Nelson’s Prayer
Dear friends,
We live in unstable times, with enemies within, and without, seen and unseen, threats abroad and threats at home. Some would build walls, others are content to bed hop in their allegiances. Yet others wonder at the hidden costs of economic vassalage. Doom mongers shout “disaster!” and still others take the Hezekiah position – go back to bed and turn to face the wall. What is becoming clearer is that there is a battle for the soul of the West. This is being waged on multiple fronts; political, cultural, economic and religious, on and offline. In former times, the fate of Europe was decided at the battle of Trafalgar. On the morning of the battle, the Lord Nelson wrote the following prayer in his journal, aware of the momentous nature of what he faced.
May the great God, whom I worship, grant to my country and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory, and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet. For myself individually, I commit my life to him that made me; and may His blessing alight on my endeavours for serving my country faithfully. To him I resign myself, and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen
I find it moving that Nelson is able to pray for victory in the spirit of the betterment of the whole of Europe, and that the victory is marked by right actions throughout, and compassion (humanity) after. Nelson gives himself and the justice of his cause into God’s hands. He is a leader who, although being the commander of thousands of men, nevertheless has the humility to acknowledge his own station as one under God’s mercy.
Do join us at worship on Sunday, for by so doing you not only meet with friends, or find a chance to reflect on many matters, but you are also making a stand for the kind of world that you wish to remain once the dust has settled.
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