Saint Cloud Bishop John F. Kinney has issued the following versions of his "Prayer for Those Serving In The Military." We encourage you and your family to pray these prayers for the safety and well being of our men and women in the armed forces, especially those serving in harm's way in the Middle East.

Please feel free to share copies of these prayers (please include Bishop Kinney's imprimatur and the diocesan copyright information on copies you make). Other churches and arch/dioceses are welcome to make copies under these terms.

Originally Posted: March 19, 2003

PRAYER FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
For general use

Praise to you, ever-watchful God,
for you are our refuge and strength
in every time and place.

Send your blessing upon those
who are serving our country
in the armed forces.

By your powerful Spirit,
shield them from all harm.

Uphold them in good times and bad,
especially when danger threatens.

Let your peace be the sentry
that stands guard over their lives,
so that they may return home safely.

Look with compassion on all victims of war;
ease their sufferings and heal their wounds.

Put an end to wars over all the earth,
and hasten the day when the human family
will rejoice in lasting peace.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns as the Prince of Peace,
both now and for ever. Amen.

+ John F. Kinney
Bishop of Saint Cloud, MN

© 2003 Diocese of Saint Cloud. All rights reserved.


PRAYER FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
For use by men and women serving in the military

Praise to you, ever-watchful God,
for you are our refuge and strength
in every time and place.

Send your blessing
upon me and my comrades here
and upon all who serve our country
in the armed forces.

By your powerful Spirit
shield us from all harm
and give us your protection.

Uphold us in good times and bad,
especially when danger threatens.

Let your peace be the sentry
that stands guard over our lives,
so that we may return home safely.

Let your care for our parents, spouses,
children and loved ones
deepen their trust and give them courage.

Look with compassion on all victims of war;
ease their sufferings and heal their wounds.

Put an end to wars over all the earth,
and hasten the day when the human family
will rejoice in lasting peace.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns as the Prince of Peace,
both now and for ever. Amen.

+ John F. Kinney
Bishop of Saint Cloud, MN

© 2003 Diocese of Saint Cloud. All rights reserved.


PRAYER FOR THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY
For use by family and friends of those serving in the military

Praise to you, ever-watchful God,
for you are our refuge and strength
in every time and place.

Send your blessing upon N.___________,
who is serving our country
in the armed forces.

By your powerful Spirit,
shield him/her from all harm.

Uphold him/her in good times and bad,
especially when danger threatens.

Let your peace be the sentry
that stands guard over his/her life,
so that he/she may return home safely.

Look with compassion on all victims of war;
ease their sufferings and heal their wounds.

Put an end to wars over all the earth,
and hasten the day when the human family
will rejoice in lasting peace.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns as the Prince of Peace,
both now and for ever. Amen.

+ John F. Kinney
Bishop of Saint Cloud, MN

© 2003, 2004, 2005 Diocese of Saint Cloud. All rights reserved.