In the midst of World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, sat down to talk to the nation. However, rather than just giving an address, he instead led the nation in prayer. The occasion was the announcement of the start of the D-Day invasion into France. Looking back, we probably think FDR took the greater risk as it’s hard to imagine a political leader being so bold, but nonetheless, there he was speaking to the nation. His prayer is a powerful testimony to the faith of the nation.
As I wrote a few weeks ago, we don’t like to contemplate how important Christianity is to the nation, important in our national history. FDR’s prayer is, sadly, something we probably can never imagine ever seeing again from a President. Oh sure, they give lip service on the National Day of Prayer and they often utter some simplistic “God bless the USA” statement, but seemingly none have the courage to go where FDR went.
As we head into the fall, dealing with our own national struggles, both at home and abroad, we would do well to hear this prayer again. Of course, I’d be more happy to have President Obama bravely step before the camera and offer a similar prayer, but in lieu of that, we’ll hear President Roosevelt instead. If you would prefer to hear the President himself, take a listen.
Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.
Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.
They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. . . .
And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.
With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister Nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.
Thy will be done, Almighty God.
Amen.