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 who armed 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. Amen.
George S. Patton
14 December, 1944
Being a history buff, I've probably seen most war movies that have been made. One of my very favorites is Patton, with the venerable George C, Scott in the lead role. For me, this film brought out the human side of a man you either loved or hated. Whether you loved him or hated him, history will show that he was the right man at the right moment in time. One of my favorite scenes from this movie came as Patton's third army was besieged not only by their German enemy, but by bad weather as well. Weather so bad that American air forces could not provide cover for our ground troops. It was here where Patton commissioned his chaplain to write a prayer for...favorable weather. While most people will dismiss this as Hollywood dramatics, there is no doubt, and history will record, that the weather soon cleared and the third army continued their advance across France. I have always wondered, what would make a great military mind such as George Patton resort to the power of prayer? Of course, I have no doubt that Patton understood that there is power in prayer. We now know that Patton was indeed a deeply religious man who prayed often and certainly lived with a faith in God. Many people will point to Patton's often vulgar language and claim that he could not have possibly knew the Lord. However, the old generals often offensive talk was nothing more than a tool he used to motivate the men in his command. In his heart, he knew the Lord. Knowing this about Patton, is it any wonder that as he was faced with bad weather and a determined German enemy that he would resort to praying for victory? In my own experience, when I have had my back against the wall, I have all too often prayed for deliverance from my circumstances as well. Prayer has at times been called the last vestige of the damned. Meaning, that when the chips are down and the end is near, prayer may be our only last resort. While I choose not to look at prayer in such a way, I can understand how those who do not know the Lord as I do might use prayer as a get out of jail free card.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4: 6 - 7 NKJV
Why did George Patton offer a prayer for good weather? Because I truly believe that he knew that what he asked would come to pass. I believe that this is the basis for most institutional Christianity prayers as well. Do we pray with the assurance that what we are beseeching God for will come to pass? I'll take it one step further, is prayer simply our way of getting what we want from God? Do you honestly think that God does not know what you need? How is it that Jesus viewed prayer? Did Jesus use His prayers to get what He desired from the Father? No. More often than not, the prayers of Jesus were His private time communing with the Father. We are often told that Jesus sought out a private place in which to pray. Understandably, He desired a atmosphere which was uncluttered with everyday life while He talked with the Father. I think I would be remiss if I didn't mention what the apostle Paul tells us about the truth of Christ Jesus in us {Galatians 2:20}. Why is this important? Because far too many Christians live with the mistaken belief that Jesus is separated from us. As Paul tells it, nothing could be further from the truth. With Christ in us, our prayers, our conversations with Him take on a more personal perspective. Despite what the church might teach, we are not praying to a far off God hoping that He will hear us. Jesus hears us. Jesus understands us. Above all, Jesus knows us.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11: 1 NKJV
~Scott~
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