Almighty and most merciful Father, You have revealed to us that until the end of time there will be wars and rumors of wars and that You have ordained governments to protect its citizens by bearing the sword against those who would do us harm. Yet You also are the one who makes wars cease to the ends of the earth, therefore we humbly ask that You would speedily bring this present war to an end. Curb the wickedness which is fueling this war, so that lives of the innocent might be spared from death and injury.

More specifically we pray for Bobby now that in his vocation as a U. S. Marine he is being deployed to an area of great conflict. Keep him ever in the one true faith which trusts in Christ Jesus alone for salvation, no matter what he may be called upon to witness, experience and do. Send his holy angel at all times to watch over him protecting him from all harm and danger.

Preserve him from seeing the horrors of war. If he does, keep him from despair or being warped with cynicism. When he becomes saddened, frustrated, disappointed and lonely, lift him up with Your ever abiding love and presence. Humble him at all times so that he remains subordinate to those who are placed over him and effective for those he may be called on to lead.

Continue to instill in him a love for all people, since Christ Jesus shed His blood to save all. If he must injure or kill the enemy in the line of duty, give him clear thought and a ready heart to fulfill what he has been trained to do. Let him never enjoy the acts of warfare nor let fear paralyze him in action, but give him courage under fire. We ask this not only for his safety, but the safety of those who serve alongside him and for all his fellow citizens for whom he has taken an oath to protect.

Always sharpen his conscience and steel his resolve to do what is right and proper in Your eyes, so that when moral decisions have to be made in the heat of battle, whether by pressure from his peers or even under orders to act contrary to Your will, he will bring You honor in all his decisions and actions. Through this faithful and obedient service to You in love to his neighbor, may Your love be evident to all, with the result that Your kingdom of grace may advance even under such troubling circumstances.

Bring him safely home in mind, body and spirit to all who love him. We ask these things according to Your good and gracious will and trust that in all things you work out everlasting blessings for us Your dear children through the blood of Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer written by the Rev. Glenn Obenberger for his family after his son Bobby was stationed in Iraq.