Wartime prayer by Rev. James S. Griffing
Oh Lord. Exhibit towards us continued clemency and forbearance. We would dare
not justify ourselves in thy sight for in so doing, our mouths would condemn us.
Cleanse, we beseech thee, the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love thee and worthily magnify thy Holy Name.
Suffer us not to be tempted above what we are able to bear, but with the
temptation, provide a way for our escape.
Regard with compassion the poor,
the distressed, and the dying. Oh! administer comforts as their several cases
may require. Remember the thousands left in lonely orphanages and the multitudes
of widows called upon to mourn the loss of their life’s early choice. Remember
too the number of Fathers and husbands and brothers that are away from home and
its endearments, giving their time and lives to rescue our government from those
seeking its destruction. Let their lives be precious in thy sight and may they
share thy especial protection.
The Lord bless all our soldiers.
Shield them in the hour of danger. Give efficiency to every engagement. Let the
devices of the enemies to our government be foiled. Let their evil devices be
overruled in causing the overthrow of slavery and in the final establishment of
peace granted upon just and equitable principles. And in this way, causing the
wrath of men to praise thee and the remainder of wrath do thou restrain.
Give wisdom to our President [Abraham
Lincoln] and his counsel. Direct in the enactments of every law and in securing
respect for every just law already enacted. And any law not founded on justice
and equity, may it be abrogated and may everything be done that can to secure
the perpetuity of our government. And nothing be done that shall be incompatible
with the happiness and best good of all the people.
May
peace take the place of disorder. May vice in the form of intemperance,
profanity, gambling, and Sabbath breaking be banished from our midst. And love,
joy, long-suffering goodness, faith, &c characterize the Nation. Oh! Roll on
then blessed sovereign. The glad hour when every knee shall bow and every tongue
confess the sovereign right of Jesus himself to reign and rule. When nation
shall lift up the sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
When they shall beat their sword into ploughshares and their spears into pruning
hooks. When the wolf shall dwell with the lamb and the calf and the young lion.
Let us have peace. We ask it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
