While Joshua led the armed bands.
Of Israel forth to war;
Moses apart with lifted hands
Engaged in humble prayer.

The armed bands had quickly failed,
And perished in the fight;
If Moses' prayer had not prevailed
To put the foes to flight.

When Moses' hands through weakness dropped,
The warriors fainted too;
Israel's success at once was stopped,
And Am'lek bolder grew.

A people, always prone to boast,
Were taught by this suspense,
That not a num'rous armed host,
But GOD was their defence.

We now of fleets and armies vaunt,
And ships and men prepare;
But men like Moses most we want,
To save the state by prayer.

Yet, LORD, we hope thou hast prepared
A hidden few today;
(The nation's secret strength and guard)
To weep, and mourn, and pray.

O hear their prayers and grant us aid,
Bid war and discord cease;
Heal the sad breach which sin has made,
And bless us all with peace.

 Photo: Naval, Military and Air Force Bible Society