A Service Member's Prayer

A Service Member's Prayer Oh, God, I feel that I have cause To know my life might give You pause, But fair as You are sure to be, I seek Your way on bended knee. I wish neither to kill nor die, Though from engagement I'll not shy. For if my duty calls me there, I'll do whatever I must dare. I seek not courage for the fight. I seek not comfort from the night. I ask not pardon for my deeds, Nor any salve for any needs. I only ask to know what's right, To do my best to check my might, To render mercy where I should, To know I serve the greater good. Oh, God, if You will hear my plea, I ask so very much of thee. I fear not men, I fear not death, Yet bow my head and still my breath To ask You, please, to do Your best, To keep me from eternal rest, Until the hour my duty sends Me home to family and friends. And if You grant my humble prayer, Oh, God, I ask You, keep from care Those people whom I hold most dear. I wish them not to shed a tear In anguish over days now done, Where my dawn was their setting sun. For then, if You will grant my plea, I'll soon be nearer them and Thee. Copyright Shawn H. Hall 2014