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Jack James is capping a career in the U.S. Navy. He prays the Scriptures daily for or with his men. An example: "When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you" (Isaiah 43:2). Lt. Commander James says, "I don't expect God will answer all my prayers in as timely a manner as in these three incidents. But as the need arises, I plan to confidently ask again."

A man in a small rubber boat missed a Persian Gulf rendezvous. It was getting dark, and sea conditions were worsening by the minute. In a sentence or two, I asked God to save him and restore the operation to good order. We made the rendezvous and the overall operation was one of the best I'd experienced in 27 years in the Navy.

A week later, a helicopter loaded with my SEAL platoon and their combat equipment attempted liftoff from a small ship. I felt the weighed down helicopter was doomed to crash onto the deck or into an antenna. Another 30-second prayer, and the helicopter lifted up and out to safety.

Then, on the first night of a Rim of the Pacific exercise, a Boston Whaler-type boat being launched off the stern of an amphibious ship flipped over, dumping nine men into the water. Seven men with chemical-glow stick lights were recovered almost immediately. But time dragged with no sign of the last two. "O Lord," I prayed, "don't let anyone die tonight." Almost instantly a voice crackled over the radio! The missing two were retrieved unharmed!

Adapted from Command (Officer's Christian Fellowship, 4/99) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

You urged us, Lord, to ask for the desires You've planted in our hearts. Thanks for the invitation.

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