I know it's not Father's Day or Mother's Day, but I wanted to share a few words from my own precious daddy. He has been gone for almost 28 years, but I miss him the same now as I ever did. He was just a 19 year~old Army recruit in WWII and was sent right off the farm land of north Alabama to one of the worst places on earth. For a country boy to have to witness the horrors of war while he was just a young man must have been terrible. Like many vets, he didn't like to dwell on the unspeakable things he had to witness and endure, but when he was on the frontlines in Italy, he wrote a prayer from his heart. As you read, you can see he had his mother and other loved ones on his mind. I am priviledged to have the original prayer framed in my home. It took me many years before I could even read it without weeping. Maybe it will touch your heart too.
"My Prayer each Night"
Our Father, we, as tired and troubled soldiers, we come to Thee this night, giving thanks to Thee, that Thou has cared for us thus far, we ask thee, Oh God, to continue to care for us, as little ones in great need of Thy help. Be with our loved ones, whom we have left behind against our own will, protect them, and help them to bear their troubles. And we ask Thee, Oh God, if it is Thine will, to once again bring this tormented and war~torn world to peace, cease the guns of war, and touch our hearts in a way that we may meet our enemies, not with arms of war, but with outstretched arms of brotherly love.
And Father, we ask Thee to be with the loved ones of those that have given their lives on the battlefield, help them to bear it, and comfort them with Thine ever~protecting arms of love. Give us strength, courage, and faith to do the things that Thou would have us to do. And we are thankful, Father, for Thy Son, who has taught us to say...
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, forgive us of our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen."
As we come to a close of this prayer, Father, we ask Thee to grant us these askings according to Thine own judgement. Not our will, but Thine be done. Amen.
A prayer of a frontline soldier.
PFC John C. Weeks
I love you, Daddy, and will see you again soon in Heaven.
