TROOP PRAYER THREAD

Over the last several days we have been seeking to compile a list of troops for whom we may pray. Now that formal hositilities have formally resumed with Iraq, we feel it appropriate to start a new troop prayer thread.

We have many fine young men and women known to us here at FreeRepublic.com serving in the Army, Navy, Marines, Airforce and Coast Guard. Several on our troop list to date actually are registered in the forum, and have become known to us personally among the constellation of Freepers.

~Chong-Commander-In-Chief, President Bush, and his family.
~FrogMom- son-in-law SSG Mike in Kuwait husband and father of two adorable children
~EuroFrog-SSGMike, SSG Kris
~FrogFish-cousin SPC Chad of the 3rd Infantry in Kuwait.
~maranatha-son Mitchell, USAF air refueling wing in Oman
~SAMWolf-Freeper BKWells, and Freeper Radix's son
~Tarheel-Capt. Eric US Army
~Tiki-Anton Peterson, Steve McKinley, Tim McKinley, Cory Simmons
~prairiebreeze-Marine Corpl. Nick, Navy seaman Brad
~LBGA- son Tyler, special ops, overseas, on his way home then rotation back is expected
~HiJinx-SPC Anna, Black Hawk Crew Chief, PVT Tom B cannon crewman.
~Mr. Silverback-Corpsman Michael in Japan, Specialists John Colin Army near DMZ in Korea, Pudgeless and his unit the 333rd Mps of the Ill National Guard. County Board member Hadley in training at Bragg.
~JohnDoe#1-son Sergeant First Class Terry in Kuwait
~h8klintoon-Maj. William Glover, Sgt. Ellis Caudle
~fatima- Adam-spec ops, granddaughter Karen Army, Jim USN USS Constellation
~freepers Daughter in law Patty Air Force.
~Shezza-darling husband Scott (Freeper Giles Corey) US Army
~amom-Defender2, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
~Lando Lincoln-Seth Crawford USAF
~68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-the Men and Women at the Coos Bay Coast Guard Station. Along with active duty Coast Guard FReeper CWO Jackson.
~My back yard-brother's youngest son Bryce Owen USNavy sailed right after Christmas
~RedWhiteBlue-nephew LCpl. Brian Kaul, USMC in Kuwait
~WLansberry-1st Lt. George Lansberry USAF
~doug from upland-PO2 Josh, USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT
~OhioWfan- Son PFC Eric, Army Reserves, activated, son's unit buddy, Sean
~Heylady-Son Lt. Gregory Worden, 1ST CAV
~amom-Freeper Mike, WUSAF, Air National Guard
~GatorGirl -Husband "LT Gator"- USNR, Brother in Law-Jason-USNR, Cousin Rich-USNR, Friend Tom-USNR, Friend Alex-USAFR
~amom-Major Sellers, USMC in the ME. Son Dillion and mom Betsy. 4 mo old Dillion just had heart transplant.
~buffyt- Son in LawRobby Ellis Boswell USN
~WellsFargo94- CPT Bill, CPT Dan, MAJ John, CPT Tom, SGT Brian, CPT Dave, LTC Jim, Chaplain Dave, COL N, COL L, COL S, General Franks, LTC Pat, Dr. W
~GoRepGo-Husband Willie, Navy Corpsman, Ist MEU somewhere in the sandbox.
~amom-FReeper bkwells (Deployed on USS TARAWA (LHA-1)) from the Canteen.
~ProudArmyWife-Sgt. Roney 4th Infantry Divison (hubby)
~exhausted momma-Nephew, Matt Morgan, Navy
~Severa- husband (FR screen name Hostel), USN Submariner, brother Wes, USAF Little Rock AFB, friend Tosca, USN Corpsman, USNS Comfort, husband's cousin David, US Army, Fort Gordon, GA
~ stand4something- husband Mike AND son Scott, (both Air National Guard) deployed to the Mid-East)
~ JulieRNR21- a friend's grandson, Wesley in the USAF
~ LKR59-Timmy (Army) in Kuwait, John (Army) in Afghanistan, and ~Karen (Army) in Saudi Arabia
~Joy Angela-cousin Steve Jr. early 20s with a 6 year old son
~FReeper Proud Legions
~FReeper Hostel, USN Active Duty Submariner
~ OhioWfan -son Eric
~ mystery-ak -husband Mike and their son Jonathan both deployed
~ Gogranny - grandson
~ Inspectorette -son Eric
~ Slip18- nephew is aboard ship - active duty USN
~ anniegetyourgun - nephew Josh
~ Himyar - son Robert
~ homeschool mama- nephew Michael is in the Navy
~ CyberAnt- nephew Jody
~ milagro- son is deployed in the Mid-East
~ BlessedAmerican- nephew David Marine deployed to the Mid-East
~ Jewels1091 -friends of daughter, Ross (101st airborne), deployed to Mid-East, Chris (Navy) heading for Mid-East, cousin, Phil, serving in the US Navy
~ TruthNtegrity - lurker friend Pat's nephew Ben (Marines) Kuwait and his mother Tracy.
~ TruthNtegrity- younger brother, John (Navy), has been deployed, and his family.
~TruthNtegrity-Ensign Andy, US Navy - my cousin's son, pilot LTC Andrew deployed, Marine Keith.
~ Hoosiermama- Brad who has been deployed, His brother Jeff who has just enlisted. Shanty & Josh (husband & wife just deployed separately), Bill and Bill (both military academy grads), (when you teach, they're all your kids) Brad from Maigrey, Sgt. C. Cole
~notpoliticallycorewrecked- husband soon to be deployed
