R.P.G.

MPF 1 through 6 US Military

Military Prayer Focus #1

Purpose: To assist our military
 
The following testimony is from Ray Vela.

I went to war, as is the case with most of our troops today, as a young man.  I was drafted into the Army in 1966 and soon found myself in Vietnam.  I served as a "grunt" with the 198 Light Infantry Brigade near a place called Chu Lai.  On the morning of May 22, 1968, after about 7 months in country, I was severely wounded.  I stepped on a landmine and as a result I lost both legs.  Having tasted and with God's help overcome the horrors and pains of war, I have a special place in my heart for our troops-so I pray for them with all my heart.  Ray Vela-Army of God.


1/2 boy 1/2 man

Amazing story for us to remember our service people who are serving now and all those who have served us in the past and that is why we enjoy the "Freedom" we have.

The average age of the military man is 19 years.  He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

Physical Protection

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we lift our troops before you and thank you that they are safe in you - in your presence.  Thank you that even though others may drop like flies right and left no harm will even graze them.  Yes, because you God are their refuge, evil can't get close to them.  Your huge, outstretched arms will protect them in Jesus Name Amen.  (Psalms 91)

Psalms 91:1-6
"Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty, can say to him, "You are my defender and protector. You are my God; in you I trust." He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you. You need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day or the plagues that strike in the dark or the evils that kill in daylight."

Psalms 91:7-16
"A thousand may fall dead beside you, ten thousand all around you, but you will not be harmed. You will look and see how the wicked are punished. 
You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes.
God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as Lord. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them." TEV


Military Prayer Focus #2

1/2 boy 1/2 man continued…
 
The average age of the military man is 19 years.  He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy.  Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.  He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.   He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer. 
 
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.  He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.  He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
 
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.  He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march.
 
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.  He is self-sufficient.
 
He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other.  He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.  He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.  He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts.  If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food.  He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
 
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.  He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.

Physical Protection

Prayer
Thank you heavenly Father that you give your angels charge over our troops to guard them wherever they go.  If they stumble your angels shall catch them and keep them safe and unharmed no matter what dangers are in their path.  All the enemy's devices shall be rendered useless.  We put our trust in You Father in Jesus Name Amen.  (Psalms 91)


Military Prayer Focus #3

1/2 boy 1/2 man continued…

He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. 

He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.

Thanksgiving

Prayer
Thank you heavenly Father that our troops (each individual soldier) learn to know and trust You.  Show them that when they hold on to You for dear life You will get them out of any trouble and give them the best of care.  Assure them that when they call on You, You will answer, be at their side in bad times and rescue them.  Thank you Father that you give them long life and a long drink of salvation.  In Jesus Name Amen.  (Psalms 91)


Military Prayer Focus #4

1/2 boy 1/2 man continued…

He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
 
Just as did his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy.  He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years. 

Spiritual Protection

Prayer
Heavenly Father show our troops where the real battle lies and how to use the weapons You provide so they can stand up to everything the enemy throws their way.  Show them that this is a spiritual battle first - against spiritual wickedness.  Have them be prepared with Your whole armor - Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith and Salvation - and how to apply them.  Also Father, have them learn how to pray hard and long so that when it's all over but the shouting they'll still be on their feet in Jesus Name Amen.  (Ephesians 6)
 


Military Prayer Focus #5
 
1/2 boy 1/2 man continued…

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.  Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.  And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to War when our nation calls us to do so.

Protection for the soul

Prayer
Father God, we ask You to guard and protect our troops in their minds and emotions.  Don't allow any of the ugliness and brutality of war to overwhelm them.  Thank you that the weapons of our warfare are mighty through You Father to the pulling down of strongholds.  Therefore, we cast down PTSD in Jesus Name!!  We thank you Father that the peace of God (Your peace), which transcends all understanding, will mount guard over our soldiers' hearts and minds in Jesus Name Amen.  (2 Corinthians 10 and Philippians 4)


 Military Prayer Focus #6

1/2 boy 1/2 man continued…

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot...
 
A short lull, a little shade and a picture of  loved ones in their helmets.

Wounded Soldiers

Prayer
Father God, we lift up our wounded troops before You.  We thank you that You comfort, strengthen, and heal them in Jesus Name.  Quicken their spirit to know that when they are at their weakest they can turn to You and be at their strongest - tapping into Your strength.  Not a bad idea since You are the God who raises even the dead.  Thank you Father that you rescued them for a purpose -show them Your plan for them.  In Jesus Name Amen.