Patton's prayer message

During my morning devotions, I often recite Psalms 63. I call it the "Patton Psalm" because it is the one that George C. Scott recites in the movie Patton, when praying in the cathedral scene. It is a powerful Psalm and it fits into the movie well because it is a Psalm written by a warrior, and in the movie recited by a warrior. Interestingly, the real General Patton was a avid believer in prayer. He once asked his Chief Chaplain to write a letter to all chaplains in his command to emphasize prayer to all soldiers. Here is an excerpt:

"Those who pray do more for the world than those who fight; and if the world goes from bad to worse, it is because there are more battles than prayers. 'Hands lifted up,' said Bosuet, 'smash more battalions than hands that strike.' Gideon of Bible fame was least in his father's house. He came from Israel's smallest tribe. But he was a mighty man of valor. His strength lay not in his military might, but in his recognition of God's proper claims upon his life. He reduced his Army from thirty-two thousand to three hundred men lest the people of Israel would think that their valor had saved them. We have no intention to reduce our vast striking force. But we must urge, instruct, and indoctrinate every fighting man to pray as well as fight. In Gideon's day, and in our own, spiritually alert minorities carry the burdens and bring the victories.

"Urge all of your men to pray, not alone in church, but everywhere. Pray when driving. Pray when fighting. Pray alone. Pray with others. Pray by night and pray by day. Pray for the cessation of immoderate rains, for good weather for Battle. Pray for the defeat of our wicked enemy whose banner is injustice and whose good is oppression. Pray for victory. Pray for our Army, and Pray for Peace."

General Patton endorsed and signed the letter, and it was distributed to the troops in December of 1944.

The Apostle Paul knew a little something about the importance and power of prayer, also. He advised the believers under persecution in Thessalonica to, "Rejoice always, PRAY without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

It seems that General Patton and the Apostle Paul agreed on the importance of never ceasing to pray. Why? I'll let the General answer that question in a final quote:

"If we all pray, it will be like.. plugging in on a current whose source is in Heaven. I believe that prayer completes that circuit. It is power."

Blessings,
George