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Field Service Book - Soldiers' Worship

The Labarum project began because of the need to produce a new Field Service Book for the British Army that was based on Common Worship rather than the Alternative Service Book 1980; and which incorporated the latest provisions of the other churches of the United Kingdom which send chaplains to HM Forces. The material first posted at this site was of a general parochial nature, for Garrison Churches are little different to Parish Churches. This field book is an attempt to compress a whole library for a number of "Sending Churches" into the two hundred pages of a pocket book. Below is a sample of the text which will soon be published under the title Soldiers' Worship.

Padres-in-the-Wind

A Drum Head Service on a windy Wattisham Airfield with 16 (Air Assault) Brigade.
Seven sets of Regimental Colours, nine Padres and Massed Bands.

Soldiers' Worship - Draft Version

1. Here is a draft copy of a proposed new field service book. “The Prayer Book for Roman Catholics in HM Forces” published in 1977, and still very usable, has 198 pages in an A6 pocket book. The “Prayer Book for the Armed Forces” published in the USA in 1988 has 166 pages, and is a little smaller. This proposed book will have about 200 pages in a handy pocket book, and should be a valuable resource for Chaplains; and for any who might lead Divine Service in barracks or in the field.

2. The book draws on the official liturgies of the Church of England as published in Common Worship, and on the most recent publications of the other Sending Churches. It is very much a “Prayer Book”, and is designed so that an experienced chaplain or anyone with no training in leading worship may pick it up and, maybe in time of great turmoil and haste “read a service”. That style will be distant from some chaplains practice – for them the book is a useful quarry of prayers and scripture in a convenient pocket book. The Chaplain-General is right to commission a book that any responsible person or officer may use in difficult circumstances when no chaplain is available. This is that book offered now for all interested parties to comment upon before we commit ourselves to the volume production of a printed pocket book.

3. This is a large Adobe Acrobat file and could take up to three minutes to download. If you print this document by pressing the "Print" button in the Acrobat Reader you will end up with a 180 page "Altar Book" - not recommended; but if your printer driver allows you to print four pages per sheet you will get four A6 (pocket book size) pages on a side of A4. The pages and the print will be the same size as the proposed book.

4. Fragments of this book will be found elsewhere in Labarum as ready to print PDF booklets, and editable RTF files.

The Adobe Acrobat file of whole text may be downloaded here.

Soldiers Worship Preprint PDF

This is a large file (1.3 Mbyte.) and may take three minutes or more.

Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4 or later is required to read and print this file.
The reader is free from
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/alternate.html

Copyright:
Church of England, Church of Scotland, Church in Wales, Methodist Church (UK),
Episcopal Church USA, RAChD, Editor.

Read the Liturgical Copyright Guide and see http://cofe.anglican.org/commonworship/

Fragments from Soldiers' Worship

Contents       (of full text)

Daily Prayer

Introductions

Prayer for each Day

Opening Canticles

Gospel Canticles

Readings and Resources

Seasonal Readings

Service of Remembrance

Christmas Carol Service

Christmas Prayers

Palm Sunday and Good Friday

Collected Prayers and Regimental Collects

Principal Services

Divine Service                 Morning or Evening Service)

Holy Eucharist                (Anglican Rite)

Communion 1 –   Reserved Sacrament

Communion 2 –   1662 Structure

Communion 3 –   Spiritual Communion

Holy Communion            (Scottish Reformed Rite)

Holy Communion            (English Reformed Rite)

Holy Communion            (Methodist Rite)

Roman Catholic Services

Holy Mass

Reconciliation

Field Burial

Pastoral Services

Prayer for Healing and Strength

Rite of Reconciliation (Confession)

Holy Baptism on Active Service

Emergency Baptism

Ministry at time of Death (The Last Rites)

Prayer when someone has just died

Prayer when facing death yourself

Prayer before a Funeral

Funeral Service

Brief Burial at Sea or in the Field of Battle

Hymns and Carols

Index

Foreword
Soldiers’ Worship is a pocket book of Christian Prayers, Bible Readings, Songs and Services tailored to the needs of soldiers, and all who support them in times of peace and wellbeing, and in times of conflict or distress. This book is small in size, but contains a surprising richness of material to offer spiritual and pastoral support all personnel who look to the Christian Faith for their strength and inspiration.

