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THE CADET’SPRAYER BOOK

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Where do you start to learn to pray?

Prayer is as easy as breathing, or talking to a good friend! There is noproper way to pray – only many ways that people use all over the worldand in many different faiths, and finding something that works for you is allthat really matters. You might like to think about the following…

Be quiet. If prayer is a conversation, then you also need to listen insilence. Simply sit in silence, perhaps close your eyes, and see whatcomes to you.

Meditate on an object. Pick up some natural object nearby (a rock, aleaf, a stick, a flower) and just focus on it for a while. Admire all itsdetails, its quality, its texture. Consider what a gift this piece ofnature is and give thanks.

The Examen: This is an ancient form of prayer that asks you to thinkback over the last week or month. Let your mind wander through thefollowing questions as you pray: Thinking back over the recent past,focus on the moments when you were most grateful and the momentswhen you were least grateful. What were they? Which moments didyou give and receive God's love the most? When did you give andreceive love the least? When were you paying the most attention tothe love of God in the world? When were you paying the leastattention? Finish by thanking God for the gift of today and ask forguidance in being more open to God’s presence in your daily life.

Give Thanks: Using paper or a journal, make a word cloud or list of allthe things in your life or in the world for which you are thankful. If youare feeling artistic, doodle images of all the things you are thankful fortoday.

Repeat a word or phrase: Chanting or repeating a mantra over and overcan focus your thoughts and free your mind to be open to new things.Pick a word to say slowly and repeatedly to yourself quietly (or in yourthoughts) such as love, peace, life, or perhaps the name of someone orsomething important to you. You could also choose a phrase such as“Jesus, be with me” or “God so loves the world” or “Open my mind,open my heart.”

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Ask Questions. What are the big questions of life you’d like answersto today? You know--the ones like “Why is there suffering in theworld?” Spend some time just asking those questions, one afteranother, offering them to God and see what happens.

Imagine. Close your eyes for a while and imagine the world as Godwould have it be – not as it is. What do you see? How is that worlddifferent from the one we live in today? Now imagine yourself as partof that vision, helping to make it come true. What are you doing? Howis God calling you to be part of bringing that vision to reality in yourown little corner of the world?

Pray Scripture. Pick up a Bible and start reading. Select a verse suchas "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, mychildren, you did it to me" and turn it into a prayer: "God help me toreach out to the least of these in my world and to treat them as yourbeloved children." Or select a Psalm as an inspiration for prayer. Trytaking the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and write your owntranslation in a way that reflects your life and needs.

Walk the Prayer. Take yourself out on a favourite walk. As you movealong the path, spend time thinking about your journey of faith, thejourney of your life, all the people you have met, the things you havedone, the problems you have overcome, the challenges you still face,and focus on where you have encountered God along the way. Ifconvenient, find a place to pause, and sit, or be still, before walkingback to the start.

Feel the Earth. Take off your shoes and sit in the grass. Let your feetand hands feel the cool grass and the earth beneath you. Open yourawareness to the natural world around you and see yourself as part ofit. Listen for sounds of insects and animals. Sense the movement ofthe wind. Enjoy the warmth of the sun. Give thanks for your place inGod's creation.

If any one of these works best for you, then stick with it – or perhaps youmight like to try other ways – the only important thing is that you praythe way that helps you. We hope the following prayers will help guide youthrough your time with the ACF / ATC / CCF / SCC and for the rest ofyour life.

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The Army Cadet Force Prayer

O God our Father, who has brought us together as members of the ArmyCadet Force; help us to do our duty at all times and to be loyal to eachother. May all that is good and true prosper among us; strengthen us todefend the right and bless our work so that it may be acceptable to you,for Jesus Christ’s sake AMEN

The Air Cadet Prayer

God our Father, who has brought us together as members of the AirTraining Corps; help us to do our duty at all times and to be loyal to oneanother. May all that is good and true flourish among us; strengthen us todefend the right; and bless our work that it may be acceptable to you, forJesus Christ’s sake. AMEN

