Back Cover

© Michael Gorre

The Paratrooper’s Prayer

THE PRAYER of the Paratrooper was penned by Second Lieutenant André Zirnheld of the Free French Air Force. On the twenty-seventh of July 1942, while serving with the legendary British SAS deep behind enemy lines in Libya, he was killed in action. Found in his pocket was this prayer, imploring God not to give him comfort and safety, but hardship and suffering. It is the official prayer of numerous parachute regiments worldwide.

Give me, O Lord my God, what is left Thee, that which no one asks of Thee. I do not ask Thee for rest or tranquility, either of soul or body. I do not ask Thee for riches, for success, or for health. So many ask Thee for these, my God, that none must be left Thee.

Give me, Lord, what is left Thee.

Give me what the others refuse.

I want risk and anguish; I want fight and pain.

Give me these, my God, once and for all.

Give me the certainty that these will always be my portion, for I will not always have the courage to ask them of Thee.

Give me, O Lord, what is left Thee.

Give me what others do not want.

But also give me courage, strength, and faith.