Prayers During Times of War
Prayer During War.
O Lord God, who art righteous in Thy judgment, and plenteous in mercy, whose faithfulness endureth from generation to generation, who rulest even above the din of war: may all nations learn to know that Thou alone art God, that Jesus Christ is Thy Son, and that all who truly confess Thy name are the people of Thy pasture and the sheep of Thy hand. Thou hast permitted the nations to rise up in war against each other and our own beloved country to become engulfed in its throes. O Lord God, our Father, we know that war is a punishment for sin and that we, too, have justly merited Thy punishment through our sins. Therefore we humbly confess our sins, and supplicate Thy pity and compassion, lay not our iniquities against us, but graciously forgive us our sins and shortcomings for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Thy fatherly goodness and care we commend our people, and especially our soldiers and sailors now in the service of their country. They are absent from their loved ones, beset by dangers on all sides. Be Thou ever near. Keep them from all evil. O Thou, without whose consent not even a sparrow falleth to the ground and who hast numbered the very hairs of our heads, take them under the shadow of Thy wings. Give them courage and obedience, fortitude and valor in the hour of danger, and compassion and mercy in the flush of victory. Prosper their arms to the establishment of justice, peace, and truth among all peoples. Lead them safely back to their homes and their loved ones, better citizens, better Christians than before. And to Thy holy name be glory, laud, and honor, world without end. Amen.
Prayer for the Army and Navy.
Almighty and Eternal God, Thou King of kings and Lord of lords, who rulest and governest all things in heaven and earth: we beseech Thine infinite mercy to bless the officers and men of our army and navy. Preserve them against all dangers and temptations which may assail their lives. Help them manfully to battle against and overcome the powers of evil, the world, the devil, and the flesh. May they ever be filled with Thy Holy Spirit from on high, and in courage, manliness, and truthfulness prevail in the hour of danger and when the battle rages. May they ever look to Thee, who art the succorer of those in peril, as to their only helper, and in Thy name fight a holy fight to maintain the country’s honor and keep the flag unsullied, that truth and righteousness may prevail. Put to naught all evil designs and devices of their enemies, both spiritual and temporal. Guide Thou and direct them that they may ever fight the good fight of faith and in the end overcome and attain to their soul’s salvation, to the glory of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer on the Eve of Battle.
O Lord God of hosts, Thou the Highest of the high and the Holiest of the holy, who rulest and shapest all things to the glory of Thy name and the betterment of Thy people: we humbly beseech Thine infinite mercy in this hour of our peril, judge Thou between us and our enemies. Be Thou our sure defense. Stir up Thy might and hasten to our help. Lay not our sins to our charge, but for the sake of Thy dear Son, our only Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, manifest Thy mercy toward us and blot out our iniquities, and sanctify and guide us by Thy truth. We Thy poor servants call upon Thy holy name, and implore Thy grace. Have mercy upon us. Lead us safely through the blood and carnage. Make it appear that Thou art our deliverer. Make us strong with the assurance that it is Thy cause, that we are Thy children, that Thou holdest our destiny in Thy hand. And if it is Thy will that we should lay down our lives—Thy will be done! Help us then that our last day on this earth may be the first in Thy paradise. Bless our loved ones at home, and comfort them with the hopeful assurances of Thy word. May they and all of us rightfully know and appreciate, whether we live, we live unto the Lord. And whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Wounded.
Lord God, our Heavenly Father! We implore Thy eternal compassion for all who are this day wounded, suffering, or dying. Be Thou nigh unto them in their affliction. Comfort them with Thy grace and with the hopeful assurance, that, though kindred and friends be far away, Thou art ever present and hearest even the faintest sight of all who seek Thy succor. If it be Thy pleasure, restore to them their former health and vigor. Help them to bear their pains without murmuring against Thy grace. Give them patience and strength and faith in Thee. May they rest assured, that Thou wilt never leave nor forsake them. Deliver them from the assaults of the enemies of their souls. O God and Father in heaven, bless them and all of us, and may we ever seek those things that are acceptable to Thy sight. Forgive us our sins, not because of any merit or worthiness in us, but solely because Thou art merciful for Christ’s sake. And to Thee, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, be glory and honor forever. Amen.