Father God, on this day of remembrance, we lift our hearts to You.

Years have passed but wounds remain deep for those who suffered unimaginable loss. Please continue to bring beauty, promise, and hope from the ashes of pain and devastation.

And Father, once again we pray for healing and unity for this country we love. We ask for wisdom and discernment for our leaders—that they would seek Your heart and place the nation’s needs before their own. May they remember that the source of all hope is in the faithfulness of their Creator.

Convict Your people to turn from sin and to seek Your face so that we may claim the promise of healing and restoration. Please work in each heart—drawing Your children into deeper relationship with You so that our communities see a difference in our lives.

Father God, thank you for the amazing gift of freedom. Thank you for those who have served, sacrificed, and died that we may have life. And Father, we praise You for the gift of Your Son, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the ultimate gift—freedom from a life without You. Thank you, Jesus. We love and praise You.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,
intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives
in all godliness and holiness
· I Timothy 2:1-2 ·

If my people, who are called by my name,
will humble themselves and pray and seek my face
and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land
· II Chronicles 7:14 ·

The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
he turns it wherever he will
· Proverbs 21:1 ·