The Sea Cadet Prayer

Lord, bless this ship and her Company and all Units of the Sea CadetCorps throughout the world. Guide Elizabeth, our Queen, and protect allwho go down to the sea in ships. Teach us to serve you as our Master onour earthly voyage, so that, at the last, we may come to peace and safetyof your eternal haven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Prayer for the Queen

Faithful God, whose love is always around us and who watches over us dayby day, we thank you for our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, for herfaithful service to our nation and Commonwealth, and for her example ofpatience and gentleness. We pray for Her Majesty that, in your strengthand comfort you will guide her, and in guiding her, she may lead us. Wepray that we may follow her example of sacrifice and service, so thattogether we may come to your heavenly kingdom of peace and justice.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

I believe that he (Jesus) belongs not only to Christianity but to the entireworld.Gandhi

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A Prayer for our Country

Grant us, Lord God, a vision of our land as your love would make it: aland where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor; a landwhere the benefits of civilized life are shared, and everyone can enjoythem; a land where different races and cultures live in tolerance andmutual respect; a land where peace is built with justice, and justice isguided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, throughJesus Christ our Lord. AMENA Morning PrayerAlmighty and everlasting God, we thank you that you have brought ussafely to the beginning of this day. Keep us from falling into sin or runninginto danger, order us in all our doings and guide us to do always what isrighteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

An Evening Prayer

Lighten our darkness, Lord, we pray, and in your great mercy defend us fromall perils and dangers of this night, for the love of your only Son, ourSaviour Jesus Christ. AMEN

A Prayer to say “sorry”

Most merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we confess thatwe have sinned in thought, word and deed. We have not loved you withour whole heart. We have not loved our neighbours as ourselves. In yourmercy forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, anddirect what we shall be; that we may do justly, love mercy, and walkhumbly with you, our God. AMEN

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar onwings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not

be faint.Isaiah 40:31

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Prayers for Annual Camp

Heavenly Father, it is that time of year when we leave our homes andfamilies, and our familiar places, and we go away with lots of new people,to a strange and unfamiliar place, and we are challenged to live in adifferent way—with cadets we don’t know, and activities we are notconfident about, and food that is not always to our liking. Help me to trymy best to overcome all these challenges, and help me to grow inconfidence and understanding, as I learn more about my strengths andlimitations. AMEN

Prayers for the peace of the world

God, our refuge and strength, bring near the day when wars shall ceaseand poverty and pain shall end, that earth may know the peace ofheaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

We pray for the peoples of the world and their leaders. We pray for all whooffer their services in the leadership of the affairs of the world that theymay uphold what is right for the peace and survival of all humanity. Wepray particularly at this time for peace in all countries of the world, whereviolence, war and terrorism are taking place. Father, take from us all thosefears that burden us and bring our lives to a standstill. Purify the mindsand attitudes of those involved in bringing violence and terrorism to theworld. May the world know that peace from God, who brought Jesus intoour world. AMEN

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139: 7-10

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Prayers for the Armed Forces

Heavenly Father, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all themen and women in our Armed Forces at home and abroad. Defend themday by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials andtemptations; and give them courage to face the perils that beset them;and help them to know that nothing can separate them from your love;in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

O Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm tostrengthen and protect our service men and women. Support them intimes of conflict, and in their rest and training keep them safe from allevil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all thingsthey may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

Prayer for when I’m feeling sad

Lord Jesus, I come to you today with a heavy and sad heart. You know myheartache, my cares, my concerns and all that burdens me. I thank you thatyou are a loving, caring Father. Today I ask that you would give me thestrength to let go of my feelings and all my burdens. I choose to give themover to you. You said in your words to your friends that you know aboutevery tiny detail of my life and all that concerns me. Help me to believeand trust that you are taking care of all my concerns. AMEN

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faithbut has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sisteris without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace;keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what

good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied byaction, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Showme your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. Youbelieve that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – andshudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds

is useless?

James 2:14-20

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For the director of music. A psalm of David.

