Most veterans I know are proud of their service. I imagine that thousands who served during times of war thought they were serving in a way that did not and would not need repeating in the future. The setting of this prayer is at a Veterans Administration Hospital on Veteran’s Day. Inspiration for the prayer comes from the lyrics of the Negro Spiritual “Study War No More.”
(Singing)
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
Let us pray.
Almighty God, we pause to give thanks for our veterans on this special day. They sacrificed their lives and limbs so that we may be safe and free. We pray that today will be one of joy, affirmation and recognition, and we pray that the days that follow will mirror the gratitude expressed today.
We pray for the well-being of each veteran and that your healing presence might surround all gathered. We especially pray for all those who care for our veterans: nurses, therapists, and case workers. May an extra measure of joy be part of their services offered to our veterans.
Lord, forgive our nation for sending your children out to war when it was not right. Forgive our nation for all the harassment, discrimination and abuse we show our veterans while they fought for our country. Forgive our nation for not treating your children well after returning from war.
Dear God, help us to study war no more, and study peace some more. Help us to study unforgiveness no more, and study grace some more. Help us study hate no more, and study love some more.
Doctors study medicine, attorneys study law, but help all your children study love some more. Study love some more, study love some more, help us to study love some more.
(Singing)
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more
