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Heavenly Father, we return with tears of eye and heart to thank You that You have so blessed us ... You have graced America's sons and daughters with love of God and country and fellow man, that they would leave the warmth of home to live and die on foreign soil that we would continue to breathe free. Thank You that through Sharon's words, we can taste the weariness and the burdens, yet we can feel the resolve and hope of a nation entering newness of life. And we recoil with horror at the evil that is desperate to prevent freedom. Mightily bless this brave warrior, and all the sons and daughters of America and like-minded nations ... grant success to their mission, for they go forth to scatter darkness with light.

Abundantly bless each household, Merciful Father, whose son or daughter has stepped forward in our place ... who stands between us and the most vile enemy. Pierce the hearts of those so deceived, who call evil "good" and good "evil." Bring forth the Truth of Your Word and may it fall upon hungry hearts ... cause it to thrive and prosper and so advance the Kingdom of God.

Even as we entrust these dear ones to Your care, Sovereign Lord, hearts are grieved because lives are ended in battle ... bind up these hearts with the prayers of millions who deeply share their sorrow. "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. The ultimate sacrifice in the human realm ... just as the suffering Christ laid down his life for all of humanity. Help us, O God, to walk in the knowledge of that love ... from You, and from America's precious sons and daughters. In the Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen ...