Marine Corps War Memorial. Photo taken in Virginia.

Author: Elton Streyle, Photography and Editing: Ali

Compassionate, all-knowing Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Jesus today to thank you for the memories You have given me of loved ones and friends who have passed on. I appreciate how You have spoken to me through their example and actions while they were living. “The memory of the righteous is blessed…” Proverbs 10:7

I especially want to thank You for the men and women in the military as well as those in other organizations who have given their lives fighting for the freedom of our country. What an amazing love they show for those around them, for in John 15:13 it says, “greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Most of all, I thank You for the greatest sacrifice of all, found in John 3:16 about Jesus dying on the cross and making a way for all who desire salvation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Bless the men, women, and their families who are serving our country to defend our freedom. I ask that You would give healing and comfort to the families and loved ones who are recovering from the devastations of war and terror.

Thank you for sending Your Son to die so that all who choose a relationship with You can ultimately inherit Heaven and can now experience the reality of Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Thank you that I can bring these thoughts in Jesus’ Name, Amen.