Troop Prayer Thread 10 - A Year of VICTORY!

THREE CHEERS FOR OUR WONDERFUL TROOPS, THEIR ALLIES, AND ALL WHO ARE SERVING IN SUPPORT CAPACITIES IN THE WAR ON TERROR! YOU HAVE GIVEN THIS NATION A YEAR OF VICTORY IN THAT WAR! The honor is yours, but know that we bask in your accomplishments and love you for your steadfast service on this day!

Welcome, everyone to the 10th Troop Prayer Thread! Today is the anniversary of the resumption of hostilities with Iraq, wherein our troops have made military history that shall ring down the centuries.

The troop prayer threads are dedicated to giving our troops, allies, and all who are serving the Holy Cause of Freedom, including (but not limited to) the families and loved ones waiting at home and those who are not in uniform but who are serving in dangerous situations supporting our troops and gathering intelligence spiritual support. We seek together to offer prayer, scriptures, encouraging messages, and other devotions dedicated to this purpose.

We have over the past year gathered together a prayer list of these servants of freedom. You will find it posted below. FReeper amom has been serving as our List Keeper this past year and I wish to thank and commend her for doing such a meticulous job of keeping it updated. She has also been keeping our ping list up to date. If you wish to submit a name for the prayer list or to add or take off a name from the ping list, please let either or both of us know.

For those of us who have somewhat limited computer capacity, or still have phone modems, we request that graphics be limited to pictures of loved ones for whom we are offering prayers, special visuals that seem particularly appropriate, and as much as possible, non-moving graphics. Thank you.

Thank you so much for spiritually supporting our troops, allies, support civilians, and their families.

We are grateful to God that for those who have been injured or taken back Home, He has dispatched angels to their care.

Troop Prayer Thread 8:
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/994696/posts?page=451,50

Troop Prayer Thread 6:
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/917197/posts?page=301,50

Troop Prayer Thread 3:
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/873600/posts?page=151,50

For those who wish to pay their respects and honor our Fallen Heroes, please visit this thread:

Dear Lord,
Lest I continue
My complacent way
Help me remember
Somewhere out there
A man died for me today
--As long as there be war
I then must
Ask and answer
Am I worth dying for?"

Taken from the book, "A Man Called Intrepid" by William Stevenson about William Stephenson, the head of British intelligence services prior to and during WWII. He wrote this at the very beginnings of the Battle of Britain and shared it with Eleanor Roosevelt.

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?

Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'T is the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.

No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us as a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AMERICA, WE LOVE YOU!
AND OUR LOVE IS GREAT ENOUGH TO HOLD YOU ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS IN THE LIGHT!

PRAYER WARRIOR FIELD TRIP!!

Please check out post 336 of the "Holiday Appeal for Walter Reed Hospital Soldiers in which Ragtime Cowgirl included a report from TruthNtegrity on a visit she made to Walter Reed to see some of our injured heroes. (Tissue alert.)

http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1029409/posts?q=1&&page=301

Truthie and others in the DC area are making plans to visit them this Easter Weekend. Please join them in spirit, or if there is a nearby Veteran's Hospital, go visit some of your local heroes and let them know they are appreciated!

If this catches you in time, Truthie, please consider taking this prayer to the guys and gals in Walter Reed when you visit them this weekend. I feel certain that I am not the only one praying in this way.

MERCIFUL FATHER ABOVE,

Blessed Father, there are so many of us who are out here in the heartland thinking of our heroes who have been so willing to serve this nation in the face of a borderless enemy who desires to kill all of us, if they are given the chance.

We are moving into the High Holy Days of Easter, and of Passover. Those of us who are Christian are mindful of the sacrifice of our Lord who was willing to undergo horrendous suffering for God's children. Those of us who are Jewish are mindful of God's love of his children through their deliverance from slavery. We are grateful to be your children, our Father, no matter how we got that way! We are reflecting that the young people in our armed services are performing selfless actions which commemorate the best of both religious traditions. Those who have lost life or limb have truly laid their lives down for their friends, in the very best of the Christian tradition. They have also been involved in the liberation of others of your children which is in some way a memorial to the very best of the love of Freedom in the Jewish tradition.

