Four years ago our Nation and Empire stood alone against an overwhelming enemy with our
backs to the wall. Tested as never before in our history, in God's providence we survived
that test. The spirit of the people, resolute, dedicated, burnt like a bright flame lit surely
from those unseen fires which nothing can quench. Once more a supreme test has to be
faced. This time the challenge is not to fight to survive, but to fight to win the final
victory for the good cause. Once again what is demanded from us all is something more
than courage, more than endurance. We need the revival of spirit, the new unconquerable
resolve. After nearly five years of toil and suffering we must renew that crusading impulse
on which we entered the war and met its darkest hour. We and our allies a sure that our fight
is against evil and for a world in which goodness and honour may be the foundation of the life
of men in every land. That we may be worthily matched with these new summons of destiny
I desire solemnly to call my people to prayer and dedication. We are not unmindful of our
own shortcomings, past and present. We shall ask not that God will do our will, but that
we may be enabled to do the will of God. And we dare to believe that God has used our Nation
and Empire as an instrument for fulfilling His high purpose. I hope that throughout the
present crisis of the liberation of Europe there may be offered us earnest, continuous
and widespread prayer. We, who remain in this land, can most effectively enter into the
suffering of subjugated Europe by prayer. Whereby we can fortify determination of our
sailors, soldiers and airmen who go forth to set the captives free. The Queen joins
with me in sending you this message. She well understands the anxieties and cares of our
womenfolk at this time. And she knows that many of them will find, as she does herself,
fresh strength and comfort in such waiting upon God. She feels that many women will be
glad in this way to keep vigil with their men as they man the ships, storm the beaches
and fill the skies. At this historic moment surely not one of us is too busy, too young,
or too old to play a part in a nationwide, a worldwide vigil of prayer as the great Crusade
sets forth. If from every place of worship, from home and factory, from men and women
of all ages and many races and occupations, our intercessions rise, then, please God,
both now and in the future not remote, the predictions of an ancient song may be fulfilled:
"The Lord will give strength unto His people, the Lord will give His people the blessing
of peace."