For Jonathan

When you went to Iraq the first time we sent you off with Psalm 20:4-5 and I thought I would send these words to you again.

“May he (the Lord) give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests." (NIV)

Warren W. Wiersbe says about this passage, “Before the army went out to battle, the Jewish law of warfare required the officers and soldiers first to dedicate themselves to the Lord (Deut 20:1-4), and this psalm speaks of such a dedication service. "Battles are won the day before," said Marshall Loch, commander of the Allied forces in World War I.”

The Message paraphrase has a nice wording of verse five: “When you win, we plan to raise the roof and lead the parade with our banners. May all your wishes come true!”

Took the picture of the flags at the rest stop between Cheyenne and LaGrange