Memorial Day Prayer 2016 at West Wharf, Madison, CT – Pastor Greg Scalzo

Invocation delivered at the Madison, CT Memorial Day Ceremony at West Wharf

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,

As we have remembered the different branches of our nation’s armed forces this morning, so now we give special memorial to the naval dead. We are so grateful for their service and sacrifice. Some sailors died at sea. Some were never recovered, their bodies lost to the depths. But they are not lost to You, for to You O God all are alive. And we are so thankful for the assurance of Your Holy Word that there is a life after this life and a world after this world—that along with the sadness of our memories for fallen comrades and lost loved ones this Memorial Day—along with the solemn realization of how many died to protect this nation over its history—we have great and joyous hope.

And let us not neglect to lift up before You the current defenders of our nation, facing many dangers around this globe. We ask Your blessings and protection upon their young lives: that You would shield them with Your mighty hand and outstretched arm.

Almighty God, in our country’s history, when citizens gathered and prayed for Your protection upon our troops and upon our land, the minister, reflecting the humility of the people, would ask You to forgive us our sins as individuals and as a nation, and to help us to turn from sin back to righteousness: That Your mercy and grace would be upon these United States of America. Father, You heard those prayers, delivered our land, and gave victory over our enemies, so that we remained a free and secure nation. Therefore, I likewise pray this prayer today, as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen