May 25, 2026
Memorial Day
Hebrews 12:1-2
05/25/2026
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every
weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let
us run with endurance the race that is set before
us,
2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our
faith, who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame, and is
seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(ESV)
The author of Hebrews reminds us:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud
of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and
sin which clings so closely, and let us run with
endurance the race that is set before us, looking to
Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for
the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of
the throne of God.
On this Memoral Day, we pray for our nation and give glory
to God for all His blessings even as we remember those who gave
their lives to preserve our freedoms.
Gracious Lord, heavenly Father, on this day we pause to
remember the sacrifices made for freedom throughout the
past centuries. We do indeed owe a debt of gratitude to
those who have paid dearly for the liberty we enjoy.
Yet, O Lord, we know that good government, peace, and
freedom are really gifts granted from Your fatherly
hand, as we confess in the Creed. As we remember those
who have served our nation, help us to remember that
civic duty, no matter how well done, does not grant
entrance to Your kingdom. We are saved by grace,
through faith in Christ, apart from our works. Freed
from the Law's demands, we know that we are now free to
serve our neighbors for our neighbor's sake. May the
sacrifices of those who have gone before us serve as
examples. When we meet those who have served, remind
us to thank them. Almighty God, guide the leaders of
our nation. Watch over those who serve in our armed
forces, especially those far from home. And above all,
grant that we, Your children by faith in Christ, may
find a field of service in which we, as salt and
leaven, may uphold righteousness, order, and peace in
Jesus' name. Amen.[1]
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1. Lutheran Book of Prayer, p. 174.