~notpoliticallycorewrecked- military email buddies
~ Wneighbor -son-in-law Thomas deployed
~ zlala -brother is deploying to the Mid-East
~ tamikamaria- cousin Annette (Navy) stationed on an aircraft carrier, .best friend's brother is in the Army, sister is in the Navy
~ Radix -son is deployed
~ Pippin - niece in the Air Force, nephew in the Army stationed in the Far East
~ WomanofStandard -a dear friend has three sons in the military ...Dustin (Army) - Mid-East-Troy (Air Force) - Italy, Tyler (Army) - just returned from Afghanistan and currently at Ft. Bragg, NC
~ baseball mom - friend's nephew, Thomas (Navy), just deployed
~ a special Freeper -brother is an Army Chaplain
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator -friend's son Danny (Army), just deployed
~ ivoteright - hubby (Air Force) has been deployed, he is also b-i-l to I'm ALL Right!
~ kemathen7 -boyfriend, John (AirForce)
~ GretchenEE -son of dear friends, Silas (Army), deployed to Mid-East
~bentfeather- Long Cut, Ms Cut, Mini Cut
~Warriormom -CIA agents whose plane crashed and may have been kidnapped in Colombia, dear friend Greg, deployed to Mid-East
~ Freeper Per-Ling active duty in the Navy has a wife and 2-year-old
~ leenie312 son Nicholas is in the Marines
~ rentense-friend's brother, Brian Z.
~ AF_Blue -active-duty AF, and family
~southern grit- coworker and dear friend SFC Sarah Augustine Kuwait
~Antijen-Jason Bontrager USN, Justin Lapp USN, Jack Snowden USN
~Antijen- friend Mark
~Jim O-L Cpl Travis Groce & Wife L Cpl Brandy Groce in Kuwait
~Snippy_about_it- Brian Wells (bkwells)and crew deployed on USS Tarawa, also his family back here at home, FReeper KKING (Tim is a contractor working in Kuwait in support our troops) , 2LT Radix Jr, Army-deployed (son of Freeper Radix), Freeper M1911A1 MSgt of Marines and his wife,freeper M0sby, Freeper Mojo2001's husband Navy-deployed, SPCKarl Gray Army-deployed(son of freeper beallyoucanbe)
~Blue Scourge- Sgt. Daniel Mayzik 3rd Armor Div.
~seams2me-Cody Buhler USN, David Blassingame USMC, Trey US Army, Darby Bishop US Army 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub-Long Cut (USN) and Mrs. Cut, SK1 Thurman (USN) and her sister Trish (USMC)
~Maigrey-cousin C.C.
~Condi2008- Friend J.D.
~tamikamaria- cousin Annette, best friend's brother and sister
~lizbet-cousin's son Marc
~jtill- friend P.A. and family
~steams tome-adopted servicemen Trey, David, Cody and Darby and their families.
~CENTVRIO EQVITVM and his loved ones
~Reagan's Mom's brother -in-law Dave
~Judith Anne's friend Deana's son
~Judith Anne's daughter-in-law's two brothers
~AFPhys
~AFPhys' friend C.M.
~olliemb's two young patients now serving
~Patsor Mike's brother Tom
~Dale's son Dean
~Cindy's stepson Adam
~Jim and Terri's son Stephen
~Joy's son Michael
~patriciaruth's cousin Ed.
~Marvin and Carolyn's son Alan
~KitJ
~TigerCap's coworker Kevin
~JimRob-Two Nephews
~MozartLover-nephew
~G'nad-active duty
~Trish-active duty
~deadhead-cousin
~Armymarinemom-three sons
~WaterDragon-Son-in-law, grandson
~Maigrey-cousin
~ladtx-two sons
~Mama_Bear-nephew
~SKI Thurman-active duty
~David Osborne-active duty
~Boxerblues'-two sons
~the piper-son
~sheeza-husband
~Diver Dave-niece
~weldgophardline-brother-in-law
~Future Snake Eater-cousin
~Warrior Nurse-active duty
~SpookBrat-nephew
~Consort-2 daughters
~big easy-a friend whose husband is a major(air ranger, delta force) would like our prayers.
~amom-FReeper fc2tomschermuly who says " God willing, we'll all come home safe and sound."
~ladyinred-Eric Ludwick and Scott Ludwick brothers and both deployed. Sons of a lifelong friend. They have a sister, Pamela who is also enlisted Army recently.
~bell-Sgt. Jason Beach, Joshua George USMC , Daniel Bristow USMC
~maranatha-General Franks and Don Rumsfeld,
~NRA2BFree-Major Peter Horn US Special Forces, LCPL Jonathan Marquez USMC, CPL Antonio Martin USMC
~GilesB-namesake Pfc Gyles, stationed in South Korea,
~armymarinemom-Spc. Brad-Army in Kuwait and active duty. Pfc Stuart-Army and Sgt. Graham-USMC.
~BeforeISleep-my son-Marines
~.30Carbine-Jim Ferry, Vermont Army National Guard, Chemical Weapons Defense Specialits/Trainer and his wife and 2 small children.
~AppyPappy-two adopted Marines from the next county who are in Kuwait.
~Lando Lincoln-remembering the gallant UK and Aussie troops who are at our side.
~condi2008-our friends, Jimmy, Brian, Jon, Dustin and their families.
~Chong-Chris Kollhoff, nephew-to-be who is shipping out tonight for Iraq.
~Textide- Please pray for Wes, my cousin, a Marine Captain and now in Kuwait
~TEXOKIE- Niece, active army nurse still stateside. Niece's hubby, army, deployed to Afghanistan, Niece's brother-in-law, active army, deployment status unknown at this time