The Royal Army Chaplains’ Department takes seriously the responsibility to offer spiritual support to those of other religious traditions, and provision is made for them elsewhere; but this book offers a broad range of prayers and readings that will be acceptable to all ecumenically minded Christians; and makes available in compact form the central rites or services of those Churches of the United Kingdom who send chaplains to Her Majesty’s Forces.

Here you will find a personal prayer book for use in barracks or in the field; here you will find a sufficient resource for chaplains to exercise their ministry to troops and others they may have to serve; and here you will find a manual for officers and others to fulfil the spiritual needs and expectations of troops when no chaplain is available.

This book I commend to Commanders. Carry it at all times and read it often on active service. Encourage your subordinates to do the same. The prayers and readings are highly focused on the challenges your troops will face; on the fears that will haunt them; and on the hopes that will keep them going. Know this book, and the faith it proclaims; and be ready to sustain your troops with its content should you need to rejoice or lament without a chaplain, for the spiritual wellbeing of your soldiers is your responsibility.

This book I commend to soldiers. Carry it and read it often. You will find prayers and bible readings to help you understand the circumstances in which you find yourself, and it will help you to hold in your heart your loved ones at home, and your comrades around you.

And this book I commend to chaplains. You will find here a highly focused personal prayer book, a pocket book for ecumenical worship, and resources for the sacramental ministry of your own sending church.

May God bless us in all we do:
may we find his peace and know his mercy.

How to use this Book

Daily Prayer. These services may be used as private prayer, as daily prayer with a small gathered group, or as seven ready to use general services, which anyone may lead. This order is based on “Prayer During the Day” from the Common Worship of the Church of England. Forty pages set serious limits, but much variety is retained. The Psalms cannot be printed in full, but a good number of Psalms and Canticles have been included. These words of scripture remain usable when it is impossible to sing. The optional selected prayers for each day contain many Psalm-Collects, which in a few lines capture the content of a psalm. The daily options and the resources section provide a very good selection of prayers. On any day choose only two or three.

Readings and Resources - for seasonal and routine services.

Principal Services. This central part of the book provides a main Service of the Word (Divine Service), and the Eucharistic Rites (Communion Services) of the “Sending Churches” – i.e. those denominations that send chaplains to HM Forces.

Pastoral Services. This section provides for the caring or “pastoral” ministry of the church to servicemen and women in difficult times. The Prayer for Healing and Strength is for use before or after engaging hostile forces, but may be used at any time, as may the rite of reconciliation (confession). Adult baptism services are provided, and a full range of prayers for use surrounding serious injury or death on active service. Ideally these services should be conducted by a chaplain, but in case of need any baptised person acceptable to those concerned may, with limitations, assume the role of “the minister”. These services have been carefully presented to make it possible for any lay person to conduct funeral or other service with confidence and dignity.

Limitations The Eucharistic Rites require a chaplain of the appropriate denomination; except that Communion Order 1 (Reserved Sacrament) may be lead by an authorized Anglican lay-minister; and Order 3 (Spiritual Communion) is a personal devotion. A lay person shall not pronounce a blessing, or a formal absolution of sins; and shall not anoint unless authorised. No lay person shall use the full rite of baptism; but may use either emergency form. Every attempt should be made to fulfil the expectations of persons in pastoral care; and to respect the rules and traditions of all the sending churches. Except when using the Welsh Orders of the Church in Wales, the Anglican Chaplains of Her Majesty’s Forces shall use the provisions of Common Worship from this book, or from the official texts; or else use the Book of Common Prayer. BE

Introduction to Daily Prayer in Eastertide

This form may be used from Easter day until Ascension Day.

Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

All Blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

Alleluia Christ is risen,

All He is risen indeed. Alleluia.

There is one body and one spirit.

All There is one hope to which we were called;

one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

All one God and Father of all.

Peace be with you.

All And also with you.

          Jesus Christ, risen Master and triumphant Lord,
          we come to you in sorrow for our sins,
          and confess to you our weakness and unbelief.
          We have lived by our own strength,
          and not by the power of your resurrection.

In your mercy, forgive us.

All Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived by the light of our own eyes,

as faithless and not believing.

In your mercy, forgive us.

All Lord, hear us and help us.

We have lived for this world alone,

and doubted our home in heaven.

In your mercy, forgive us.

All Lord, hear us and help us.

May the Father of all mercies
cleanse us from our sins,
and restore us in his image
to the praise and glory of his name,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All Amen.

This is the day that the Lord has made.

All Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Daily Prayer begins with the opening canticle or hymn

Friday Prayer

Preparation

O God, make speed to save us.

All O Lord, make haste to help us.

(or)               Make me a clean heart, O God,
        and renew a right spirit within me.                   Psalm 51.11

(or)              In Eastertide

          I will call upon the Most High God,

          The God who fulfils his purpose for me.          Psalm 57.3

Praise

This Canticle may be used, or else a hymn may be sung.

Saviour of the World

          Jesus, Saviour of the world,
          come to us in your mercy:
          we look to you to save and help us.

All By your cross and your life laid down,

you set your people free:

we look to you to save and help us.

When they were ready to perish, you saved your disciples:

we look to you to come to our help.

All In the greatness of your mercy, loose us from our chains,

forgive the sins of all your people.

Make yourself known as our Saviour and mighty deliverer;

save and help us that we may praise you.

All Come now and dwell with us, Lord Christ Jesus:

hear our prayer and be with us always.

And when you come in your glory:

make us to be one with you

and to share the life of your kingdom.

In Eastertide use

A Song of Faith or The Song of Moses and Miriam

The Word of God

Week One

Seek good and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you, just as you have said. Hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate; it may be that the Lord, the God of hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. Amos 5.14,15

Week Two

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7.13,14

Week Three

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4.8-10

Week Four

God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3.16,17

Response

Jesus is the Lamb of God,

All who takes away the sin of the world.

Or, in Eastertide.

Alleluia. Jesus is the resurrection and the life

All Those who believe in him shall never die. Alleluia.

Options: Sermon – Hymns/Songs - Apostles’ Creed (inside front cover.)

Prayers

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

For the people of God,

that they may worship you in spirit and in truth,

let us pray to the Lord:

All Lord, have mercy.

For the leaders of the nations,

that you will guide them in the ways of mercy and truth,

let us pray to the Lord:

All Lord, have mercy.

For the peacemakers, that you may protect them from all evil,

let us pray to the Lord:

All Lord, have mercy.

For our enemies, and those who wish us harm,

that you may turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship.

let us pray to the Lord:

All Lord, have mercy.

For our loved ones, wherever they may be

and for our comrades here and at home,

let us pray to the Lord:

All Lord, have mercy.

For the sick and wounded,

and for all prisoners and captives,

that they may know your power to heal and save,

let us pray to the Lord:

All Lord, have mercy.

[For those who have died . . .for those who have been killed . . .]

[and for those who mourn. . . ]

[let us pray to the Lord: ]

All [Lord, have mercy.] BE

Free prayer may be offered and silence is kept.

Prayers may include these concerns:

¶ Those in authority, for the right use of power
¶ Those who bear arms, for discipline, discernment and compassion
¶ Victims and perpetrators of violence, for healing and repentance

A collect be may said, any other prayers, and Lord’s Prayer to end.

