8 Memorial Day Prayers

Use these Memorial Day prayers to honor and remember the sacrifices former and current military members and their families have made for our nation’s freedom.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. On this day we remember, and honor the sacrifices of the courageous men and women who have served and who currently serve in the military. As a nation, we have been blessed with freedom and security because of their selfless sacrifice.

May these Memorial Day prayers help you remember and honor those brave men and women, comfort the families and friends who have lost loved ones, and bless those who continue to serve our country. 

8 Memorial Day Prayers

1. A Short Memorial Day Prayer

Father,

We thank You for the gift of freedom that You have given. We know that it did not come without a cost and that many men and women have given their lives in service of our country, and for the sake of our safety and freedom. 

On this Memorial Day, we think not only of the men and women who have fought bravely for their country but also of those who are currently in service. We ask that You grant them a blessing of protection when they are on duty. May they find the comfort that they need in You as they spend time away from their loved ones, and may they find strength for the challenges that they face.

We ask that You grant them true freedom in Christ, that sets them free from sin, and from the chains of this world. May they know the one who ultimately sacrificed His life for us all, and may they serve with Him and His glory in mind.

In Jesus’ name, amen. 

2. A Prayer Of Remembrance For The Fallen, Lost Loved Ones

Lord, 

Today our hearts remember those who have fallen. Though we may not know every name and face, we know that You know every one of them and the ultimate sacrifice that they made on behalf of their country. They gave their own lives. On this day, we ask that You remind us of the great cost they paid and the privileges that they have afforded us.

We think of the family members and friends of those who have lost their lives, and the grief that they continue to deal with. We ask that You surround them with Your comforting arms, and bring them peace today. May they come to know the hope that is in Christ, of whom Scripture says that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. And Christ has victory over death.

Help us not to take the freedom that we have for granted, and to use it to further Your kingdom. Be with those who mourn the loss of their loved one. Strengthen those who continue to serve today. And grant us hearts that are filled with great gratitude for what they have given, knowing it was not in vain.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

3. A Prayer Of Gratitude For The Sacrifices Made For Our Freedom

Heavenly Father,

Our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for the great sacrifice that so many brave men and women have made on behalf of our country. We think not only of those who have given their lives in service to our country but of all the other sacrifices that armed forces make to serve our country and its people.

We think of the long periods of time that they spend away from their families. There are the birthdays, and milestones that they miss so that they can be on the frontlines. We think of the loneliness some endure and the physical and mental hardships they go through to train for their positions. 

All of it comes at a price, and we know that it is not easy. Thank You for giving them the courage to fight for our freedom. We ask that You bless them richly. May they not only be protected from physical harm, but guard their hearts, and clothe them in Your armor so that they might stand firm in the face of both physical and spiritual battles.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

4. A Prayer For Our Nation

Lord,

On this Memorial Day, we bring our nation in prayer to You. We know apart from You we can do nothing. We are reminded of Your faithfulness to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament and Your grace towards them. We ask that You touch the hearts of our nation, so that we might be a people who serve and love You.

We think of the freedom that the courageous men and women who have and continue to serve in the military have brought us. We thank You for their lives, and for the freedom that we have been given to worship You. We are grateful for the freedom to read Your Word, pray to You, and gather together in worship.

Help us to stand together as a nation, and to be aware of the spiritual war that we are in. May we seek Your face as a people, and honor You with our lives. Help us to see the wisdom of Your Word, and not resist it. May we pursue righteousness, and may our hearts be filled with compassion.

In Jesus’ name, amen. 

5. A Prayer For Military Families

Father,

Today we come before You to lift up every military family. We know that they face unique challenges that can bring a lot of anxiety, fear, unknown, loneliness, and heartache. We ask that You strengthen them, and draw them close together, even when they are apart. Please watch over them, and protect them.

We pray for wives and husbands who have a spouse serving in the military. We pray for Your presence to console them, and be with them as they are separated from their loved ones. Help them to find ways to communicate with one another intentionally, and find creative ways to spend time together.

We think of children who have parents in the military. We know that their physical absence is tough on them. We ask that You enfold those children in Your love, and comfort them in their sorrow. Surround these families with a supportive community. May their time spent together be a blessing to them all, and not taken for granted.

In Jesus’ name, amen. 

6. A Prayer To Honor Veterans & Active Military

Dear Lord,

On this Memorial Day, we honor both veterans and active military for their selfless service to protect our country. We know that the sacrifices that they have made are immeasurable, and we do not take them for granted. We thank You for their lives, and for their fight for our freedom, and security. May they know the richest blessings that come from above.

We ask that You grant them comfort for the challenges that they have endured, and give them strength for those that lie ahead. May they know that their service has been a great blessing to our country, and may they experience the love and gratitude of all of us today.

We are grateful for the many privileges that we have become of their sacrifices. May they know the gracious hand of God over their lives. May they experience Your blessings, and live in the light of Your grace.

In Jesus’ name, amen. 

7. A Prayer Of Protection 

Gracious God, 

We bring the lives of all the men and women who serve and protect our country before You today. We thank You for the daily sacrifices that they make, and for giving of themselves in such a selfless way. Today we want to ask for Your hand of protection over their lives, especially during their service at home and abroad.

We thank You for the courage to serve and even lay down their lives for this great nation. As they serve to protect our country, we ask that You place a hedge of protection around them. Be with them in their coming in and their going out. May they seek You as their refuge and safety.

We not only pray for their physical protection but that You would guard their hearts and their minds too. Please protect their minds from mental illness and mental exhaustion. Help them to set their minds on You, and find peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Jesus’ name, amen. 

8. A Prayer For Peace 

Heavenly Father, 

On this Memorial Day, we ask for Your peace in our country. We think of the many who have fought for our freedom and want to thank You for protecting us. May we not only experience peace from war, but may we experience peace among our people. Keep us from tearing one another down, and sinning towards one another.

We ask that You help us as a nation live selflessly, and seek the good of others. May we strive for peace, and stand together. Help us to live peaceably with one another. We ask for Your hand of blessing over our country, and for Your providence.

Help us not only to pursue earthly peace but the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. May we know the peace of Christ, and may it rule in each of our hearts.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

More Prayers For Our Nation:

7 Prayers for Veteran’s Day

6 Prayers for the 4th of July

8 Prayers for Others

11 Prayers For Evangelism