This expression actually has a listing in Wikipedia, but the implication is that the “extreme stress or fear can prompt a belief in a higher power” which many then refer to as a “foxhole conversion”. It is believed that the expression originated sometime during World War II and was later quoted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a speech from the White House in 1954. Its usage has not been limited to the military but has expanded to other fear-inducing situations. But, what could be more frightening than being in a war zone, though that war zone may (to a degree) be in your own city?
As a Viet Nam veteran, my husband was recently approached by a stranger in a restaurant who had read his shirt and recognized him as a vet. The man promptly gave him a small card which had a map of the USA with “God Bless America” on one side and this Military Service Prayer on the back:
“Almighty God, I humbly beseech You, save and deliver me from the hands of my enemies. Help and strengthen me in this righteous struggle for the preservation of liberty and justice for mankind. Make me ever mindful of my duty to my country and fill me with courage and loyalty.
O, Lord, I humbly pray for Your Almighty protection for my loved ones at home. I ask you to unite me safely and quickly with my family.
In all my doings, O Lord, go before me with Your gracious inspiration and further me with Your continual help, that every prayer of mine may begin and end with You.
Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.”
As we approach Memorial Day, I am reminded of a book I just read which chronicles the daily lives of our law enforcement individuals, many of whom came out of military service. Many of them face a war zone of sorts each and every day. May we take a moment to pray for our military and first responders as well as for those we know or may see as we go about our day. We have the freedom to do so because of them and all of those who have gone before.
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…” (Philippians 1:3)
“How can we thank God enough for you?” (1 Thessalonians 3:9)
What a prayer! Thank you for the great reminder for us to pray for those who serve us everyday! Also remembering those who served us in the past. Where would we be today if not for them???❤️🙏🏻
How appropriate coming up to Memorial Day. May we always be keenly aware to pray as you suggest. Thank you for this message today!
Thank you for sharing the prayer; a beautifully humble request, and your reminder of gratitude owed to MANY!
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Amen!
We live in freedom because of the brave. Thank you God for their service.
Thank you and Amen.
Such beautiful words! Thank you 🙂
Very true. All heroes that should be celebrated for the hard work and sacrifice