The final prayer - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, ... and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44

The final prayer
Towards the end of the Second World War a French Christian was cycling through an occupied zone in the district of Argenton-sur-Creuse to meet his family, when in one village he was suddenly stopped by German soldiers and taken prisoner. The night before a German soldier had been killed. The occupying forces had decided on severe reprisals: the first ten persons met in the main street of the village were to be taken to stand in a row in front of a wall before a firing squad.

The cyclist was one of that condemned group. He asked for permission to pray before being ­executed. His request was granted. The Christian prayed loudly for the prisoners about to lose their lives, for the soldiers comprising the firing squad and finally for the officer who would give the command to shoot. The German officer in charge had the prayer translated. For a moment there was complete silence. Then the officer ordered the squad to put down their weapons and leave the scene.

What a wonderful response to the prayer of a believer who fully trusted God! And what an opportunity for all those involved to learn something of God greatness and goodness!

"Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me" (Psalm 50:15).

Today's reading: Leviticus 20:1-27 · Psalm 68:1-9