If you would like to submit someone for our list, you are welcome to do so at any time. Post their name or pseudonym here on the thread or freepmail amom or myself. If we have made any errors, please let us know so that we may correct the list. We will be making periodic updates.

We invite everyone, active Freepers and Lurkers alike to join our circle in prayer for these fine men and women who have volunteered to place their lives on the line for the defense of our nation and for the liberation of the oppressed peoples of other nations. To them we send our greatest respect and gratitude. We send them our prayers and good thoughts. We ask for God's blessing upon them and their families.

For those of us who have somewhat limited computer capacity, we request that graphics be limited to pictures of loved ones for whom we are offering prayers. Thank you.

Many thanks to all of you who have been keeping the thread bumped! Please accept my gratitude to all you prayer warriors who come by and offer your prayers, comments and information. Lurkers, we are aware that your service is mighty indeed. Thank you for joining us in prayer whereever you are.

Events are certainly unfolding rapidly. In light of these events, I would like to offer a prayer here for our Troops and our Nation and her President and Leaders:

OUR FATHER,

We come to you with heavy heart, Lord, for we have encountered an enemy whose reputation for savagery and brutality has been made plain. We commend the souls of our soldiers who were taken prisoner, and by all appearances were mistreated and their lives taken. Father, we feel many emotions upon seeing or hearing described those images released by the Al Jazeera news agency of our captive soldiers. We confess to anger, frustration, disbelief, and infinite sadness for the loss of these brave young people. The depravity and emptiness of the souls who perpetrated this deed is something that we simply cannot understand, nor, perhaps, do we want to. We are not capable of judging the souls of these ones who have given themselves over to evil, but You are capable. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we ask you to judge your righteous judgement upon them according to thy will. We ask that you will enlighten us and our leaders in how you would wish for each of us individually and as a nation and as a coalition of nations to respond. In the face of all these roiling emotions, grant us, our Father, your Peace, which comes from the Prince of Peace.