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for all the benefits you have won for us, for all the pains and insults you have borne for us. Most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may we know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day.   Amen. After Richard of Chichester (1253)

Lord, your justice turns evil on itself; help us to examine our hearts and repent of all duplicity (or hypocrisy) for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Judge and righteous Saviour.   Amen. Psalm 7

God of all mankind, when the earth shakes and the nations are in uproar, speak, and let the storms be still, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   Psalm 46

Go before us, O Lord, with the blessings of your goodness and guide all those you call to authority in the way of your justice, the knowledge of our liberty and the wisdom of your gentleness; for your name’s sake. Amen. Psalm 21

God of life and love, whose Son was victorious over sin and death: make us alive with his life, that the whole world may resound with your praise; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen           Psalm 150

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. Amen.       Ignatius of Loyola (1556)

Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. Give them by our hands this day their daily bread, and by our understanding love give peace and joy. Amen Pope Paul VI

Eternal God and Father, you create and redeem us by the power of your love: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves in love and service to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer is said.

Gathering our prayers and praises into one,
let us pray with confidence as our Saviour has taught us

All Our Father, who art in heaven . . .

The Conclusion

May Christ our Saviour give us peace.
All Amen.

Holy Communion – Scottish Reformed Rite

From the Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland

Third (Shorter) Order for the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper.

Call to Worship

The minister greets the people in these or other words:

Let us worship God.

A hymn may be sung.

Scripture Sentence

The minister may say one or more of the following:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst to see right prevail;
they shall be satisfied.                                                  St Matthew 5: 6

I shall lift up the cup of salvation   and call on the Lord by name.                                                                                               Psalm 116: 13

Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Happy are they who find refuge in him!            Psalm 34: 8

Prayers of Approach and Penitence

Let us pray.

The minister may say these prayers alone,
or together with the people.

All     Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden;
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit
that we may perfectly love you
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The minister may invite the people to call to mind their sins.

All     Lord God, Holy and Immortal,

we confess that we have broken your commandments;
we have sinned by selfishness, unbelief, and pride;
we have not acted justly, loved mercy
nor walked humbly with you.
In the fullness of your mercy, blot out our misdeeds;
in your loving-kindness, give us a willing spirit
and the chastened heart you do not despise;
and help us to forgive others as you forgive us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this shorter form from the First order of Communion may be said.

All     Most merciful God,
we confess that we have sinned,
In thought, word and deed,
through our own fault,
and in common with others.
We are truly sorry
and humbly turn from our sins.

The minister says

Almighty God have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and keep you in life eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect

One of these or some other collect may be said.

Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass human understanding. Pour into our hearts such love towards you that we, loving you above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Glorious God, you have assured us of your continuing love, and by your mercy you bring us to the table of your Son our Lord. Help us to feed on him by faith, that nourished by this sacrament we may live to your honour and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry with the bread of life and the word of his Kingdom. Renew your people with your heavenly grace, and in all our weakness sustain us by the true and living bread, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The Service of the Word

Readings

Short passages may be read from the Old and New Testaments.
A Hymn may be sung.
A short passage from the Gospels shall be read.

Sermon

The Nicene Creed may be said

(or)

The Apostle’s Creed may be said

Prayers
Prayers of Intercession may be said, and these words may be used:

Lord, in your mercy

All     Hear our prayer.

(or)

Lord hear us

All     Lord, graciously hear us.

The Supper of the Lord

Offering

During the singing of the hymn, the offerings of money, along with the gifts of bread and wine, are brought to the Communion Table.

The Grace

The minister says:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Narrative of the Institution

The minister may say:                                        These words may be omitted

Hear the words of the institution of the Lord's Supper,
according to St Paul :

The tradition which I handed on to you came to me from the Lord himself: that on the night of his arrest the Lord Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks to God broke it, and said: 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.' In the same way, he took the cup after supper, and said: 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this in memory of me.' For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11: 23 – 26

Taking of the Bread and Wine

The minister says:

As the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, I take these elements of bread and wine, to be set apart from all common uses to this holy use and mystery; and as he gave thanks and blessed, let us draw near to God and offer him our prayers and thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving

The minister says:

The Lord be with you.

