A Corpsman's Prayer

Grant me, oh Lord, for the coming events;
Enough knowledge to cope and some plain common sense.

Be at our side on those nightly patrols;
And be merciful judging our vulnerable souls.

Make my hands steady and as sure as a rock;
when the others go down with a wound or in shock.

Let me be close, when they bleed in the mud;
With a tourniquet handy to save precious blood.

Here in the jungle, the enemy near;
Even the corpsman can't offer much lightness and cheer.

Just help me, oh Lord, to save lives when I can;
Because even out there is merit in man.

If It's Your will, make casualties light;
And don't let any die in the murderous night.

These are my friends I'm trying to save;
They are frightened at times, but You know they are brave.

Let me not fail when they need so much;
But to help me serve with a compassionate touch.

Lord, I'm no hero -- my job is to heal;
And I want You to know Just how helpless I feel.

Bring us back safely to camp with dawn;
For too many of us are already gone.

Lord bless my friends If that's part of your plan;
And go with us tonight, when we go out again.

Author Unknown