2026-05-23 Morning Prayer

Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—

who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 103: 1-5

And now a prayer by- J. Veltri, S.J.

Gracious God, on this Memorial Day weekend,

we remember and give thanks for those who have given their lives

in the service of our country.

When the need was greatest,

they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms that we

enjoy, and to win the same for others.

O God, You yourself have taught us that no love is greater than that

which gives itself for another.

These honored dead gave the most precious gift they had,

life itself,

for loved ones and neighbors,

for comrades and country - and for us.

Help us to honor their memory

by caring for the family members

they have left behind,

by ensuring that their wounded comrades

are properly cared for,

by being watchful caretakers of the freedoms

for which they gave their lives,

and by demanding that no other young men and women

follow them to a soldier's grave

unless the reason is worthy and the cause is just.

Holy One, help us to remember that freedom is not free.

There are times when its cost is, indeed, dear.

Never let us forget those who paid so terrible a price

to ensure that freedom would be our legacy.

Though their names may fade with the passing of generations,

may we never forget what they have done.

Help us to be worthy of their sacrifice,

O God, help us to be worthy. Amen