Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Nation

Lord God of Hosts, in whom our fathers trusted: we give thee thanks for all thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Unite all the people of this nation in a holy purpose to defend the freedom and brotherhood for which they lived and died. Grant, we beseech thee, that the liberty they bequeathed unto us may be continued to our children and our children’s children, and that the power of the Gospel may here abound, to the blessing of all the nations of the earth, and to thine eternal glory; through Christ thy Son our Lord.

Amen. Book of Common Worship (P) (Boldface type indicates responses.) 827. For the land of our birth with all its chartered liberties, for all the wonder of our country’s story: We praise thee, O God.

For leaders in nation and state, and those who in days past and in these present times have labored for the commonwealth: We praise thee, O God. For those who in all times and places have been true and brave, and in the world’s common ways have lived upright lives and ministered to their fellows: We praise thee, O God. For those who served their country in her hour of need, and especially those who gave even their lives: We praise thee, O God. O almighty God and merciful Father, whose nature and whose name is love: as we give thee thanks for the courage and the strength vouchsafed to these thy servants, we would remember before thee those who mourn them as their kindred.

Look in mercy upon them; and as this day brings them memories of those whom they have lost, may it also bring them consolation from thee, quickening in them the sense of communion with the world unseen, and confirming their assurance of that great day when thou shalt restore to them their own in the very presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.