The movie “Patton” made Patton’s prayer famous, but it was not entirely accurate. In December, 1944 Gen. George Patton’s Third Army was in Belgium participating in the Saar Campaign. Patton had become famous for his hard-charging style, but the rain, fog, and floods had stalled his offensive. He was getting frustrated. On Dec. 8, he called Chaplain James O’Neill to demand a prayer to improve the weather. O’Neill promised to research the idea, but ended up writing the prayer himself. He returned a couple of days later with the finished product and Patton immediately approved it. Patton, a religious man, discussed theology with O’Neill and pointed out the role of prayer in battle. He ordered 250,000 prayer cards to be distributed to the soldiers. This was accomplished from Dec. 12-14. Here is the prayer:
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. Amen.
On Dec. 16, the Germans launched their surprise attack in the Ardennes which began the Battle of the Bulge. The Germans were successful at first because the bad weather prevented Allied air power from bombing the German tanks. On Dec. 20, the weather changed and the bombers helped blunt the German attack. Chaplain O’Neill was awarded a Bronze Star. As you can see from the chronology, the prayer was not written during the Battle of the Bulge for the battle. Also, note that it took at least four days for the prayer to work. Still, better late than never, God.
https://www.historyonthenet.com/when-patton-enlisted-the-entire-third-army-to-pray-for-fair-weather
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