Memorial Day is an American holiday when Americans remember those in the military who died on behalf of their country. The somberness of this holiday is meant to encourage gratitude for those whose sacrifice has ensured freedom for others. Ultimately, this holiday can serve to point us to Christ’s work on the cross. It is Christ who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and it is because of Him that all who place their trust in Him experience true freedom. So whether you live in America or not, we encourage you to pray the prayer below in response to this day and the freedom it ultimately points us to in Christ.
A Prayer for Memorial Day
Dear Lord,
On this Memorial Day, we ask You to comfort those who have lost loved ones.
Give peace to those who grieve on this day.
May they find solace in Your presence and hope through Your Word.
We also thank You for those who gave up their lives for our freedom.
Thank You for the liberties and blessings that we enjoy because of their sacrifice.
As we remember their sacrifice today, may we also remember the sacrifice of Your own Son, Jesus.
The willingness of those to put their country first points us to Christ’s willingness to put us first.
Though we are sinful and wayward, Jesus went to the cross for our sake.
Jesus chose to lay down His life in our place.
His blood was shed to pay the price for our sin.
It is because of Christ that we are forgiven.
It is because of Christ that we have true freedom.
So we thank You for the gift of Your Son.
We praise You for sending Him so that we can be saved.
Lord, we pray that You will humble our hearts in response to Christ’s salvation.
May we be moved to gratitude today and every day for what He has done.
And may we live out the freedom we’ve received in joyful obedience to You.
It is in Your Son’s name that we pray,
Amen.
