Almighty and Eternal God, Creator of heaven and earth and all things, we humbly acknowledge Thy dominion over all nations and governments. Thou art the God Who alone dost wonders, and Thou hast made Thy prophecies that, because of evil in the hearts of men, nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be pestilences and famines, and destruction and death in many places.
We stand before Thee this day, surrounded by dangers and threatened with the loss of all those blessing for which we have sacrificed so much. Enlighten our minds in order that we may see Thy good and gracious purpose working in all human events. Teach us to know that love of our Country is love of our neighbor and that there is no love where there is no sacrifice. Help us to remember that Thou dost always save a humble people, and fill us with a wholesome fear of Thy infinite wisdom and power, goodness and mercy. Thou has warned us that without You we can do nothing and hast promised us that with You we can do all things. Sustain us by Thy grace and take us under Thy sure protection.
In these days especially, open our hearts to the inspiration given us by all those who in other parts of the world are sacrificing their lives, their health and security, and all their earthly possessions in defense of truth, justice, and freedom. Through Thine own Way of the Cross grant them the faith and heroic courage to endure unto final victory and immortal glory. May their soul and our be filled with unfaltering hope and invincible determination by Thy eternal pledge that “they who sow in tears shall reap in joy: for going they went and wept, casting their seeds; but coming, they shall come with joyfulness, carrying their sheaves.”
Clear our minds and cleanse our hearts that we may be worthy comrades of all those who suffer daily cruelties and agonizing sacrifices for the salvation of their children and their nation. May Thing all-seeing eye never detect in us any ingratitude or selfishness which might increase their hardships of frustrate their sacrifices.
Send forth Thy Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with faith and love and courage; and we shall be recreated, and Though shalt renew the face of the earth for Thine honor and glory and for our peace and happiness. Amen.
Bishop (Major General) William R. Arnold
He served as the 5th Chief of Chaplains of the United States Army from 1937 to 1945 and Military Delegate of the Armed Forces from 1945 until his death in 1965.
