God of power and mercy,
maker and love of peace,
to know you is to live,
and to serve you is to reign.
Through the intercession of St. Michael, the archangel,
be our protection in battle against all evil.
Help me [us] to overcome war and violence
and to establish your law of love and justice.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
The origins of Prayer on the Eve of Battle
The prayer on the eve of battle is a Catholic tradition that has been practiced for centuries. It is a prayer that is said by soldiers and civilians alike, asking for divine protection and guidance in the face of impending conflict.
During the medieval period, knights would often say a prayer on the eve of battle, asking for strength and courage from God to help them in their fight. The prayer became a ritual, and it was said before every battle.
The tradition continued into modern times, with soldiers in World War I and II saying the prayer before heading into battle. The prayer has also been said before major conflicts and wars throughout history, including the Crusades and the Hundred Years’ War.
In the Catholic Church, the prayer on the eve of battle is seen as a way to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and to ask for His protection and guidance in times of war. It is a way for soldiers to connect with their faith and to ask for strength and courage in the face of danger.
Today, the prayer on the eve of battle continues to be an important tradition for soldiers and Catholics around the world. It is a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of seeking divine guidance in times of conflict.