# Memorial Day Prayer
*2016-04-30*

> Bill Young leads a special Memorial Day prayer, invoking the intercession of St. Joan of Arc and asking God’s protection and peace for our service members and their families.

## Opening

Welcome to Prayer at Lunch. Today we gather to pray for the men and women who have served, are serving, and have sacrificed for our country, especially as we commemorate Memorial Day.

## St. Joan of Arc’s Example

We also honor the feast day of St. Joan of Arc, whose courageous leadership helped France in its struggles. Her example of faith‑filled bravery inspires us as we lift up our troops.

## Prayer for Our Troops

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the self‑sacrifice they perform in our time of need, and bring them home safely. May their sacrifice bring about lasting and just peace in those lands. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

## Remembering the Fallen

Lord, protect all who serve in the armed services, and let us remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on this Memorial Day. For if it were not for them, we would not enjoy the freedom we cherish. Amen.

*May we ever honor the brave by praying for peace, protection, and gratitude.*