On This Memorial Day
Monday’s Verse:
From Proverbs 10:7a ESV
“The memory of the righteous is a blessing…”
The final Monday in May is the day when we take a moment to remember those who gave their lives to protect and defend our nation. Their names might be etched on stone, spoken at ceremonies, or held quietly in the hearts of loved ones. Holy Scripture says, “the memory of the righteous is a blessing.” God shows us that remembering is important.
For Christians, remembering is more than looking back. It means feeling grateful and hopeful. We thank God for the courage, sacrifice, duty, and love shown by those who served. We also remember that every life, no matter how honorable, is held in the hands of a merciful God.
In the Lutheran tradition, Memorial Day is not meant to glorify war. Instead, it honors sacrifice and admits our need for God’s peace in a broken world. The crosses in military cemeteries remind us of the cross where Christ gave Himself for the world. Because He lives, death is not the end.
The weather this Memorial Day weekend has been rainy and cool. However, it invites us to remember in a quieter way. Say the names of loved ones. Thank God for faithful servants. Pray for those who still grieve. And trust that the Lord remembers His people forever.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Merciful Father, on this Memorial Day, we thank You for those who served and sacrificed for others. Grant comfort to grieving families, wisdom to our leaders, and peace among the nations. Keep us mindful of the greater mercy shown to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who died and rose again that we might live. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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