Dave and I are planning to go hunting tomorrow, to take our first road trip of any distance since our journey to Cleveland on March 13, 2020. I’ll pack a lunch for us and we’ll take along our face masks and hand sanitizer. We’ll be heading west along I-70, passing Zanesville and going south a bit to search for a cemetery in Fairfield County where some of my ancestors were laid to rest. Their surname is Hite, a name that none of my living relatives would recognize, but Abraham and Hannah Hite were grandparents of my mother’s great-great-great grandmother Barbara Clinger. Abraham’s predecessors came to America early in the nation’s history and were part of William Penn’s colony. Abraham and Hannah Hite moved west to Ohio in 1805. I’ve found mention of Abraham’s volunteer participation in America’s early wars and am hoping to find a grave marker reflecting his service.
In 2018, I wrote a post about Memorial Day to honor my dad and to reflect upon the sacrifice of those who have served our country. I sit down now to offer a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession, the tenth Sunday prayer during the coronavirus pandemic. I can see a reflection on my computer screen of the American flag we are proudly displaying on our front porch and remember trying to sing, dissolving into tears, only able to mouth the words of America during on-line church this morning.
America, America,
God shed His grace on thee
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.
Our great God, you have shed your immeasurable grace on us! In spite of our shortcomings and our sin, you pour out your kindness and mercy on us day after day.
As we look back through the years, this country has faced many trials, difficulties and strife that have required brave action. We sorrow at the thought of war, the need for young and old to fight, sometimes giving their lives for causes deemed worthy, seeking to defend and preserve freedom and justice for all.
We recognize your gift of people who are called and willing to enlist and serve in the military and know that we owe a great debt of gratitude and remembrance for those who have sacrificed. Help us to truly honor them, men and women who were not perfect, but who put our nation and it’s future before their own lives and who have fought for human dignity around the globe.
We lift up to you, Almighty God, all who are in military service all around the world at this hour. We ask you to give them strength and protection and pray that ongoing wars will come to an end according to your will.
We ask you, Loving Father, to give peace and encouragement to families who grieve fallen soldiers and families who are carrying on during separation from loved ones, praying every day that they will come home safely.
Lord, we pray for our president, generals, and all who are making decisions for our military, asking You to guide and direct according to your purposes.
Above all, we thank you God for giving your own Son, Jesus Christ, as a worthy sacrifice for our sin. We look forward, Holy God, to the day when all conflicts will cease and Your peaceful kingdom will reign forever! Amen.
