Prayers for our
Military Men & Women
Prayers courtesy of,
Committee on the Liturgy
United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3060
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Submit your request here for printed
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PRAYERS IN TIME OF WAR
1. For Departing 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.
2. Prayer of a Spouse for a Departing 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/her.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
3. Prayer of a Son or Daughter for a Departing 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.
4. Prayer of a Parent for a Departing 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.
5. Prayer for Those Who Await a Soldiers 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
A Soldiers Prayers
12. 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.
2. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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. Relieve
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.
17. 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.
Prayers courtesy of,
Committee on the Liturgy
United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3060
If you would like to have
a printed copy of these prayers
please write to:
Franciscan Friars, T.O.R.
St. Bernardine Monastery
P.O. Box 139
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648-0139
or call our toll
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