical protection for our military leaders and troops.
3) Offer up your daily sufferings and sacrifices for those who suffer and sacrifice for your protection and freedom.
4) Make sure the names of military personnel from your parish or town are printed in your parish bulletin as a reminder to pray for them by name.
5) If your parish has members who are in active military duty, coordinate an effort to send them care packages. Be sure to include spiritual items such as prayer cards, patron saint medals blessed by your priest, and other encouraging Catholic military gifts.
Prayers in a Time of War
For Troops
All-powerful and ever-living God, when Abraham left his native land and departed from his people you kept him safe through all his journeys. Protect these soldiers. Be their constant companion and their strength in battle, their refuge in every adversity. Guide them, O Lord, that they may return home in safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of a Spouse for a Soldier
God of power and might, at every moment and in every place you are near to those who call upon your name in faith. In marriage you have blessed us with a share in your divine love. Look upon my husband/wife and keep him/her in your safekeeping, no matter where the road may lead. And when the battle is ended, bring him/her safely home to those who love him.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of a Son or Daughter for a Parent
Loving God, you watch over each and every one of your children. Hear my prayer for my father/mother. Be his/her constant companion. Protect him/her no matter where he/she goes, and bring him/her safely and quickly home to those who love him/her.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer of a Parent for a Soldier
Father all-powerful and ever-loving God, from before we were born, your love has nurtured and sustained us. Hear my prayer for N., my son/daughter. Keep him/her safe in time of battle and faithful to you, day in and day out. Bring him/her safely home to those who love him/her.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Those who Await a Soldier's Return
God of all goodness, look with love on those who wait for the safe return of their loved ones who serve in the armed forces of their country. In faith and hope, we turn to you for comfort. Grant that we may trust in your mercy and send an angel to sustain us as we await their safe return.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Government Leaders
God of power and might, wisdom and justice, through you authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed. Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude the President and other government leaders of these United States. May they always seek the ways of righteousness, justice and mercy. Grant that they may be enabled by your powerful protection to lead our country with honesty and integrity.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Safety of Soldiers
Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Our Enemies
Jesus, Prince of Peace, you have asked us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. We pray for our enemies and those who oppose us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, may all people learn to work together for that justice which brings true and lasting peace.
To you be glory and honor for ever and ever. Amen.
For Courage in the time of Battle
O Prince of peace, we humbly ask your protection for all our men and women in military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion, the rights of all who are imperiled by injustice and evil. Be their rock, their shield, and their stronghold and let them draw their strength from you.
For you are God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In a Time of Waiting
All powerful and ever-living God, guard our churches, our homes, our schools, our hospitals, our factories, and all the places where we gather. Deliver us from harm and peril. Protect our land and its peoples from enemies within and without. Grant an early peace with victory founded upon justice. Instill in the hearts and minds of men and women everywhere a firm purpose to live forever in peace and good will toward all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Deceased Veterans
O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Soldier's Prayers
For Families and friends Left At Home
O God, Protector of all people and nations, protect my family and friends at home from the violence and evil of others. Keep them safe from the weapons of hate and destruction and guard them against the deeds of evildoers. Grant them your protection and care in tranquility and peace.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
On the Eve of Battle
God of power and mercy, maker and love of peace, to know you is to live, and to serve you is to reign. Through the intercession of St. Michael, the archangel, be our protection in battle against all evil. Help me [us] to overcome war and violence and to establish your law of love and justice.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Hope in the Midst of Destruction
God of mercy, you know the secrets of all human hearts, for you know who is just and you forgive the repentant sinner. Hear my prayer in the midst of destruction; give me patience and hope, so that under your protection and with you as my guide, I may one day be reunited with my family and friends in peace, tranquility, and love.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer For Officers In Command
God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Hear my prayer for these soldiers under my command. Grant that I may bring the spirit of Christ to all my efforts and orders as I exercise my authority over those entrusted to my care. Inform my judgment with your Holy Spirit so that I may make decisions in conformity with your law and for the common good.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Fellow Combatants
Lord God, Remember Christ your Son who is peace itself and who has washed away our hatred with His blood. Because you love all men and women, look with mercy on all who are engaged in battle. Banish the violence and evil within all combatants so that one day, we may all deserve to be called your sons and your daughters.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Innocent Victims of War
Lord God, your own Son was delivered into the hands of the wicked, yet he prayed for his persecutors and overcame hatred with the blood of the Cross. Relive the sufferings of the innocent victims of war; grant them peace of mind, healing of body, and a renewed faith in your protection and care.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Refugees and Victims of War
Lord God, no one is a stranger to you and no one is ever far from your loving care. In your kindness, watch over refugees and victims of war, those separated from their loved ones, young people who are lost, and those who have left home or who have run away from home. Bring them back safely to the place where they long to be and help us always to show your kindness to strangers and to all in need.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Our Troops - Prayers of the Faithful at Mass
Priest: Let us pray for our brothers and sisters as they go forth with courage and determination to face the forces of violence, weapons of destruction and hearts filled with hate.
R: Through the darkness bring us to the light.
Deacon or Reader:
For our Commander-In-Chief, President ___________ and our political and military leaders that they may tirelessly seek peaceful settlements to international dispute,
we pray to the Lord.
That the Lord may preserve the members of our Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Air Force from all harm,
we pray to the Lord.
That even in war, we may keep clearly before us the defense of all human rights, especially the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,
we pray to the Lord
That the families, relatives and friends of our military members may be strengthened in this time of concern and anxiety,
we pray to the Lord.
That the Lord may help families with men and women in the armed forces to cope with daily challenges in the absence of their loved ones,
we pray to the Lord.
That our homeland will be preserved from violence and terrorism,
we pray to the Lord.
That the nations of the world will seek to work together in harmony and peace,
we pray to the Lord.
That the hearts of all men and women will be moved to pursue true peace and justice,
we pray to the Lord.
That violence may be overcome by peace; that weapons of destruction be transformed into tools of justice, and hate give way to true charity,
we pray to the Lord.
That grateful for and inspired by those veterans who have given their lives for our country we may bravely face the challenges ahead,
we pray to the Lord.
Priest: Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces. Give them courage, hope and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.
