Praying for the Families of Our Soldiers

I have two prayer requests for you.

First, one of our local homeschooled grads was married last year. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended. Shortly thereafter her new husband was deployed to Iraq. They are expecting their first child in early September. He is scheduled for a 2-week leave at the end of August and then will return to Iraq until February. Please pray for this young family -- that all will go well with the baby's birth, that she is born while Daddy is home, and that he comes home safe and sound.


This prayer request is from my friend Linda S.

Please pray for my niece Jennifer whose soldier husband, Alan, was killed in Iraq last night when he stepped on mine. He leaves behind Jennifer, a young mother, and two beautiful daughters Rose (4) and Lilith (3 months).

God our Father, Your power brings us to birth, Your providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to dust. Lord, those who die still live in Your presence, their lives change but do not end. I pray in hope for Alan, my family, relatives and friends, and for all the dead known to You alone. In company with Christ, Who died and now lives, may they rejoice in Your kingdom, where all our tears are wiped away. Unite us together again in one family, to sing Your praise forever and ever.
Amen.

Addendum: A third prayer request for our soldiers and their families. My brother-in-law Tom is still in the Persian Gulf and his return home has been delayed. Prayers for him, my sister Chrissy, and their two kids Tommy and Deanna are also appreciated. Thanks!