Korea II :
The Living Echo

Lord, we remember that beneath the freedom South Korea enjoys today lies a long and arduous night endured by many. We remember those whose names were recorded in history, those of whom not even a single line remains, those born in this land, and those who, though they spoke different languages and came from different nations, stood with Korea in the cause of its freedom and restoration.

What have we received? Upon whose sacrifice do we stand?

Lord, do not let us answer these questions too lightly. Keep us from presuming that words of gratitude alone are enough to honor their sacrifice, and from mistaking our enjoyment of freedom for the faithful preservation of it.

May our remembrance not end with merely looking back upon the past, but lead us to make choices today that are right in Your sight. Lead us to reflect honestly on what kind of Korea we ought to pass on to the next generation.

Make Korea a nation that safeguards the freedom we have received by upholding justice. Do not allow our differing memories and interpretations to harden into division and hostility. Ground us firmly in truth, and keep us responsible in our judgment and balanced in our perspective.

May our children also come to know the hope sung by those who sacrificed themselves without name or acclaim.

Until the day You return, may  Korea become a living echo, singing of the hope and freedom You have given us in Christ for all nations to hear.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our living hope, we pray. Amen.