We know that among our heroes are those who have given all. We certainly remember, honor and esteem them. Our gratitude is not enough, but it is what we have. We pray that you will surround their families and loved ones during their time of grief. We ask that those who are among our armed forces, our allies, and our support personnel who stand with them, who have lost their buddies will also be supremely blessed and granted peace of mind despite the scars of what they have had to witness.

We are mindful that we have many who have been returned to us from deployment with injuries to their bodies, minds, emotions, and souls. We give thanks that their lives were spared and that we are allowed to have them among us for a longer time. Father, we love these fine young men and women who have surrendered the perfect health of their bodies and souls in order to confront and fight the evil which threatens to overtake our nation and civilization. We ask that you will swaddle each and every one of them in a garment woven from our prayers and wrapped around them with your loving arms. Let legions of angels (both seen and unseen) walk the halls of Walter Reed and all our other Veteran Hospitals to bless each and every one of them who bears the scars of battle.

Enfold, guide, and direct each and every doctor, nurse, and health care professional who is caring for these young people. Let all medications, pain therapies, physical therapies, surgeries, and all other interventions and therapies be 100% effective. Reach into the very cellular levels and heal all tissues! Let that which which may not be thought by medical science to be capable of healing be rendered capable! We call forth miracles of healing, and have the trust of the little children, which we are to you, that you will answer.

Father, we ask that the families and loved ones of these young heroes are granted infinite insight, love, courage, strength, faith, and patience while they hold vigil and work with their loved ones during convalescence, recovery, and the whole healing process. We ask that you will help all these families pass through victoriously all the challenges which are facing them at this time.

Some of us witnessed the interviews Oprah Winfrey broadcast on her show recently of some of our injured soldiers. Father, the upbeat, courageous, and steadfastness of these remarkable young men and women was awesome and inspirational. They each and every one of them stated that they were proud of what they had been doing in their overseas deployment, they said their injuries were worth the sacrifice, and furthermore, they would do it again. Father, on bent knee, this supplicant thanks you for sending to us in this critical hour these magnificent young people who "placed themselves between their loved homes and the war's desolation."* Please, Father, God, mend the bodies and souls of these who will bear scars throughout their lives.

We mourn the loss of some of the plans for the future which these who have been injured have had to surrender in some cases. Father, please place your hand tangibly on each of these and guide them into what your own true Vision is for each of them. Somehow, FAther, grant that these know that their sacrifice is appreciated and not taken for granted. Bless them throughout their lives. Let them take from their hospital beds an iron-clad certitude that you are extraordinarily close to them and that your hand is and shall always be upon them. Let them be granted abundant faith that will allow them to remain always aware of that closeness; that you will never ever leave or abandon them. Nor, by your Grace, shall we, their compatriots.

Father, if it be according to thy Will, let each of them be able to feel that love of our hearts enfolding them wherever they may be. We pray for them and trust that because you are indeed our beloved Father, you will not give a stone when a crust or a hug is what is needed. We thank you for hearing our prayers, and we expectantly and gratefully await learning of the miracles, both big and small, which you have planned for them.

Amen

*words from the Star Spangled Banner

"Would you please add FReeper Ordinary_American to your prayer list? He is in a command position in Afghanistan. Thank you for all your hard work in keeping this thread up-to-date. God bless."

We are pleased to add Ordinary_American to our list, Faith! You are welcome for the prayers. All glory to God in the Highest! ....I join you in appreciation for amom for her work in keeping the list up to date!

BLESSED FATHER IN HEAVEN, WORKER OF ALL GOOD WORKS,

We come before you and pray for our fellow FReeper Ordinary_American who is in a command position in Afghanistan. Father, we call forth an extraordinary amount of wisdom for him. Let him have your protection and guidance at all times. Help him with all decisions affecting his troops and the responsibilities which are his.

Father, we are grateful for this "ordinary American" and all the other "ordinary Americans" who stand beside him. Father, these magnificent young men and women are not "ordinary" at all in our eyes! FAther, bless them and let them know somewhere in their souls and hearts how grateful we are that they answered to call of their nation during this critical and dangerous time.

