Posted by
Rob Stevenson on Saturday, December 08, 2007 5:41:14 PM
Yesterday, Dec.7th, is an infamous day for most Americans and is widely known as a day to reflect upon the second world war.
December 8th is far less associated with WWII, but today I would like to draw your attention to this day's historical significance.
On 8 December, 1944, LTG George S. Patton called to his office the Chief Chaplain of the U.S. Third Army. Under Patton's command, the 3rd had experienced stiff opposition, not so much from the Nazis as from the weather. They were well equipped, well trained and well led, but the "immoderate" rain posed a serious challenge to both transportation and battle maneuver.
Their are many aspects of war that a commander can control, but their are infinitely more that are beyond his grasp, but Patton's philosophy of war defied this conventional wisdom.
When the Chaplain asked why he was summoned, Patton explained that victory in war came through three things: planning, work and prayer. When the chaplain reported that the third army did little little praying, Patton instructed that a prayer be written and upon reading it he ordered 250,000 copies made and disbursed among the men.
I believe, as Patton did, that the fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Many Americans are eager to support the men and women of the armed forces with parades, care packages and other good and useful things. But let us not forget that along with these we must pray. This is not simple moral support or a stand of solidarity. It is a supplication to the ultimate power of the universe for good weather, effective bolt-carrier groups that won't jam from sand, and for the strength and skill to carry on fighting against a vicious enemy.
Pray continually.
"Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly
beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with
which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers
who call upon Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to
victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish
Thy justice among men and nations."
Read the whole story.