All     And also with you.

Lift up your hearts.

All     We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

All     It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, it is our duty and our joy, at all times and in all places, to give you thanks and praise, holy Father, heavenly King, almighty and eternal God, for the majesty of your glory, the wonder of your works, the riches of your grace.

Here may be added the Proper Preface

Therefore, with your people of all places and times, and with the whole company of heaven, we proclaim your greatness and sing your praise in the angels' song:

All     Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes
in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

We bless you for his holy birth, his perfect life on earth, his suffering for us and his triumph over death; for his ascension to your right hand and his gift of the Holy Spirit; and for the promise of his coming again.

Remembering his work and passion, and pleading his eternal sacrifice,
we follow his example and obey his command:

who, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread,   He takes the bread
and when he had given thanks he broke it,                     He breaks the bread
and said, 'This is my body which is (broken) for you;
do this in remembrance of me.'
In the same way he took the cup                        The minister raises the cup
saying, 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood.
Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of me.'                            *See note

Send down your Holy Spirit to bless us and these your gifts of bread and wine, that the bread which we break may be for us the communion of the body of Christ, and the cup of blessing which we bless the communion of the blood of Christ; that we, receiving them, by faith may be made partakers of his body and blood, with all his benefits, to nourish us and help us grow in grace, to the glory of your most holy name.

And here we offer and present to you our very selves, to be a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for your acceptance;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All        Through him, with him, in him,

            in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all honour and glory are yours,

almighty Father, now and forever.

Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

All     Our Father, who art in heaven . . .



* Note A in Common Order (2^nd Edition) page 143 directs that the Narrative of Institution may be incorporated within the Thanksgiving.
This form is suitable for ecumenical congregations.

Breaking of Bread

If the minister has not used these words in The Thanksgiving he says:

According to the holy institution, example,
and command of our Lord Jesus Christ, and as a memorial of him, we do this:
who, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread,   He takes the bread
and when he had given thanks he broke it,                     He breaks the bread
and said, 'This is my body which is (broken) for you;
do this in remembrance of me.'
In the same way he took the cup                        The minister raises the cup
saying, 'This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood.
Whenever you drink it, do it in memory of me.'                            *See note

These or other suitable word may be may be used
at the Breaking of the Bread.

Jesus Lamb of God,

All     have mercy on us.

        Jesus bearer of our sins,

All     have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world,

All     grant us peace

Communion

The minister partakes of the bread and wine.
In giving the bread and cup, he says these or other authorized words.

Take, eat. This is the body of Christ which is (broken) for you.
Do this, remembering him.

This cup is the new covenant sealed by Christ's blood which was shed that the sins of many might be forgiven. Drink from it, all of you.

(or)   Eat this, the bread of heaven.

          Drink this, the cup of salvation.

The Communion is distributed according to local custom, or, if none, as the minister directs. After communion the vessels are returned to the Holy Table and covered.

The Peace

The minister says:

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Prayer after Communion

The minister may say this or some other suitable prayer:
Let us pray:

Gracious God we give you glory, thanks, and praise for the dying and undying love of our Saviour Jesus Christ. In your great goodness you have brought us into communion with him and with all who love him, and made us heirs of your everlasting kingdom. By your grace, may we continue in this holy fellowship, and live to the glory of your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A hymn may be sung

Dismissal and Blessing

The minister says

Go in peace.

The minister adds this or some other blessing:
The peace of God, which is beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you. Amen.

