November 2026 

In November the Church and the nation marks Remembrance Sunday, and we welcome you to our Remembrance services at 10am on 8th November.

Following Bishop Michael’s call to especial prayer in 2026, this month I am looking at a military prayer in 2 Chronicles 20, where King Jehoshapat calls upon the Lord before battle. It’s not a terribly well-known passage, but (spoiler alert), it gives us a well-known verse!

Jehoshaphat learned that the vast army of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir was about to attack. He was terrified, but instead of hurriedly devising a new military strategy, or panicking, he sought God. He gathered his people to stand before the temple in Jerusalem to
share in community prayer. He reminded them of God’s past faithfulness and his dependable character. Jehoshaphat knew his army’s limitations and so put his faith in God's supremacy over all kingdoms and armies and all forms of human strength. “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (v13.) Jehoshaphat and his people gave thanks not knowing the outcome of the battle – they gave thanks to God because they knew God was faithful, not that he would guarantee them victory.

In response to their prayers, the Spirit declared:
"Do not be afraid... for the battle is not yours, but God’s" (v15).

Instead of forming a standard front-line attack, Jehoshaphat ordered singers to lead the army while praising God for His steadfast love. As they praised, God caused the enemy forces to turn on and destroy one another and so the battle was won for Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah.

Unless you are currently serving in the military, you and I may be more likely to face struggles in terms of emotional, financial, professional, or relational crises. Society often demands perfection and self-reliance, which makes admitting weakness feel like failure. This passage offers permission to say, "I don't have the answers, and I cannot fix this on my own." I need God’s help! The text of 2 Chronicles 20 guides us in navigating all stress and uncertainty. Instead of letting panic dictate our next move, we are encouraged to pause and anchor ourselves in God before acting, remember his past faithfulness, and repeat Jehoshaphat’s prayer of thanksgiving “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever”. (v21.)

A Prayer for those who serve today

O Lord God of Hosts,
stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm
to strengthen and protect our service men and women.
Support them in times of conflict,
and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil;
endue them with courage and loyalty;
and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Blessings

Larissa