Prayer to Ares

Prayer to Ares

Mini-shrine to Ares. Photo by Melissa. “For me, although Ares is generally not considered a “positive” deity, I do consider him to be the force that empowers heroes of many kinds, including soldiers, of course, but also policemen and fire fighters and so on, who have to combat dangerous situations of all kinds, putting their lives on the line. What I did is very much influenced by the observance of Memorial Day, on the eleven day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour (that’s why I put the word “endeka”, Greek for eleven). And the poppy is the symbol of that memorial, hence the poppies.” – Melissa Gold

by Melissa

Ares, god of strength and unrelenting power,
You are the force who empowers heroes of every kind,
Soldier, police, fire fighter, all
Who risk their lives for us,
Who combat all threats,
We come to this precinct before you
In this month of remembering our fallen
Defenders, our dear ones
who forfeited their lives for ours
and those yet living who daily face death.
Accept our thanks for encouraging
These brave ones, for leading
Them when they must act.
Accept this ritual, this libation
This fragrant offering,
Honoring your protection, your
Leadership, your spirit within us
Whenever bold action and courage
Are necessary.
Yet be you ever on guard but not needed among humankind.

Close-up of mini-shrine to Ares. Photo by Melissa.