Veterans Day Prayers for Children

“Mommy, what’s a veteran? Teacher said to pray for them today.” November 11 is Veteran’s Day, remembering the sacrifice and efforts of the men and women who defend the United States. Prayers for veterans can include the living and the dead, those serving today and those who served in the past. Your child might know a few veterans she will pray for, but you might encourage her to pray for many she will never know.

On Veteran’s Day, your child might give thanks because he lives in a free country. Prayers for those who lead the country, including the President who serves as Commander-in-Chief of the military, are appropriate. He might also thank God for all of those who helped to create the United States as a country where people can worship freely. Many veterans gave their lives to preserve this right, and it’s worth stopping to honor them.

Many veterans sacrificed life and health to protect the United States from attackers and those who attempted to take over the world. Your child might have family members or know people in her church who are veterans. She can pray for the families of those who gave so much, “God bless those who have defended our country and left families behind. Help each family to know you and feel your love.” She might pray specific prayers for those she knows once she understands what they did to become veterans.

Many veterans today live with long-term consequences of their service. Your child can pray, “God, help the veterans get better if they were hurt serving our country.” He might pray for their minds and their bodies, asking God to heal them and provide for their needs. He might also pray, “God, help these brave people find jobs when they come home so they can take care of their families.”

Men and women still serve around the world today, some of them in harm’s way every day. Your child might pray a prayer of protection over those who serve today. Her prayer might include, “God, watch over those who protect us around the world. Keep them safe and bring them home to their families.” She might also pray for the families of those serving today. That prayer might be, “Take care of the families of our soldiers, God. I’m sure they miss the soldier. Keep them safe until their soldier comes home.”