A Prayer for our Soldiers

by Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein

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God of love, God of peace, Min HaMeitzar Karati Yah
Out of the depths of despair, I call to You.
My ears ring with the words "do not fear."

But my stomach churns with the acid of doubt.
Determined to preserve our shared world from the tyranny of terrorism,

I turn to You for answers, for values, for strength.

I stand before You with respect and concern for those who have been
summoned to protect and secure our nation, our world.
Give them the courage to meet the chilling stare of death.
Show compassion to them as they seek to make the world safer for me and for those I love.
Ease the pain of their loneliness as they face the darkness of their daunting task.
Let them feel Your presence as You warm the chill of their souls with the blanket of Your light.
Help those far from the comfort of home to find value and meaning in their mission;
that their sacrifice not be an empty act.
Let them sense the yearning of those who await their return and long for their presence –
their loved ones, their parents, their children.
Protect them when they find themselves in harm's way.
Salve their wounds with Your healing balm.

Melech Chafetz Bachayim, Sovereign Who desires life,
above all protect them with Your merciful care.
Return them safely to fulfill dreams unrealized so that they may bless Your name
through the lives they live.

May their efforts further the cause of peace throughout the world and bring us closer to the day when "Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn of war anymore."

AMEN.