How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide yourface from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after dayhave sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on

me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep indeath, and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will

rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices inyour salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Psalm 13

Prayer for when I’m lonely

Loving God, there are times in each life when there is no one. No one withwhom to share words or thoughts, a laugh, a sad remembrance, a gentletouch, a fond embrace, a kiss. Bless each one who suffers from suchloneliness. Enrich life with a friend or gentle stranger who will spend amoment noticing and loving. In those times your love shines through, theworld is reborn, and Christ is known. AMEN

Prayer for when I miss my family

O Loving God, bless our family with your love. Guard us from all dangerand harm; deliver us from anger that leads to division; keep us together,even when we disagree; and send us into the world to share your love andpeace; in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN

A prayer when I am tempted

I try hard, Lord, not to stumble in my walk with you. Yet I find myselffacing temptation in ways that lead me away from you. The temptation isstrong. The desire is strong. Lord, please help me know the right way toturn. I know you want me to do what is right. I know that it would be soeasy for me to give in and stumble yet again. But today I ask for yourstrength. Your guidance. Thank you, Lord, for being here for me when in myhour of need. In your holy name, I pray. AMEN

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not fromyourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

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Prayer for when a relationship breaks down

Lord, thank you for being you and for your willingness to be here with meduring this time. It's been difficult lately with this break up. You know that.I know in my heart that if it was meant to be it would have happened, butthat thought doesn't always help with how I feel. I'm angry. I'm sad. I'mdisappointed. Lord, I ask for your continued love and guidance during thisdifficult time, and I pray for the patience of others as I work through myfeelings. Though I may have difficulty letting go, I pray that you surroundme with people that help me in prayer, in love, and in support. AMEN

Prayer for when I’m preparing for examinations

Lord, help me when I walk into the exam. Give me the peace, when it is allsaid and done, to know that I walked in and did my best. I pray, Lord, foryour guiding hand as I take the exam, and I ask for your welcome calm whenI walk out of the classroom after. Lord, thank you for all the blessings youhave placed in my life. Thank you for being here in this time when I feel abit overwhelmed. Thank you for always being there and allowing me to relyon you. Praise your name. AMEN

Prayer for my parents

Lord God, heavenly Father, You have taught us to honour our fathers andmothers, and to show love and obedience toward them. Bless my parentswho have raised me up with the help of your grace. Protect them from evil,harm and sickness. Grant them faith, health and joy. Bless all their worksthat they may give you honour and glory all the days of their lives. AMEN

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve thetroubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction

and my distress and take away all my sins.

Psalm 25:16-18

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Prayer for when I’m angry

Lord Jesus, there is anger in my heart and I cannot root it out.I know that I should calm down and offer the hurt and disappointment toyou but my emotion is running away with me.Help me to overcome this weakness and give me peace of heart as well asmind. Let me learn from this experience and grow into a better human being.AMEN

A prayer of thanksgiving

Lord, thank you for all the wonderful things you have put in my life. Family,friends, a roof over my head, and food on my table. Thank you for theblessings you bestow on me every day. I am so grateful for all that youprovide. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN

The Ten Tors Prayer

O God who has made the Earth of great beauty,and who has given us the Spirit of Adventure,we thank you for the beauty of the world,for the courage and vigour of young people,for the companionship and for the opportunityto enjoy all these gifts.

We pray that you will keep us safe on this great ventureand grant that we may meet each challengeand difficulty with unselfish courage and so find thetrue spirit of comradeship as shown to us byJesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, andhis understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary andincreases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and

young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew theirstrength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow

weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

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The SailorI must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

;and all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,and the wheel’s kick and the wind’s song and the white sail’s shaking

and a grey mist on the sea’s face and a grey dawn breaking.

John Masefield “Sea Fever”

The Soldier

The soldier-that is, the great soldier-of today is not a romantic animal,dashing at forlorn hopes, animated by frantic sentiment, full of fancies asto a love or a sovereign; but a quiet, grave person, busied in charts, exactin sums, master of the art of tactics, occupied in trivial detail; thinking, asthe Duke of Wellington was said to do, most of the shoes of his soldiers.

