Monty’s Prayer
On August 13, 1942, Lt. Gen. Bernard Montgomery, known to most as “Monty,” took command of the British 8th
Army. Rommel had pushed the British across North Africa into Egypt, to within less than one hundred miles of Alexandria. Montgomery knew that a new attack was coming soon and positioned his forces to defend a key ridgeline at Alam El Halfa. From August 31 to September 2 another great tank battle was fought that proved to be Rommel’s last major offensive to threaten Egypt. Monty did a masterful job of simplifying the defensive plan and orchestrating the battle.
Afterward, General Montgomery posted a prayer in his command vehicle that would remain for the duration of the war:124
O Lord God
When thou givest to thy servants
To endeavour any great matter
Grant us also to know that it is not the beginning,
But the continuing of the same unto the end
Until it be thoroughly finished, which yieldest the true glory;
Through Him that for the finishing of Thy work
Laid down his life.125
Montgomery knew that in the fog of war it is easy to become cautious and to overestimate the enemy’s strength. He put this reminder before him that victory always requires a final push, that there is a point where a supreme effort is necessary to win the battle, as exemplified by Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul exhorts us to the same supreme effort to finish the race and to complete our work for the Lord.
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.
—Acts 20:24