Wrap our friend O.A. in one a prayer blanket which is just for him. Let it be composed of all the love our hearts and all the protection, strength, faith, wisdom, common sense, insight, courage, love, mercy, and all other of the divine qualities which are necessary in his situation. Grant them to him in abundance whenever there is need.

We call forth legions of angels to surround him and all for whom he is responsible. We call forth miracles of protection and mercy. We call forth the abundant measure of your divine Will and guidance for each.

Surround Ordinary's family and loved ones while they wait for him to return home. Grant them comfort, joy, patience and infinite faith during this difficult separation. Help them meet all challenges which face them during these days.

We are grateful for your Presence, Father, and we accept your answer to our prayers even as we utter them. Let our prayers and meditations be multiplied according to your Great Law and let them be acceptable in your sight. Let this which we call forth for Ordinary_American be granted to all who are in a similar situation.

Amen

FOR THE TROOPS AND THOSE WHO LOVE THEM:

It has come to my attention that our special "FRiend" in Iraq, who is among the support personnel for our troops, has been in need of some prayer support. There have been losses among our contract personnel as well as among our troops, and I have had a request to offer some words for FRiend and all who are in a similar situation.

Beloved Father,

We ask that FRiend and all who serve with him are surrounded this day in perfect love and protection. We are mindful that his unit of follow employees has taken casualties. Father, we ask that you will strip us of all doubt and fear. Let ONLY your divine Will be done. Let ALL opposition to your plan for the lives of these and all who face the Enemy this day be BOUND AND SHATTERED! Let that golden chain descend upon them and be strengthened as much as your great Law will allow. Let the prayer blankets which we have been crafting together by your grace descend and bring to each of them the necessary qualities of strength, protection, faith, courage, and wisdom and all other blessed qualities according to the need of the hour. We invoke angelic legions of protection, mercy, comfort, and healing into the fray. We invoke legions of angels from your very throne. Let them descend in their fire and bring to our warriors and those who stand with them the fervor and Vision of VICTORY!

We petition you in this hour to clear the way before our forces and their support personnel. We petition you for miracles of protection and healing. We petition you for the multiplication of the light of all our prayers so that there can be that clearance and a minimum of loss of life and limb. Let your Light go forth! Let those angelic legions descend in this hour! Let our love of freedom and the love of our fellow man be multiplied so that there is a difference in the battle field. Let the ones who are the die-hard insurrectionists be exposed and bound. We ask for your intercession. Let them be dealt with quickly and according to your guidance and Will. Let the loss of life on both sides, especially the innocent, be minimized. Continue to guide our President, our leaders and those in decision or advisory capacities as to the proper overall response, with the appropriate goals, strategies, and tactics to the recent uprisings.

At this moment, FRiend, and many of our valiant warriors are in mourning for the loss of friends and compatriots. Father, those of us behind the lines who have never seen war cannot even imagine the experiences and feelings and emotions of these who are on the lines. We ask that you will supply to them comfort, grace, healing, and the ability to remain focused. Protect them from inordinate grief which could lead them to despair or a sense of non-caring or a sense of fear and loss of confidence. FAther, once more we petition to you strip all of us this day of all doubt and fear! Grant these who are in mourning the time and space to be able deal with their emotions constructively. Comfort and heal them so that the searing losses are not immobilizing. Guide them and touch them and let them know that you are there for them. If they cannot sense that for some reason, we petition it for them and hold that Vision for them and trust that you will supply the lack.

Father, we are grateful for your Presence, and know that you hold each of these in your heart, for they are your own. We know and trust that your divine Will is best and we know, because you hear our prayers, that only your Will can and shall be done for them and for us.

We invoke your legions of VICTORY! We CLAIM the Victory this day! We call forth its sealing! We own that Victory, and nothing else shall happen but that Victory! We have never met another man except Victory! Victory is our name and Victory is our game! Let those legions of Victory descend, for we are ready for them! We are dedicated to the Victory because we are dedicated to serving you, our FAther, God.

Amen

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