Walter Bagehot [edited]

The Airman

It was no picnic despite what anyone might say later … Most of us werepretty scared all the time; you only felt happy when the battle was overand you were on your way home, then you were safe for a bit anyway.

Colin Gary - Battle of Britain 1940

The Unknown Soldier

Beneath this stone rests the body of a British warrior, unknown by name orrank, brought from France to lie among the most illustrious of the land andburied here on Armistice Day, 11th November 1920, in the presence of HisMajesty King George V, his Ministers of State, the Chiefs of his Forces,and a vast concourse of the nation … They buried him among the kings

because he had done good toward God and toward his house.

Westminster Abbey‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim

good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for theprisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,

Luke 4:18

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A prayer for accepting my sexualityFather, I pray that I can see myself as you see me.Give me the strength and courage I need to accept myself and the valueswhich I have learnedand which I believe have come from your hand.May a deep love of, respect for and service to othersbe the source of any pleasure that I seekor that is put before me.Teach me your gentleness and your love.For Jesus Christ’s sake AMEN

A prayer for those who are trapped by addiction

Lord God in heaven, Creator of all things, you weep when you see thosepeople struggling with the devastating effects of addiction. We pray thatthey will find room for you in their lives, so they can know and understandthe hope to which you have called them. Give them strength and couragetake away their fears, grief, anxieties, and resentments. Heal their brokenhearts and bind up their wounds curing all of their pains and sorrows. Allowthem to hear your call, help them to never ever give up and to always stayfocused on you. Fill their hearts with your presence, and give them healthfor the whole body, mind, and spirit. I pray these things in Jesus’ name.AMEN

A prayer for those struggling with money

Lord God, we live in disturbing days:across the world, prices rise, debts increase,markets are in turmoil, jobs are taken away,and fragile security is under threat.Lord, meet us in our fear and hear our prayer:be a tower of strength and a light in the darkness;help us receive your gift of peace,and fix our hearts where true joys are to be found,in Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

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Sir Jacob Astley's prayer before the battle of Edgehill

O Lord, thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget thee, do notthou forget me. March on boys!

A Prayer of Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596)

God, when you call your servants to endeavour any great matter, grant usalso to know that it is not the beginning, but the continuing of the same,until it be thoroughly finished, which yields the true glory; through him who,for the finishing of your work, laid down his life for us, our Redeemer, JesusChrist.

A US Confederate Soldier’s Prayer

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey....I asked for health, that I might do greater things,I was given infirmity, that I might do better things....I asked for riches, that I might be happy,I was given poverty, that I might be wise....I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God....I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,I was given life, that I might enjoy all things....I got nothing that I asked for -but everything that I had hoped for,Almost despite myself,my unspoken prayers were answered.I am among all men most richly blessed.

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether tothe emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by himto punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it isGod’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolishpeople. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up forevil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family

of believers, fear God, honour the emperor.

1 Peter 2: 13-17

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A Prayer of St Ignatius Loyola, a soldier (1491-1556)

Teach us, good Lord,to serve you as you deserve;to give and not to count the cost;to fight and not to heed the wounds;to toil and not to seek for rest;to labour and not to ask for any reward,save that of knowing that we do your will.

A Prayer of St Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.Where there is hatred, let me sow love;Where there is injury, pardon;Where there is doubt, faith;Where there is despair, hope;Where there is darkness, light;Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seekTo be consoled as to console,To be understood as to understand,To be loved as to love;For it is in giving that we receive;It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, thatwhoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God didnot send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the

world through him.

