Dozens responded to a Thanksgiving Eve email request from the Rev. John H. Thomas asking UCC members to offer online prayers for military personnel serving in Iraq and elsewhere.

A new webpage, which allows members to post their real-time prayers in writing, was launched as part of the UCC's ongoing "100,000 for Peace" campaign. Church leaders are asking individuals and congregations to offer a collective 100,000 prayers for military personnel during the holiday season, beginning on Thanksgiving Day and continuing through Jan 6, the day of Epiphany.

Thomas, who offered the first in a now-lengthy string of passionate prayers, prayed for safety for parents' children who have gone off to war.

"Holy God, you give us children to hold and to cherish that we might watch them play and learn, explore and create, laugh and love," prayed Thomas, the UCC's general minister and president. "You give us children and ask us to teach them, to imagine with them, to discover the world anew through their eyes, to grow with them in love of you and of neighbor. Few of us imagine that one day we will watch them go to war."

Many responded on Thanksgiving Day by offering their own prayerful posts.

"Please bring them home," one succint prayer read.

Several prayed for specific people serving in the military. "May God bless, and hold closely in the palm of God's hand, all those who serve to defend and protect America," asked one prayerful petitioner. "I pray this day especially for Cody (from Granville) and Jesse (from Oglesby)."

Added another, "Hold them tightly, Holy One. Give them courage. As they endure harsh conditions, loneliness and great danger, let them know your nearness. Help them feel your love, and comfort the families left behind."

Read and contribute online prayers at http://www.ucc.org/100kforpeace/100000-prayers.html