Gracious and eternal God, as we pause this night in the revelry of the anniversary of our accomplishments, to give you thanks for the watch you have stood these past 118 years, guiding and protecting the Navy’s Submarine Force. As we reflect on the submariners’ history, we are keenly aware, Lord God, that you, like they, are everywhere, always working behind the scenes and below the surface. Hear our gratitude for your steadfast protection and for your loving Spirit which traversed the great waters and plunged their depths long before the USS Holland sub- merged. Your boundless presence and steadfast involvement in our lives has established for us a rich legacy, and for this we are truly thankful.
God we are reminded that this legacy has not come without cost, and we honor all those for whom the bell tolls this evening. Trusting in your mercy, we pray that the souls of those sixty-six crews remain ever in your keeping. Remind us, too, that there are many who still this very night, without fuss or fanfare, keep a lonely vigil, defending our freedom around the world. Hear us when we pray that you would keep them safe from perils of the deep. Return them safely to the arms of their loved ones and the appreciation of our nation.
We ask your continued blessings on the tireless and vigilant efforts of those who wear dolphins and pray your unwavering grace on us this night and always. We pray that our bodies may be strengthened by the meal we are privileged to enjoy, our spirits be nourished by the camara- derie and esprit de corps we feel so strongly. In all that we do and say may our lives reflect your bountiful and steadfast blessing. It is in the strength of your name we pray. Amen