John 3: 16-17

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Jesus said… If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you

wish, and it will be done for you.John 15:7

A prayer for when it is difficult to prayAlmighty God, the fountain of all wisdom, you know our needs beforewe ask, and our ignorance in asking: have compassion on our weakness,and give us those things which for our unworthiness we dare not, andfor our blindness we cannot ask, for the sake of your Son Jesus Christour Lord. AMEN

A prayer for those seeking jobsDear God, I place my humble needs before you:My need to meet my responsibilities in the world.My need to use the talents and abilities you gave me.My need to fulfill my place here on earth.I pray for your guidance now to show me the way to the perfect opportunityto do what I love, to do what I can do well, and what will fulfill my needsmentally, spiritually, and financially. Help me to walk in faith as you showme the way. AMEN

A prayer for giving thanks for good health

O Lord, thank you for the gift of my body; thank you for the ability to usemy body for sports, for activities with the Cadet Force, and above all, forthe opportunities to help other people less fortunate than me. Guide methrough my life’s journey I pray, and help me to treasure the health that Ienjoy. As I grow older, give me patience when I become slower, that I mayaccept the limitations that will eventually come my way. This I pray, in thename of Jesus Christ, my companion and my friend. AMEN

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to allwithout finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you

must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave ofthe sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

James 1:5-6

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NATIONAL DAYS

St David of Wales - 1st March

Almighty God, who in love towards your people did call St David to be afaithful and wise steward of your mysteries; mercifully grant that, followinghis purity of life and zeal for the whole Gospel of Christ, we may, with him,receive your heavenly reward; through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN.

St Patrick of Ireland - 17th March

O God, who in your providence did choose your servant St Patrick to bethe apostle of the Irish people, that the light of the gospel might shine intheir midst; grant that they may so walk in that light, that they may showforth your glory before the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

St George of England - 23rd April

Lord God, who gave grace to your servant, St George, to lay aside the fearof man and confess you even to death; grant that we and all ourcountrymen may think lightly of earthly honour and seek rather to pleasehim, the captain of our salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

St Andrew of Scotland - 30th November

Almighty God, who gave such grace to your holy Apostle, St Andrew, thathe readily obeyed the calling of your Son, Jesus Christ, and followed himwithout delay; grant to us all that we, being called by your Holy Word, maygive ourselves up obediently to fulfil your commandments; through JesusChrist our Lord. AMEN

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A prayer for those who are sick or sufferingLord God, whose Son, Jesus Christ, understood people's fear and painbefore they spoke of them, we pray for those in hospital; surround thefrightened with your tenderness; give strength to those in pain; hold theweak in your arms of love, and give hope and patience to those who arerecovering; we ask this through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

A prayer for those who are bereaved

Gracious God, surround us and all who mourn this day with yourcontinuing compassion. Do not let grief overwhelm your children, or turnthem against you. When grief seems never-ending, take them one stepat a time along your road of death and resurrection in Jesus Christ ourLord. AMEN

A prayer for finding faithHeavenly Father, I come before you today in need of hope & direction.There are times when I feel helpless. Help me. There are times when I feelweak. Strengthen me. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for abetter life. I need hope for love and kindness. Some say that the sky is atits darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems dark.I need your light, Lord, in every way. To know that all is right in the world,as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me to walk in yourlight, and live my life in faith and hope and love. In your name I pray.AMEN

Christ has no hands but our handsChrist has no feet but our feet

Christ has no love but our love -To tell of his goodness

To heal the world’s woundsTo teach the way of love.

St Ignatius of Loyola

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christdied for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he

was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,1 Corinthians 15:3-4

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The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional version)

Our Father, who art in heaven,Hallowed be thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.Thy will be done on earth,

As it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil.For thine is the kingdom,The power, and the glory,For ever and ever. AMEN

The Lord’s Prayer (Modern Version)

Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name.Your Kingdom come,your will be done,

on earth as in heavenGive us today our daily bread.

Forgive us our sins,as we forgive those who sin against us.

Lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom,the power and the glory are yours.

Now and for ever. AMEN

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The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional Scottish Version)

Our Father who art in heaven,hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

and the glory, for ever. AMEN

Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep andloses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go

after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it onhis shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together andsays, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the sameway there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than overninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent. ‘Or suppose a woman has

ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house andsearch carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends andneighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.” In thesame way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over

one sinner who repents.’

