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5 Bible Verses and a Prayer for Deployment

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If you’re a long-time reader of Jo, My Gosh! you’ve probably picked up that I’m Christian, even though I am not typically vocal about my faith on the blog. If you’re an even closer reader, you’ve might know that I’m Lutheran. Faith has always been an important part of my life– in fact, at one point in my life, I was seriously considering going to seminary to be a pastor– but it was especially instrumental last year while I tried to keep it together.

Before I get into this, I know that there are many military spouses and significant others who are not Christian. They may adhere to another faith or none at all.

I want to be very clear: that’s okay! I am not trying to convert anyone. The military is the most diverse workforce in America… of course we’ll have different faiths and practices, just like we have different ethnicities, traditions, and life paths.

The purpose of this post is not to make those who do not practice Christianity uncomfortable at all. I know that often, military families who are not Christian often feel left out or singled out because folks often assume that all military families are Christian. That is not my intention at all.

If you are a practicing Christian, I hope that you find some comfort and direction with these verses. If you are not a practicing Christian, I hope that you find comfort and direction with these verses, as I often do with the verses and quotes from other faith traditions. There is so much wisdom and experience within religious texts! But if you do not, I hope you’re able to find verses from your own faith, quotes, or touchstones that help you through this trying, difficult time.

Bible verses and a prayer that helped a military spouse through deployment. #militaryspouse #milspouse #bibleverse #bible #military #deployment #christian #prayer #militaryfamily #milfam #milsos #milspos

I’ve written before about how wonderful my home church was in welcoming John and supporting him (and me) through that very long, long year.

Bible verses were also very important to me while we walked through deployment together, although on separate continents and with thousands of miles between us.

I thought this would be a great time to share what helped me, in the hopes that it will be inspirational for you, too.

Ways to use Bible verses during deployment

There are many ways to incorporate Bible verses for you and your service members before, during, and after deployment. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Write Bible verses (one each) on note cards and hide them in your loved one’s personal possessions as they pack.
  • Write Bible verses on sticky notes and put them places where you know you’ll see them daily, like your computer screen, your bathroom mirror, and next to the TV.
  • Include a Bible verse at the beginning or end of every email, card, or letter you write your deployed loved one.
  • Pick a Bible verse together and write it on the inside of your pillow cases with fabric markers.
  • Include Bible verses in your Open When letters.
  • Journal once a week (I find journaling every day to be REALLY difficult) and include a Bible verse in your journal, even if you don’t write about it.

Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

This one was my all-time favorite while John was deployed. I had it written on a sticky note and taped to my school computer so I saw it at least every hour of the work day.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This is a verse my mom has said since my sisters and I were young kids. It just stuck with me.

Psalm 71:14: …But as for me, I will always have hope.

One of the boxes I sent John had a little book of encouragementthat I put together, and I included this particular verse. Short, sweet, and a wonderful reminder.

Genesis 31:49: …May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other.

The verse is about a stone column called Mizpah and has inspired jewelry for long distance relationships. There are many pieces you can get with this verse on it (and many of them have two parts, so two people can wear it). I did a quick search on Etsy to find handmade Mizpah jewelry, and you can see the choices here

Psalm 91:11: For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.

This one has been a favorite of mine since I was a child. The wording is beautiful and so powerful!

Deployment Prayer

One of John’s family’s friends posted on his wall before he deployed. I thought it was wonderful, so I printed it out and kept it in my wallet (and taped a copy to my work computer, too). Of course, when I got a new wallet this year, I accidentally threw away the invocation.

I looked through Facebook for almost an hour to find this prayer again because it is my favorite. I can’t tell you how many times I read and prayed it last year. For those of you in the midst of or facing deployment, I hope it brings you the same comfort and strength.

Lord and Holy Protector, you called Abraham and Sarah to leave their homeland and to journey away from their own people. Yet you kept them safe wherever they went. Protect your children and our friend and loved one who must now leave to fight in this war. Walk by his side and calm any fear. Be his companion and guide his thoughts. Encircle him with your light and keep him from harm. And when his service is ended, lead him safely home again. For you, O God, are our shelter in every storm and our refuge in times of danger. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


7 Responses

  1. Hello ! My name is Marian & i’m 18 years old from Michigan. I’m dating an infantry marine & we’ve been dating for a little over a year & deployment is creeping up on us. I’ve never been in this situation where I’m away from him for that long let alone across the world. Reading these verses did a lot of me & i’ve written them down & I’m planning on keeping them with me wherever i go. Reading your blogs are a huge help & are kind of getting me an insight as to what i should be expecting. Thank you !

  2. Thank you very much for posting this. My daughter is on her way to Iraq and I so need this prayer and scriptures.

  3. Thank you so much for your blog. I recently was given the chance to get back with my true love, who I have loved since high school. It’s been 6 years apart as we last dated through his senior year and basic training. Back then I didn’t have access to the tips you and the other milso bloggers offer. But now that I face becoming a military wife in approximately a year, I’m finding them so handy and I am extremely grateful.

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  6. Hi, Thank you for the biblical scriptures. I am a Real Estate agent. I want to work with the military families. I’m retired law enforcement and I’ve always had tremendous respect for our military. I am a member of the Tri Counties Blue Star Moms. I love being a part of that organization. We recently sent out 300 care packages to our active military troops! Yeah!!

    I’m looking for a tagline that will let our troops know that their families safety and quality of life is my goal in helping them locate them find the right house for their needs.

    Can you please make some suggestions?

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