George S. Patton, the Praying General

You have no doubt heard stories about soldiers who prayed as they fought in wars and experienced answers to prayer – often miraculous ones.  One of the most notable was General George S.  Patton, a courageous leader during World War II.  He was known to be a praying general, not hiding his faith in God and publicly praying before battles.

1944 Winter War Problems

During the winter of 1944, Patton faced a formidable challenge in the Ardennes region of Belgium. As Patton prepared his troops for what would become one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the war, he not only made strategic plans, but sought assistance from God.

Aware of the importance of weather conditions on the outcome of military operations, General Patton diligently followed the forecasts for the Ardennes region. The thick fog, heavy snowfall, and low visibility severely hindered the Allied forces’ ability to launch coordinated attacks. Patton knew that favorable weather conditions would immensely aid them in battle.

As was his custom, he turned to prayer, believing that divine intervention would make a significant difference. Recognizing the power of collective faith, he decided to encourage soldiers and others to join him in seeking God’s intervention in the weather.

Patton’s Prayer Cards

General Patton had prayer cards printed, specifically designed to include an image of a soldier in battle and a heartfelt plea for God’s assistance.

Here are the words reported to have been printed on the prayer cards:

Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee, of Thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon Thee, that armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies and establish Thy justice among men and nations.

Not only did he distribute the cards to soldiers, but he sent them to many civilians, asking them to pray.  This included government leaders among the Allies.

  As word spread throughout the ranks, soldiers and other personnel enthusiastically embraced the idea. The prayer cards became a unifying symbol, bringing a sense of collective purpose and determination. Amidst the harsh winter conditions, troops found solace and strength in their shared faith that God would answer their prayer.

The Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge began on December 16, 1944, when the Germans made a surprise attack on the Allies.  At first the weather remained miserable, hindering both sides.  Everyone kept praying.  Then one day, against all forecasts, the skies cleared, and the fog lifted. The improved visibility enabled the Allied forces to coordinate their attacks more effectively and navigate the treacherous terrain. The prayers of soldiers and civilians, combined with the courageous spirit of the Allied troops, led to a series of tactical victories.

Although a war strategy expert, General Patton recognized the significance of this shift in the battle. He attributed their success to the divine intervention resulting from prayer and the unwavering faith of his troops.

The Battle of the Bulge, which posed a grave threat to the Allied forces, ultimately resulted in a resounding victory. The impact of the collective prayers and General Patton’s unwavering faith became an integral part of the battle’s narrative, inspiring soldiers and civilians alike with the understanding that courage, faith, and prayer could pave the way to victory.  The battle lasted one month, ending on January 16^th.

How the Battle was Won

The German offensive in the Ardennes was Adolf Hitler’s last major offensive effort in the west. The Germans aimed to split the Allied forces by pushing through the Ardennes forest to capture the strategic port of Antwerp and force the Western Allies to negotiate a separate peace.

Their surprise attack caught the Allied forces off guard. Initially, the German advance was successful, creating a “bulge” in the Allied lines, giving the battle its name.  General George S. Patton’s Third Army played a crucial role in the Allied counterattack. They launched a rapid and aggressive assault, which pushed back the German forces. As the battle progressed, Allied air superiority became a decisive factor, as improved weather conditions allowed for increased air support, disrupting German supply lines and hampering their operations.

The Effect of This Battle on World War II

The Battle of the Bulge had a broader strategic impact. It accelerated the final stages of the war, for it depleted Germany’s remaining resources and delayed their defensive preparations on the Eastern Front. It also solidified the Allied unity and cooperation.

This battle’s ultimate victory, set the stage for the final Allied push towards Berlin and the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.

Other Battle of the Bulge Miracles

The unified prayer preparation did more than help the Allies win the battle.  It resulted in building faith and prayer in individual soldiers.  Here are two examples:

Corporal Anthony Kuhn, from the 101st Airborne Division, had an extraordinary experience during the Battle of the Bulge. As his unit faced intense German bombardment, Kuhn found himself alone in a foxhole. In the midst of the chaos, he fervently prayed for protection and guidance. A shell landed directly on his foxhole but failed to detonate, sparing his life. This extraordinary event deepened Kuhn’s faith, leading him to become an active member of his local church after the war.

Private First Class John Schaffner, a soldier in the 4th Infantry Division, experienced a profound experience of God’s presence during the Battle of the Bulge. As his unit came under heavy fire, Schaffner found himself lying in a snow-covered foxhole, desperately praying for God’s protection and assistance. Suddenly, he felt a sense of peace and assurance that he would be kept safe. This encounter strengthened his faith and instilled in him a lifelong commitment to prayer and spiritual reflection.

Let’s Pray on Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day, let’s pause to thank God for the courageous men and women in our military and for our veterans.  Also let’s support organizations such as the Navigators and the American Bible Society, which distribute Bibles to military personnel and share the gospel with them.

Let’s also keep in mind that we are engaged in a spiritual battle every day.  Let’s fight our battles with prayer. And let’s pray for a revival of prayer and faith in Jesus Christ across our nation.  May we have courage, as General George S. Patton did, to stand boldly in faith!

by Karen S. Roberts