How should we pray for America? (Part 2 of 2)

After the terrible devastation of Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast, we should all be praying like Garrett, 10: "Please help America to not be torn up by floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and other things. Please, Lord. Amen."

Would God answer a weather prayer? At least one American general thought so. In December of 1944, during one of Europe's coldest winters on record, the German army launched a major offensive campaign that became known as the Battle of the Bulge. General George S. Patton didn't like the bad weather that prevented Allied planes from providing air cover for his troops. He ordered the following prayer to be distributed among his troops:

"Almighty and most merciful God, we humbly beseech thee, of thy great goodness, to restrain these immoderate rains with which we have had to contend. Grant us fair weather for battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call upon thee that, armed with thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and crush the oppression and wickedness of our enemies, and establish thy justice among men and nations. Amen."

The murky weather broke. Allied air power helped defeat the last major German offensive of the war.

Another general named Joshua prayed that the sun would stand still. The Lord answered his prayer, and Joshua defeated the Amorites (Joshua 10:12-14).

Taylor, 9, remembers our troops when he prays: "I pray for American soldiers to fight bravely for our country. They will win for justice, and if they die, we will remember their bravery.

We will not forget how much they loved us enough to protect us with all their hearts."

Mallory, 9, reminds us of our history with the following prayer of thanks: "Dear God: Thank you for telling George Washington that he could win the war for us to have freedom."