Catholic Prayer for Fallen Soldier

The Catholic stance on prayer is that it is a conduit through which devotees can invoke mercy, guidance and a connection with God. Many Catholics pray for themselves, their families and even strangers who share the badge of mankind alike. The prayer for the fallen soldier is one that family, friends and kinsman remember for those brave individuals who risk their lives.

Catholics hold firmly that there is a proper way to pray and that certain intentions and preparations are necessary to deliver a sincere and effective prayer. The general pre-requisites for prayer are a conversion of heart, humility, simplicity of words, a focus on spiritual needs, fasting and other sacrifices, perseverance and sound faith.

Conversion of heart means that the one coming to pray must totally subjugate his heart over to God. Humility is essential for any service because until one realizes that they are but a small microcosm of a much greater picture, there is no way to connect or open up to the source of that greater picture. Catholics believe in simplicity of words within the prayer session. You are speaking to God not an abstract, distant dignitary who you are not meant to have any connection with. Speak in your own language in your own words so as to be comfortable enough to connect to God.

Many Catholics use prayer as a vehicle to come closer to and communicate with God. This gives the devoted a unique, personal relationship with the Holy Father. In addition, prayer can be used to enact mercy for others as well. In fact, praying for another person connects the supplicant to both God and the person being prayed for, so the relationship is only enhanced further by these altruistic prayers.

Follows the text for the actual prayer for a fallen soldier, said heart-wrenchingly by many family members, friends and devoted Catholics frequently:

Dear Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of God, Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand, comfort them and their families. Send angels of protection, love, and comfort to all the service men and women still at war, bring them home safely and comfort their families. We ask all our prayers in Jesus' name. Amen.