Heavenly Father, how I thank You for the joy I have found in this son that You gave me.. and how quickly the years have passed.. and he has grown into a man and a soldier.
I thank You for the joy I have had as I have watched him grow from his babyhood and infant years through his teenage time to manhood - and Lord my thoughts are somewhat divided as I realise that he is now in the services - a man called to serve his country and fellowman in this important and uncertain military position.
Lord I give him into Your hands and pray that You would lead and guide him, protect and support him as he takes up his position as a soldier and protector of this green and pleasant land of ours.
Father I know that he has not always been as close to You as I would have liked, but I pray that You would use this time in the army as a opportunity to draw him back to Yourself and renew his commitment to You. I pray that he may grow in grace and in a knowledge of Jesus, knowing that all who are in Christ have nothing to fear in this current evil world – for we are one in Christ. Into Your hands I commit my son in Jesus name.
Amen