Prayer in the Tabernacle Before Battle

But while Licinius gave himself up to these wicked practices and rushed blindly toward the pit of destruction, the emperor, when he saw that he must meet his enemies in a second battle, gave the time in between to his Savior. He pitched the tabernacle of the cross outside his camp, some distance away, and spent his time there in purity and holiness, offering prayers to God. In this he followed the example of God’s prophet of old, of whom the holy Scriptures testify that he pitched the tabernacle outside the camp. Only a few attended him, men whose faith and godly devotion he valued highly. He kept up this custom whenever he was planning to engage the enemy. For he was careful in his measures, the better to make sure of safety, and he wanted to be guided in everything by divine counsel. And as he prayed earnestly to God, he was always honored, after a little while, with a sign of God’s presence. Then, as if moved by a divine impulse, he would rush out of the tabernacle and suddenly order his army to move at once without delay and to draw their swords that very moment. At this they would immediately attack and fight hard, so that with unbelievable speed they won the victory and set up trophies over their enemies. [a]