CALL TO PRAYER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 March 1941, Page 5

CALL TO PRAYER

NATIONAL OBSERVANCE ON MARCH 23 ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ISSUES STATEMENT. WAR APPROACHING CRITICAL STAGE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 5. Following the announcement that the King desires Sunday, March 23, to be observed as a day of national prayer for strength and guidance in the days to come, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Lang, issued the following statement: — “There can be little doubt that we are now approaching or entering a critical stage in the tremendous struggle in which the nation with on heart will be engaged. It is, therefore, most fitting that the King, as head of struggle in which the nation with one us to renew our acknowledgment of its dependence on God and make a united act of humble prayer for His forgiveness of all that has been amiss in our national life, for strength and guidance in the stern and trying days which may be coming and, if it be His will, for good success. “It is also right that with these prayers we should offer thanksgiving for blessings already received. We cannot but be thankful when we think of the wonderful way in which we have escaped the dangers which surrounded us last summer and autumn, of the most heartening successes of the fleet, the army and the air force in the Mediterranean and Africa, of the continued unity of our people, of the immense and encouraging efforts of the Dominions and Colonies, of the steadfastness of our remaining Allies and specially of gallant Greece, and of the generous and ever-increasing help which is coming to us from the vast resources of the United States. "Though we dare not indulge in any boastful or over self-confidence, for all these happenings we may well thank God and take courage.’