04/22/2026
“Praying for our soldiers” has often been used as a tool to support our own nationalistic goals or ask God for special protection of our own country while simultaneously celebrating the destruction of the "enemy." As a Jesus-centered church in the historic peace tradition, we believe that the way of Jesus is the way of nonviolence and challenge all forms of violence. But that does not mean that we reject or ignore those who find themselves in military uniforms for various reasons. We absolutely are called to pray for them, asking God to lead them to use whatever power they have been given for mercy and not destruction. So our 4/19/26 Prayer of Solidarity was for the many across our world who are making decisions that can bring life or death. One of our community members who is a former military officer led us in this Prayer of Solidarity, with a shared longing for all violence to cease from our earth. You can read an excerpt below--
"Lord, we ask that You give godly wisdom to all military leaders, officers, and those with the authority to give military orders. Guide these men, women, and leaders with godly wisdom and love to issue legal and proper orders that help protect life, recognize humanity, and allow people to exist and to be governed with dignity and respect.
We pray for protection of the innocent on both sides. Help all to understand that You are a God that shows no favoritism and loves all people on earth equally. Therefore, we pray that every soldier adheres to a strong moral principle and every nation abides by the highest ethical standards, especially during conflicts, wars, and chaotic times.
Overall, we pray for our soldiers and for all on earth: world peace, stability, and for Your love to reign instead of hate, and animosity. We look forward to that day when every soldier and every nation will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. And until that day comes Lord, we ask that your Word of love, your promise of peace, and your wisdom that passes all understanding guide all military leaders, soldiers, fighters, and even our so-called enemies in their actions and decisions..."