Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)
9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it
is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have
forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us
from evil.
February 3rd, is known as “Four Chaplains Day.” It was
designated this title by Congress after a heroic act by four military chaplains
who were serving on the S.S Dorchester during World War 2. Rev. Clark Poling
(Dutch Reformed), Rev. George Lansing Fox (Methodist), Father John Washington
(Roman Catholic priest) and Alexander David Goode (a Jewish Rabbi) sacrificed
their lives as their ship went down.
The Dorchester, which was transporting 904 troops, was
torpedoed by a U-Boat on Feb 3, 1943. The initial torpedo killed more than 100
young soldiers and the second plunged the ship into darkness. The survivors
panicked and scrambled, trying to find life jackets. In the midst of all the
disarray and chaos, the four chaplains worked with then men, bringing order
with their words of assurance and prayers.
The chaplains gave up their own life jackets to save four
others. As the Dorchester finally began to sink, the four chaplains were seen
linking their arms together. They had all been friends since their days at
Chaplain school at Harvard University. Witnesses said that they heard two
prayers amid the screams of pain and horror that permeated the cold dark night.
It was the strong voices of the Chaplains. "Shema Yisroel Adonai Elohenu
Adonai Echod." "Our Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy
name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done."
Looking back they saw the slanting deck of the
Dorchester, its demise almost complete. Braced against the railings were the
Four Chaplains...praying...singing, giving strength to others by their final
valiant declaration of faith. Their arms were linked together as they braced
against the railing and leaned into each other for support, Reverend Fox, Rabbi
Goode, Reverend Poling, and Father Washington. Said one of the survivors,
"It was the finest thing I have ever seen this side of heaven."
How can you let God use you today?
Dear Lord, we pray that we would have the strength to
help others in the time of need. Help our eyes be open to those around us that
we can help. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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