Praying for Our Troops by Name


In a world that seems to be falling apart at the seams, I can’t help but wonder why I’m not praying for it as I should. Oh, I pray – but why does my intercession frequently begin and end with my family and friends? Am I so busy or blinded that I only care enough to pray for those in my own little world?

How about you? Do you pray for national and international needs? Does your intercession extend beyond your own family-and-friends borders?

I used to have a prayer book dedicated not only to those I know and love, but also to people groups, nations, world events and the persecuted church.

I haven’t done that in a while.

But there’s been a stirring in my heart to return to the place of prayer – the place where my quiet time was more focused and intentional. A place that takes me back to that sweet list of people, places and circumstances that I prayed through daily, weekly and monthly. And what better time to become more intentional about prayer than Memorial Day Weekend!

In fact I’d like to begin by praying for our troops…in general, yes…but if you know someone who is serving in the military I would count it an honor to list them in my personal prayer journal as well as on my site.

I can’t help but reflect on the fact that each one of our troops is someone’s son or daughter, someone’s dad or mom, someone’s brother or sister, someone’s grandchild. They are serving our country. They are fighting for our freedom. They are heroes.

If they are willing to risk their lives for us, couldn’t we at least be willing to pray for them?

Some have given the ultimate sacrifice so the United States can remain the home of the free. It was a price their family shared. How many hearts are hurting because they are mourning the loss of their loved ones! For some, this will be the first Memorial Day their son or daughter won’t be here to celebrate it with them. For others, the years have passed, but the pain has not.

Along with the list of those who are serving, I’d also be highly honored to pray for those who will have an empty chair at the table this year.

You can leave their names (you can just leave their first names if you’re more comfortable with that) in the comment section and Monday evening, I’ll compile the names of those who are serving now or have lost loved ones in battle.

Perhaps others who subscribe to this post will add them to their prayer list, as well. I sure do hope so!

How about you? How do you continue to pray for those beyond the four walls of your world? Do you struggle with your prayer life? Do you have someone you want to put on the prayer list?

10 Comments

  1. Thank you for this reminder, Stephanie. I have gotten so lax in my prayer life, and it must change. I like your idea of a prayer book. It does not have to be a book of prayers, but a book of people, by name and by function (like policemen, firemen, servicemen, government, etc). And I don't want anyone to think that I have forgotten women in these functions, either! I think today I will hunt down a notebook I can use. Then as part of my prayer time in the next week, start making my list as I pray.

    One suggestion that was made to me was to have a set of index cards. One for each day. That could be a good idea, but I think I have to make my list first before I could parse it out by day.

    I like the idea of using a steno pad. It could stand on my desk throughout the day as a reminder to pray for everyone. And I could flip pages if need be.

  2. Jean ~ Thanks for such a transparent and encouraging comment! Throughout the years, I've changed it up too. I've used index cards – which are also great to take with you and pray for those things throughout the day.

    I like the steno pad idea too.

    We have so many options! I was just wondering why I've let myself get away from the list. It's not really about the list, but about being strategic, intentional and remembering to pray for specific people by name.

    Thanks SO much for sharing!

  3. Please add Brandon Presnell, a Navy corpsman serving as a medic in Afghanistan, to your list. He's my mother's godson's son. Thank you and God bless!

  4. I saw your note on FB and really appreciate your commitment to pray for the men and women serving our country. Please pray for our son, Captain Thomas Stengl, serving with the 33rd RQS, flying combat-search-and-rescue helicopters for the USAF.
    Jill Stengl

  5. We have a nephew serving. He's a pilot. We don't know where he is.

  6. Gina ~ Thank you for allowing me the honor of praying for Brandon. I'm praying for him now and will add him to my prayer list. So thankful for his willingness to serve for our freedoms!

  7. Jill ~ From one mother to another, please know how thankful I am for your son's sacrifice of service! They become adults, they leave home – yet we are always their momma's.

    I'm praying for you, as well as your son and am so honored that you have given me the privilege to do so!

  8. Connie ~ I know you are a wonderful aunt to that young man! I'm praying for him now and am so thankful you have entrusted me with the privilege of prayer for him!

  9. Please put Kimberly Jean Hoisington on your list, Stephanie. She is leaving her baby girl behind as she goes to Iraq. I know that our Father is upholding her in His righteous right hand and I am so thankful for His love for her and for all of our troops.

  10. cfbookchick ~ Thank you so much for sharing that with me! My heart aches for her and her family and I'm praying for her (and her family) now. You're SO right – our Heavenly Father is upholding her in His righteous right hand! What an awesome God we serve!

    She will not escape His view for even a second!

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