Prayer in Time of War

O justly offended God! We come with anxious heart and bended knees into Thy all-holy presence, and lament the great wretchedness to which our great sins and Thy just anger have brought us. Lord, Lord, we lived in safety beneath Thy protection, and no sword dared threaten us as long as Thou wast an enemy unto our enemies and an adversary unto our adversaries. We passed peacefully in and out of our gates, and enjoyed the fruits of our land undisturbed. But now, O great God, Thou hast removed Thy protection, and hast taken away our peace from us. The foe has come, and drawn the sword, and threatens to burn and plunder and destroy our cities, and take possession of our land.

And what shall we say in our distress? We must confess that we have long ago deserved punishment and chastisement. We have, alas, abused the good days of peace. When we should have been built up in Thee, and walked in Thy fear, and served Thee, and been obedient to Thee, there was found among us, alas, the desecration of the Sabbath, the taking of Thy name in vain, unrighteousness, carnal security, malice, and the most dreadful vices. We are ashamed, O angry God, to recount all our abominations; for they cry out unto heaven, merciful God, remember not our sins, which are countless as the sands on the seashore, but according to Thy mercy remember Thou us for Thy goodness’ sake, O Lord.

We do not present our supplications before Thee for our righteousnesses, but for Thy great mercies. We have sinned, we have done evil, we have been wicked and reprobate, and have forsaken Thy commandments. O Lord, rebuke us not in Thine anger, neither chasten us in Thy hot displeasure. We flee to the throne of Thy grace, to Jesus Christ, our only Helper and Intercessor. O look upon His blood and wounds. O God of mercy, have mercy upon us. If Thou wilt deal with us according to our sins and Thy justice, then shall the enemy destroy us, and devour and burn and subjugate our land; and none can save us. O mighty Defender of the needy, arise, and let not men gain the dominion. Thou canst give us strength for the battle, and cast down before us those who oppose us. In Thee alone is our trust and hope in this time of great trouble. Surely the wrath of man shall praise Thee.

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme Thy name forever, as though none could deliver us out of his hand? Save us, God of our Salvation, and forgive us our sins for Thy name’s sake. Take away courage from the enemy, and drive him out from our country; and watch over our land and our houses and homes. Let peace speedily shine upon us again, and ward off the dangers which impend over us. Lord, Thou art He who breakest the bow, and cuttest the spear in sunder, and burnest the chariot in the fire, loving God, hear the cry of those who are even now in danger and in the hands of the enemy, and must endure shame and cruelty. Have mercy upon the poor, the widows, the aged, and the children, who cannot flee. Bring the hurtful war to a speedy close, and hear our prayer for Thy love and mercy’s sake. Amen.