We have heard this day reports of the ambush of the 2nd Marines near the town of Nasiriyah. We have heard of enemy fire in Umm Qasr. The 101st Airborne was subjected to a fratricidal incident apparently from within her ranks. Deception and betrayal at the hands of the enemy we can at least understand, as in Nasiriyah and Umm Qasr. This is, unfortunately, expected of an enemy in war. While losses due to enemy fire are cause for sadness, one does not expect it from one's own. Father, this adds to the turmoil of our hearts. Above all, Our Father, continue to be with each and every one of these units and locations where our troops are gathered. Continue to be with each and every minesweeper, carrier, and navy vessel. Be with all troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan and all other posts throughout the world.

We have been hearing of several air vessel crashes taking place, some with loss of life. We have lost soldiers to crashes in Iraq. Today in Afghanistan we learned of the loss of a helicopter and all hands on deck on a medical mission on behalf of a civilian. Our Father, we ask that you will send your angels to each of the helicopters, planes, jets, tanks, humvees, ships, boats, and all conveyances which our soldiers use. We ask that from the microscopic to macroscopic levels you will charge these conveyances with your light and protection. We ask that you will shatter all opposition to these conveyances working properly, as well as all military equipment on which the lives of our troops depends. We ask that if there are problems with any of this equipment you will intercede and let the mechanics know what to do with each piece of equipment to keep it functioning at 100% capability. And, when necessary, we pray for your miraculous intercession.

We have learned of the possibility that a technically advanced non-combatant government may have provided electronics jamming equipment illegally to the Iraqis, which may account for at least one downing of an allied plane by a tomahawk missile. Father, we ask that you will intercede in this matter, according to thy will so that this potential problem for our troops can be resolved. Please grant all who are flying, all who are on the ground, all who are floating on the water, or are submerged beneath the waves protection against any and all potential for accident or "friendly fire."

We ask that you will assist the teams who have gone into the country to fight the oil well fires. And while there are not as many as we saw after Gulf War I, even these few fires are extremely dangerous. Bless and surround these teams with your protection and guide them as they gain control over these fires.

We have seen our troops exhibit a record-breaking sprint across the desert toward their objectives. Father, many of our troops are working with short rest and sleep and are functioning on adrenaline and grit. Father, this too is part of war. We do, however, ask that you will be with each of these precious young people. Grant them as much rest and repair as possible whenever they do have the opportunity to sleep. Grant them clarity of mind at all times, but especially while they are tired and stressed.

Father, we have been learning once more that war is a costly and difficult proposition. We ask that the sacrifice of these, your young servants, has not been a vain sacrifice. We ask that you will surround them as they go Home to you. We ask that you will comfort their families. We ask that you will strengthen the resolve of their buddies who yet live to fight on. We ask that you will grant our President and his cabinet and the military leaders your direct guidance so that this war may be prosecuted as rapidly as possible and with minimal loss of life.

Father, we are grateful to come before you on bent knee in our prayer circle. Bless each and every one here and those throughout the nation and our coalition nations who are praying for your Will in this war. Bless the efforts of those who are demonstrating in any way their support for the troops and this President. We ask that according to thy will, you will strip from those who are this nation's enemies their power to affect the ultimate outcome of your Divine Plan for this nation and her people. This which we ask for this nation America, we ask for every nation, for we truly do desire to see all people enjoy the gift of Freedom which you have given to all of us as your children.
Amen.

As our and coalition troops meet increasing resistance in Iraq,

Please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops. Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, prayer is the very best one.

"Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen."

Asking Divine Protection for Those In Service

O God, I beseech You, watch over those exposed to the horror of war, and the spiritual dangers of a soldier’s or sailor’s life.

Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, nor fear ever to practice it. By Your grace, O God, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that being preserved from vice, and serving You faithfully, they may be ready to meet you face to face when they are so called: through Christ our Lord. Amen

Sacred Heart! Inspire them with sorrow for sin, and grant them pardon. Mother of God! Be with them on the battlefield during life and at the hour of death, and grant that they may live and die in the grace of thy Son. Amen. St. Joseph! Pray for them. May their Guardian Angel protect them. Amen.

Special Forces Prayer

Almighty God Who art the Author of Liberty and the Champion of the oppressed hear our prayer. We the men of Special Forces, acknowledge our dependence upon Thee in the preservation of human freedom.

Go with us as we seek to defend the defenseless and to free the enslaved. May we ever remember that our nation, whose oath "in God We Trust," expects that we shall requit ourselves with honor, that we may never bring shame upon our faith, our families, or our fellow men.

Grant us wisdom from Thy mind, courage from Thine heart, and protection by Thine hand. It is for Thee that we do battle, and to thee belongs the victor's crown. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory forever. Amen!

The Marine Prayer

Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family.

Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.

If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer. Semper Fidelis

Prayers For Our Soldiers

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the US Navy

O eternal Lord, God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country's Navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our Sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

A Soldier’s Prayer

Lord Jesus, Mighty Warrior and Prince of Peace, all glory and power is yours. I offer myself and my military career for the welfare of our nation and for your glory.

You said "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord"; make us mindful of our nation's heritage and of who we are. You said "Be strong and of good courage", this is my prayer. You said "A king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength"; be my protection and my strength. While I defend the nation, may all of Heaven safeguard my family back home.

Almighty God, when you will to safely return me home, help me to see in each member of my family all that I am willing to fight for- life, liberty, freedom and justice. Give me wisdom to share what experiences would lead my sons to Christ-like valor, my daughters to Christian compassion. When Mary witnessed you falling wounded to the ground, she reaffirmed her trust in God her savior. Fill my spouse with surety in your divine plan for me, our family and our nation. You called me to be a soldier. March along side me. Jesus, I place my trust in you. Amen.

Air Force Hymn

Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly,
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair.

You who keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight,
Lord of the tempered winds, be near,
That, having you, they know no fear.

Control their minds with instinct fit
Whene'er adventuring, they quit
Firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skillful hand.

Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with your saving grace.
Oh, God, protect the ones who fly
Through lonely ways beneath the sky. Amen.

Coast Guard Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting God, Whose hand stills the tumult of the deep, we offer our prayers for those who serve in our Coast Guard. We are mindful of their traditions of selfless service to the seafarers who make their ways to appointed ports.

Employ their devotions of good ends as they track the weather and search for the seas for those in extremity of storm, shipwreck or battle. Make their soundings and markings sure that safe passages may be found by those who go down to the sea in ships.

Encourage them, O Lord, as they stand guard over our coasts and the bulwarks of our freedoms. Graciously deliver them from threatening calamities in all their perilous voyages. Bless the keepers of the lights and be Thou their close friend in lonely watches. Keep the beacons of honor and duty burning that they may reach the home port with duty well performed, in service to Thee and our land. AMEN.

Night Stalker Prayer

Father of the heavens and the night; Stretch forth Your almighty arms to strengthen and protect us. Even as You gave Saint Michael, Your angelic warrior, power to do spiritual battle in the heavens, so give us power to command the darkened skies.

Guide and direct us in the defense of our country and in the maintenance of justice among the nations. Give us the courage to face all obstacles that might keep us from our time on target. Send Your holy Angels to protect the precious cargo which we carry; the elite Special Operations forces of the United States. Sustain us in the hour of danger with the knowledge of Your mercy and return us safely home.

Watch over our families when we can not. May Your presence give them comfort, and Your love lend them the courage to face each day, confident in the knowledge that You will never leave them nor forsake them. Protect them with Your unfailing mercy and grace. Grant that wherever we serve, we may be loyal to our proud heritage. Make us to choose the harder right over the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won. May we ever embody the principles upon which the Night Stalkers are founded and serve proudly with the memory of those who have gone before. Give us the courage to fight to win and the faith to die rather than quit. Because, Night Stalkers Don't Quit!

Prayer For Absent Family Members

O God, whose fatherly care reaches to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech you graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body, and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to you, may be bound together by your love in the communion of your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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