How can we pray for the military? On the Tuesday edition of Live the Promise Susie speaks with Edie Melson about interceding for those in our lives who are serving on the front lines of war.

Edie’s son Jimmy made the decision after high school to become a marine. She describes their family’s reaction.

“We were overcome by the willingness and heart he had to serve our country… he really felt that it was a calling from God.” At the same time, Edie knew what this might mean for her son. “It was horrible. I was very proud of him… [yet I prayed] ‘Please God, don’t call on him to make the ultimate sacrifice.'”

In Edie’s book, , she includes prayers for various themes and seasons of military life, including

• Prayers for discernment regarding the enemy’s attacks.

• Prayers against discouragement.

• Prayers for opportunities to share the gospel with the soldiers they serve alongside.

• Prayers for choosing joy. Edie shares her perspective.

“We can find joy in every situation rather than letting the darkness overwhelm us – whether it’s a soldier serving half a world away or a mother on her knees wondering if that soldier is coming home – we can choose to serve from a place of joy or a place of defeat.”

When we contact our loved ones who are in active duty, Edie says many of them just want to hear what’s going on at home – current events, family developments, even changes in their home church. And then, ask how they’re doing. “So many of our military feel like the world has gone on without them and they’re out of everybody’s mind.”

How does Edie pray for our country? “I pray for God to work through even those who do not know Him. I also pray daily for the media leaders in our nation… those people have such a huge impact [on the culture].”

Key Scriptures: Psalm 147:3; Philippians 1:6; Psalm 91

Theme Song: Strong God by Meredith Andrews

Highlight : The fruit of praying for your soldier

While my soldier serves