In Memoriam: The Navy SEALs

I had just started reading Richard Marcinko's newest book in his Rogue Warrior fictional series about the Navy SEALs when the news broke that a helicopter with about 30 SEALs and some others was shot down, and all were killed.

Marcinko was the founder of SEAL Team 6, and his first book, Rogue Warrior, was a non-fiction one about its founding.  He, along with the rest of us, must be extremely sad about the recent loss of so many Navy SEALs.

Before the fictional part of his latest book, there was a page that had The Navy SEAL Prayer.  I thought it was an appropriate time to display the prayer here. 

The Navy SEAL Prayer 

Dear Father in Heaven, 

If I may respectfully say so sometimes you are a strange God.

Though you love all mankind, it seems you have a special predilections too.

You seem to love those men who can stand up alone who face impossible odds. Who challenge every bully and every tyrant- Those men who know the heat and loneliness of a Calvary.

Possibly you cherish men of this stamp because you recognize the mark of your only Son in them. 

Since this unique group of men known as the SEALs know Calvary and suffering, teach them now the mystery of the resurrection- that they are indestructible, they they will live forever because of their deep faith in you.

And when they do come to heaven, may I respectfully warn you, Dear Father, they also know how to celebrate.

So please be ready for them when they insert under your pearly gates. 

Bless them, their devoted families, and their country on this glorious occasion. We ask this through the merits of your Son, Christ Jesus the Lord.

Amen 

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I like that the prayer had, "they also know how to celebrate."  Recall Christ's words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." This is exactly what these sailors did, and I believe they will be rewarded greatly for it.

So go ahead, my dear SEALs, and celebrate away - you deserve it.  And when you are ready, walk with Christ and continue on your journey toward God. 

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Tim Farage is a Senior Lecturer in the Computer Science Department at The University of Texas at Dallas. You are welcome to comment upon this blog entry and/or to contact him at tfarage@hotmail.com.

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