OPINION:
Veterans Day is more than a federal holiday; it’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the United States military. This day serves as a unique opportunity to lift up those who have served and also those who continue to serve the country in new ways — particularly the many veterans now serving as elected officials.
These leaders bring their commitment, discipline, and perspective into government offices, and we have an incredible opportunity to support them in prayer. Scripture affirms the significance of praying for leaders, especially those who have already made great sacrifices.
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The Bible teaches us to honor those who give of themselves for others. John 15:13 states, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Veterans who transition into public office take on a new form of service that requires similar selflessness, especially as they make decisions affecting the lives of their fellow citizens. Their sacrifice continues, often with an added emotional weight from their military experiences. Praying for these leaders is one way we can honor their willingness to serve and bear burdens for the good of others.
Prayers for wisdom and integrity
The Bible encourages us to pray for our leaders to have wisdom. In their roles, elected officials make decisions that affect everything from local policies to international relations. Veterans who are now in leadership roles may be more attuned to the realities of defense, diplomacy and sacrifice, but their work remains complex and challenging. Our prayers can help sustain them, and we can ask God to provide clarity and discernment as they navigate tough issues.
Integrity is another crucial quality for leaders. Proverbs 11:3 reminds us, “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”
Military service instills values like honor and accountability, but the political landscape can test even the strongest convictions. By praying for our veteran leaders to uphold integrity, we ask God to strengthen them in their commitment to what is right and just, even in the face of pressure or personal sacrifice.
Prayers for servant hearts
Many veteran leaders exemplify what the Bible calls a servant’s heart. Philippians 2:4 advises, “not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This servant-mindedness is often what motivates veterans to pursue a second life in public service, recognizing that their calling to protect others didn’t end when they left the military. Praying for God to uphold and foster this servant spirit allows these leaders to continue in their service, bringing humility and a desire to truly represent and serve their communities.
Veteran leaders in government are particularly familiar with the cost of service — both seen and unseen. They know the toll it takes on physical health, mental well-being and family life. Our prayers for them should include petitions for their endurance and spiritual strength, so they may not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9).
Prayers for peace and healing
Many veterans in public office carry the scars of combat, both visible and invisible. These leaders often bear unique burdens, from the psychological effects of trauma to memories of those they served alongside. Our prayers should encompass their healing and peace, asking God to restore and renew them. As we pray for our veteran officials, we ask God to protect their minds and hearts, surrounding them with His peace.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Veterans Day: A reminder to pray and share gratitude
Veterans Day is a poignant moment to remember that the challenges of service do not end when veterans retire their uniforms. For those who continue in public office, the call to serve remains as real and demanding as ever. By praying for our veteran leaders, we not only honor their past sacrifices but also support their ongoing commitment to our nation. Prayer is a powerful tool to uplift and empower those who have given so much and continue to work for the good of the country.
This Veterans Day, as we honor the sacrifices of our military veterans, let’s commit to faithfully praying for those veteran leaders who work tirelessly for the welfare of the United States. May God grant them wisdom, strength, peace, and integrity as they continue their journey of service.
And let us never forget to express our gratitude to those who served and are still serving. I recommend attending any local Veteran’s Day events being held in your community as a way of showing your appreciation for their sacrifice. Your visible presence and verbal “thank you” will mean more than you can imagine.
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Lindsey Swindle is the Director of Government & Policy Affairs at Christian Care Ministry, the association of churches that manages Medi-Share. Project K.E.E.P..is the non-partisan Medi-Share initiative encouraging Christians to actively and specifically pray for elected officials.
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