O Lord God, who art righteous in Thy judgment, and plenteous in mercy, whose faithfulness endureth from generation to generation, who rulest even above the din of war: may all nations learn to know that Thou alone art God, that Jesus Christ is Thy Son, and that all who truly confess Thy name are the people of Thy pasture and the sheep of Thy hand. Thou hast permitted the nations to rise up in war against each other and our own beloved country to become engulfed in its throes. O Lord God, our Father, we know that war is a punishment for sin and that we, too, have justly merited Thy punishment through our sins. Therefore we humbly confess our sins, and supplicate Thy pity and compassion, lay not our iniquities against us, but graciously forgive us our sins and shortcomings for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Thy fatherly goodness and care we commend our people, and especially our soldiers and sailors now in the service of their country. They are absent from their loved ones, beset by dangers on all sides. Be Thou ever near. Keep them from all evil. O Thou, without whose consent not even a sparrow falleth to the ground and who hast numbered the very hairs of our heads, take them under the shadow of Thy wings. Give them courage and obedience, fortitude and valor in the hour of danger, and compassion and mercy in the flush of victory. Prosper their arms to the establishment of justice, peace, and truth among all peoples. Lead them safely back to their homes and their loved ones, better citizens, better Christians than before. And to Thy holy name be glory, laud, and honor, world without end. Amen. Prayer for the Army and Navy. Almighty and Eternal God, Thou King of kings and Lord of lords, who rulest and governest all things in heaven and earth: we beseech Thine infinite mercy to bless the officers and men of our army and navy. Preserve them against all dangers and temptations which may assail their lives. Help them manfully to battle against and overcome the powers of evil, the world, the devil, and the flesh. May they ever be filled with Thy Holy Spirit from on high, and in courage, manliness, and truthfulness prevail in the hour of danger and when the battle rages. May they ever look to Thee, who art the succorer of those in peril, as to their only helper, and in Thy name fight a holy fight to maintain the country's honor and keep the flag unsullied, that truth and righteousness may prevail. Put to naught all evil designs and devices of their enemies, both spiritual and temporal. Guide Thou and direct them that they may ever fight the good fight of faith and in the end overcome and attain to their soul's salvation, to the glory of Thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Prayer on the Eve of Battle.