Prayer For Deployment
But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him.'
Long, high-tension days may begin to wear on your husband. As he faces challenges on a daily basis, his spirit may grow weary. In Lamentations, Jeremiah is weeping over the destruction and heartache that his people have faced. Sorrow upon sorrow has befallen them, and yet, this verse serves as a shining moment of hope in the midst of turmoil. Pray that the Lord renews your husband each morning, as He did for Jeremiah, and that your husband will find a wellspring of hope and vitality through his faith in the Lord.
For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will look only with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place the Most High, who is my refuge no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands, they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.'
Deployments are dangerous. It doesn't matter who your husband is or what his job is if he's headed into a combat zone, he's in the line of fire. That's why fear lurks in every spouse's heart during those long, hard months. This Psalm is the ultimate portrait of God's protective nature. Reflect on its words and pray for God's protection over your spouse.
One of John's family's friends posted on his wall before he deployed. I thought it was wonderful, so I printed it out and kept it in my wallet (and taped a copy to my work computer, too). Of course, when I got a new wallet this year, I accidentally threw away the poem. I looked through Facebook for almost an hour to find this prayer again because it is my favorite. I can't tell you how many times I read and prayed it last year. For those of you in the midst of or facing deployment, I hope it brings you the same comfort and strength.
Lord and Holy Protector, you called Abraham and Sarah to leave their homeland and to journey away from their own people.Yet you kept them safe wherever they went.Protect your children and our friend and loved one who must now leave to fight in this war. Walk by his side and calm any fear. Be his companion and guide his thoughts. Encircle him with your light and keep him from harm. And when his service is ended, lead him safely home again. For you, O God, are our shelter in every storm and our refuge in times of danger. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.