Matthew 20:26-28 “But it shall not be so among you:  but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:  Even as the Son of man came not to be minister unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Sadly, yesterday I attended a memorial service for an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician.  EOD Techs are the brave members of the military who disarm bombs like improvised explosive devices.  The latest count indicates that 133 EOD Techs have lost their lives in combat since 9/11 in the midst of doing their heroic duty.  The following is known as the EOD Prayer:

Lord of power and might,
whose mercy is everlasting,
guard and guide those who
place their lives in the balance
to ensure the safety of those nearby.

Look with favor upon those
with the prowess and skill to disarm
explosive devices,
render them safe,
and remove from others the threat of harm.

Bless those who have been set apart
by this hazardous duty,
and give support to their families
and love ones who wait
through each tense call.

Receive into eternal rest
those who have given their lives
and bring healing to those who mourn.

Grant that in the EOD Family
there may be unity of spirit
for the well being of all

To your glory
with grateful hearts
we thank you loving God.
Amen.

While EOD Techs play a particularly heroic role in our military, they provide a great representation of the service, bravery, and sacrifice of all the members of our Armed Forces, past and present.

We need the Lord to guard and guide the members of the military who place their lives in the balance to ensure the safety of those nearby.  We need God to protect our military members from the threat of harm.  We thank the Lord for setting apart those whose serve bravely and sacrificially, and ask for peace and grace for their loved ones.  We are thankful for those whose service is intended for the well being of all!

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE MEMBERS OF OUR MILITARY!  Do so on Veteran’s Day, and throughout the year.  Do so for EOD Techs, and for all who serve!

On a related note, please enjoy the video at the following link entitled This Flag:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0xNa7tZRtQ