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Shemang Yisroel, Ad-nay El-hainoo, Ad-noy Achod!
Oh G-d of the Universe! Although unworthy through my manifestold
transgressions, I approach the seat of thy mercy, to crave thy favor, and to seek thy
protection. I supplicate thy forgiveness, O most merciful Father, for the many
transgressions and the oft repeated disobedience, which cause Thee to command destruction
over me. Behold me now, O my Father, supplicating Thy protection! Thou who art near when
all other aid faileth! O spare me, guard me from the evil that is impending!
This once happy country is inflamed by the fury of war; a menacing enemy
is arrayed against the rights, liberties and freedom of this, our Confederacy; the
ambition of this enemy has dissolved fraternal love, and the hand of fraternity has been
broken asunder by the hands of those, who sit now in council and meditate our
chastisement, with the chastisement of scorpions. Our firesides are threatened; the foe is
before us, with the declared intention to desecrate our soil, to murder our people, and to
deprive us of the glorious inheritance which was left to us by the immortal fathers of
this once great Republic.
Here I stand now with many thousands of the sons of the sunny South, to
face the foe, to drive him back, and to defend our natural rights. O Lord, G-d of Israel,
be with me in the hot season of the contending strife; protect and bless me with health
and courage to bear cheerfully the hardships of war.
O L-rd, Ruler of Nations, destroy the power of our enemies! "Grant
not the longings of the wicked; suffer not his wicked device to succeed, lest the exalt
themselves. Selah. as for the heads of those that encompass me about, let the mischief of
their own lips cover them. Let burning coals be cast upon them; let them be thrown into
the fire, into deep pits, that they rise not up again." (Psalm 140). Be unto the Army
of this confederacy, as thou were of old, unto us, thy chosen people— Inspire them with
patriotism! Give them when marching to meet, or, overtake the enemy, the wings of the
eagle— in the camp be Thou their watch and ward— and in the battle, strike for them, O
Almighty G-d of Israel, as thou didst strike for thy people on the plains of Canaan—guide
them O L-rd of Battles, into the paths of victory, guard them from the shaft and missile
of the enemy. Grant that they may ever advance to wage battle, and battle in thy name to
win! Grant that not a standard be ever lowered among them! O L-rd, G-d, Father, be thou
with us!
Give unto the officers of the Army and of the Navy of the Confederate
States, enterprise, fortitude and undaunted courage; teach them the ways of war and the
winning of victory. Guard and preserve, O L-rd, the President of the Confederate States
and all officers, who have the welfare of the country truly at heart. Bless all my
fellow-citizens, and guard them against sickness and famine! May they prosper and
increase!
Hear me further, O L-rd, when I pray to Thee for those on earth, dearest
to my heart. O bless my father, mother, brothers and sisters. (if married: my wife and
children.) O bless them all with earthly and heavenly good! May they always look up to
Thee, and may they find in Thee their trust and strength.
O L-rd, be with me always. Show me the way I have to go, to be prepared to
meet Thee here and hereafter.
My hope, my faith, my strength are in Thee, O L-rd, my G-d, forever— in
Thee is my trust. "For thy salvation do I hope, O L-rd! I hope for Thy salvation, O
L-rd! O L-rd, for Thy salvation do I hope!" Amen! Amen!
Shemang Yisroel, Ad-noy El-hainoo, Ad-noy Achod!
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