The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
Introduction
This prayer book in war time is addressed to soldiers, sailors, marines and coast guard, to all the fighting forces at home and abroad, to those on land, the sea and in the air, to the civilians on the home front, in a word, to all who live in a world at war, that through our prayerful lives God may grant us victory and give to the world His peace and justice.
This book is not made up exclusively of prayers, for the simple reason that prayer consists not in the saying of words but in the lifting of our heart and mind to God.
Our Divine Lord Himself warned us: "When you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard." (Matt. 6:7). St. Augustine in the same spirit said: "We may pray most when we say least, and we may pray least when we say most."
When love of God reaches a peak, it almost becomes too deep for words.
For that reason this prayer book is made up of reflections or thoughts which it is hoped will provoke us into meditation and communion with God, so that we will not only speak to Him, but also listen to Him when He speaks to us.
These reflections are not only to be read, but are to be thought about. Each thought should serve for a considerable period of time.
Prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" James 4:8).
The joy of being a Christian comes not from intermittent devotions and vocal prayers, but by living the Christ life intimately and to such an extent that even in our failings and weakness we may still betray our familiarity with Christ, as did Peter in the moment of his weakness: "Thy speech doth discover...thee...thou also wast with Jesus the Galilean." (Matt. 26: 69-73).
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From:
The Armor of God
Reflections and Prayers for Wartime
by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen
(C) 1943, P.J. Kenedy & Sons
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