Luke 15:3-10

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Blessings

● Into your hands, O God, we commend ourselves. May we be blessed byyour love and strengthened by your Spirit in all times of our need;through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

● God Almighty bless us with his Holy Spirit; guard us in our going outand our coming in, keep us ever steadfast in his faith, free from sin andsafe from danger; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

● God save our gracious Sovereign Lady the Queen and all members,living and departed of the Armed Forces of this country. AMEN

● God grant to the living, grace; to the departed, rest; to theChurch, the Queen, the Commonwealth, and all humankind, peaceand concord; and to us and all his servants, life everlasting; andthe blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the HolySpirit, be among you and remain with you always. AMEN

● May the road rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back,May the sun shine warm upon your face,The rains fall soft upon your fields andUntil we meet again,May God hold you in the palm of his hand. AMEN

The Grace

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and thefellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore. AMEN

Nelson’s GraceGod save the Queen, God bless our victuals, and make us thankful.AMEN

A Cadet GraceMay God our every effort bless, Our food, our comradeship no less; Hisblessing be upon our Corps/Force, That we may serve him evermore.AMEN

A Camp GraceFor food, fresh air, and fellowship, We thank you, Lord. AMEN

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Be thou my vision

1 Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; be thou my best thought in the day and the night, both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.

2 Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word, be thou ever with me, and I with thee Lord; be thou my great Father, and I thy true son; be thou in me dwelling, and I with thee one.

3 Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight; be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might; be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower: O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power.

4 Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise: be thou mine inheritance now and always; be thou and thou only the first in my heart; O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.

5 High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright sun, O grant me its joys after vict'ry is won; great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all.

Eternal Father, strong to save

1 Eternal Father, strong to save, whose arm doth bind the restless wave, who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep its own appointed limits keep: O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.

2 O Saviour whose almighty word the winds and waves submissive heard, who walkedst on the foaming deep, and calm amid its rage didst sleep: O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.

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3 O sacred Spirit, who didst brood upon the chaos dark and rude, who bad’st its angry tumult cease, and gavest light and life and peace: O hear us when we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.

4 O Trinity of love and power, our brethren shield in danger's hour; from rock and tempest, fire and foe, protect them whereso'er they go: and ever let there rise to thee glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

For all the Saints

1 For all the saints who from their labours rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be for ever blest: Alleluia, alleluia!

2 Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might; thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight; thou in the darkness still their one true light: Alleluia, alleluia!

3 O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold. fight as the saints who nobly fought of old, and win, with them, the victor's crown of gold! Alleluia, alleluia!

4 O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle, they in glory shine; yet all are one in thee, for all are thine: Alleluia, alleluia!

5 And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long, steals on the ear the distant triumph song, and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong: Alleluia, alleluia!

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6 The golden evening brightens in the west; soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest; sweet is the calm of paradise the blest: Alleluia, alleluia!

7 But lo, there breaks a yet more glorious day: The saints triumphant rise in bright array; the King of Glory passes on his way! Alleluia, alleluia!

8 From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host, singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, alleluia!

Guide me O thou great redeemer

1 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty, hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore.

2 Open now the crystal fountain whence the healing stream doth flow; let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through: Strong deliverer, be thou still my strength and shield.

3 When I tread the verge of Jordan bid my anxious fears subside; death of death, and hell's destruction, land me safe on Canaan's side: Songs of praises I will ever give to thee.

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He who would valiant be

1 He who would valiant be 'gainst all disaster, let him in constancy follow the master. There's no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim.

2 Who so beset him round with dismal stories, do but themselves confound - his strength the more is. No foes shall stay his might, though he with giants fight: He will make good his right to be a pilgrim.

3 Since, Lord, thou dost defend us with thy Spirit, we know we at the end shall life inherit. Then fancies flee away! I'll fear not what men say, I'll labour night and day to be a pilgrim.

I vow to thee my country

1 I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love: The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test, that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best; the love that never falters, the love that pays the price, the love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

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2 And there's another country, I've heard of long ago, most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know; we may not count her armies, we may not see her King; her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering; and soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase, and her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.

Jerusalem

1 And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England's mountains green? And was the holy Lamb of God on England's pleasant pastures seen? And did the countenance divine shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here among these dark Satanic mills?

