The Paratrooper's Prayer - He who dares, wins

Give me Lord, what is left over

This prayer was found on the body of Aspirant (Lieutenant) André Zirnheld, killed in action in Libya, in July 1942, during a raid behind enemy lines. A college philosophy professor before the war, Aspirant Zirnheld served in one of the very first companies of the famed British S.A.S.

Although Zirnheld never served in the Foreign Legion, his prayer has been adopted by all French Paratroopers, the Legion included.

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Zirnheld died at the age of 29. Until he enlisted, there was nothing that distinguished this philosopher from any other Frenchman. The lesson we can take from him, along with his lasting prayer, is that anything worth doing or accomplishing requires sacrifice. There are times when a man, face to face with his fate, is called to step up. Is it time for you to step up? To leave behind the comfort of this world for suffering? Are you prepared for such sacrifice?

Remember - He who dares, wins.

Pray for courage, strength and faith.

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Give me, O Lord my God, what You have left, what no one asks of You.

I do not ask You for rest or tranquility, neither of soul nor body.

I do not ask You for wealth, or success, or health.

So many ask this of You, God, that You probably have nothing left to give.

Give me, Lord, what You have left; give me what everyone else refuses.

I want the insecurity and the restlessness, I want the struggle and the storm.

Give me this, my God, definitively, give me the certainty that this will be my portion forever, because I won’t always have the courage to ask You for it.

Give me, Lord, what You have left, give me what others do not want, but also give me the courage, the strength and the faith.”

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Nick | Catholic Manhood