June 6, 1944, Allied troop stormed the beaches of Normandy to start the invasion to finally end the war. News reports to an anxious nation held everyone’s attention.
In such anxious times, it was necessary that the President say something. Instead of a news report, the President chose a different course. He led the nation in a prayer.
“Almighty God”, the prayer began, “Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness to their faith. They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest until victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken by the violence of war."
“Some will never return. Embrace these into Thy Kingdom, heavenly Father. O Lord, let the keenness off our spirit never be dulled. With Thy blessing we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Thy will be done, Almighty God, amen.”
The goal was clear, and the nation was united in reaching that goal. It seems strange today that we seem to have no clear goal, no defined set of values, no great cause that unites us.
It is time, as it is always time, for the Christian to seek God’s aid and blessing to life as he lives it daily. For God has said, “Ask, and it shall be given you. The prayers of the righteous man availeth much”, and such prayer is needed, and heeded, because He promised that it would be.
GPD 6/6/12
No comments:
Post a Comment