A PRAYER
Prayer for Those Standing Watch
Heavenly Father,
Tonight we lift before You the Marines and every American service member standing watch far from home. Protect those men and women on the flight decks, at the airfields, aboard the ships, and throughout the region.
Give them courage without hardening their hearts. Give their commanders wisdom, restraint, and discernment. Comfort their families who wait for telephone calls and pray that no government vehicle ever stops in front of their homes.
Lord, place wisdom in the hearts of our leaders. Do not allow pride, politics, money, or fear to send Americans into a war without necessity, purpose, or a way home. Show them the danger before events move beyond anyone’s control.
Where diplomacy remains possible, open that door. Where anger demands retaliation, make room for restraint. Protect innocent people on every side who did not choose this war.
Bring our service members home safely. Let no Marine’s life be spent merely to protect another man’s reputation or conceal another leader’s mistake.
Grant us peaceful rest tonight and the strength to continue our mission tomorrow.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
— Rollin E. Trueblood, USMC (Ret.)