2 Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrows of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! I will not cease from mental fight, nor shall my sword sleep in my hand, till we have built Jerusalem in England's green and pleasant land.

Lead us heavenly Father, lead us

1 Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us o'er the world's tempestuous sea; guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us for we have no help but thee; yet possessing every blessing, if our God our Father be.

2 Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us; all our weakness thou dost know; thou didst tread this earth before us, thou didst feel its keenest woe; lone and dreary, faint and weary, through the desert thou didst go.

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3 Spirit of our God, descending, fill our hearts with heavenly joy, love with every passion blending, pleasure that can never cloy: Thus provided, pardoned, guided, nothing can our peace destroy.

Lo he comes with clouds descending

1 Lo, he comes with clouds descending, once for favoured sinners slain; thousand thousand saints attending swell the triumph of his train: Alleluia! God appears on earth to reign.

2 Every eye shall now behold him robed in dreadful majesty; those who set at naught and sold him, pierced and nailed him to the tree, deeply wailing, shall the true Messiah see.

3 Those dear tokens of his passion still his dazzling body bears; cause of endless exultation to his ransomed worshippers: With what rapture gaze we on those glorious scars.

4 Now redemption, long expected, see in solemn pomp appear: All his saints, by men rejected, now shall meet him in the air: Alleluia! see the day of God appear.

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5 Every island, sea, and mountain, heaven and earth, shall flee away; all who hate him must, defeated, hear his voice proclaim the day. Come to judgement! Come to judgement! come away.

6 Yea, amen, let all adore thee, high on thine eternal throne; Saviour, take the power and glory, claim the kingdom for thine own: come, Lord Jesus! everlasting God, come down!

Onward Christian Soldiers

1 Onward, Christian soldiers! marching as to war, with the Cross of Jesus going on before. Christ the royal Master leads against the foe; forward into battle, see, his banners go!

Onward, Christian soldiers!marching as to war,with the Cross of Jesusgoing on before.

2 At the sign of triumph Satan's host doth flee; on then Christian soldiers, on to victory! Hell's foundations quiver at the shout of praise; brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.

Chorus.

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3 Like a mighty army moves the Church of God; brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod; we are not divided, all one body we, one in hope and doctrine, one in charity,

Chorus.4 Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, but the Church of Jesus constant will remain: Gates of hell can never 'gainst that Church prevail; we have Christ's own promise, and that cannot fail.

Chorus.

5 Onward, then, ye people, join our happy throng, blend with ours your voices in the triumph song: Glory, laud and honour unto Christ the King, this through countless ages men and angels sing.

Chorus.

O Ruler of the earth and sky

1 O Ruler of the earth and skybe with our airmen when they fly;and keep them in thy loving careamid the perils of the air.O let our cry come unto theefor those who fly o'er land and sea.

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2 Strong Son of Man, save those who flyswift-winged across th'uncharted sky;each anxious hour and lonely flight,serene, unchallenged, day and night.O'er land and ocean safely bearall those in peril in the air.

3 Holy Spirit, God's own powergive peace in sudden danger's hour:Bring calm of heart, and be thou nearto those who watch and those who fear.To thee will rise the grateful prayerof those who serve thee in the air.

4 Trinity of love and grace,true guide of all who fly through space,in peace or war, mid friend or foe,be with them whereso'er they go.So shall our praise with heaven's blendand joyful hearts to thee ascend.

National anthem

1 God save our gracious Queen, long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen. Send her victorious, happy and glorious, long to reign over us: God save the Queen.

2 Thy choicest gifts in store on her be pleased to pour, long may she reign. May she defend our laws, and ever give us cause to sing with heart and voice, God save the Queen.

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Final exhortations

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice! Let your gentlenessbe evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, butin every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present yourrequests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends allunderstanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whateveris right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – ifanything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whateveryou have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it intopractice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:4-9

Published by

Naval Military & Air Force Bible SocietyCastaway House

311 Twyford AvenuePortsmouth PO2 8RN

United Kingdomwww.nmafbs.org

Registered Charity Number 1102593

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New InternationalVersion® Anglicised, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

NM& AFBS

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