Prayers For Protection and Peace

For the protection of an individual
Almighty God, heavenly Father, breathe your Holy Spirit into the heart of this your servant N and inspire him/her with love for goodness and truth. May he/she, fearing only you, have no other fear; knowing your compassion, be ever mindful of your love; and serving you faithfully unto death, live eternally with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the protection of a place
Visit, Lord, we pray, this place and drive far from it all the snares of the enemy. Let your holy angels dwell here to keep us in peace, and may your blessing be upon it evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the protection of our homes and families
Almighty God, Father of all mankind: defend our homes against evil; surround them with your presence, make them sanctuaries of your peace and joy. Bless those dear to us, wherever they may be. Bring us home, and re-unite us in the shelter of your love, until we come at last to make our home with you, our Father in Heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BE, adapted from BCO

A Prayer on the Passion
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, set your passion, cross and death between your judgement and our souls, now and in the hour of our death. Grant mercy and grace to the living, rest to the departed, to your Church peace and concord and to us sinners forgiveness, and everlasting life and glory; for, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you are alive and reign, God, now and for ever. Amen.

An Armenian Orthodox Dismissal
Keep us in peace, O Christ our God, under the protection of your holy and venerable cross; save us from our enemies, visible and invisible, and count us worthy to glorify you with thanksgiving, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

An Ending
May the Lord bless us, may he deliver us from all evil, and keep us in life eternal.   Amen.

Family Prayers

For absent loved ones

Heavenly Father, from whom every family in heaven and earth is named: we entrust to your love and care the members of our families wherever they may be. Supply their needs and guide their steps; keep them safe in body and soul; and let your peace rest upon us all.   Amen

For married persons

Gracious and loving God, look with kindness upon N and N (or all married persons): through your grace, may they hold on to each other, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; till death brings them to the joys of your eternal kingdom, which you promise to all who live in faith and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.                                                                                             BE

For family Life

Faithful, and loving God, creator of all good things, give to (family names) / all families wisdom and devotion in ordering their lives together. May they dwell together in love and peace, seeking one another’s welfare, bearing one another’s burdens, and sharing one another’s joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

For parents and all who care for children

God our Father, we pray to you for (Parents or other carers name(s) and) all who have the care of children. Guide them with your Holy Spirit, that they may bring them up in the ways of truth and love. Through their care enable them to grow in grace and become daily more like your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.   Amen.

On the birth of a child
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the birth of (Child’s Name) surround him/her with your blessing that he/she may know your love, be protected from evil, and know goodness all his/her days, through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

For a stillborn Child
God our creator, from whom all life comes, comfort this family/mother/father grieving for the loss of their hoped - for child. Help them to find assurance that with you nothing is wasted or incomplete, and uphold them with your love, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.   Amen

When a child has died
God of all grace and comfort, we thank you for (Child’s Name), and for the place he/she held in our hearts. We thank you for the love in which he/she was conceived and the care which he/she was surrounded. As we remember times of tears and laughter, we thank you for the love we shared because of him/her reflecting the love which you poured upon us, in your son Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

For Schools and Colleges

Almighty God, you are the source of truth, and your Spirit leads us into all truth: may all who teach and learn in or schools, colleges and universities be set free from everything that may hinder their search for truth; and finding truth, may they learn to use it for the good of all mankind, and for your greater glory. Amen.

For the Presence of Christ in our homes - Mothering Sunday Prayer

God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord.   Amen.

Prayers from the Book of Common Order

of the Church of Scotland

For New Year

Eternal God, your everlasting mercy rises new in the morning of another year. Give us grace to arise with Christ who is our morning light. In this new year of our life's journey, may we walk by faith in him, and with a willing spirit persevere to the end; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For harvest

God of faithfulness, your generous love supplies us with the fruits of the earth in their seasons. Give us grace to be thankful for your gifts, to use them wisely, and to share our plenty with others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

At the time of an election

Almighty God, you are the source of wisdom and justice. Guide those who at this time are called to choose representatives to serve in the High Court of Parliament (or the Council of this Region or District), that they may cast their vote with a true sense of their responsibility. Give those who are elected the spirit of wisdom and of understanding, that they may provide conditions for a good and honest life for all the people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In times of industrial unrest or local dispute

God of righteousness, you have taught us through your Son to set our minds on your kingdom and justice before all things. Grant that in us and in others suspicion may give place to trust, and stridency to peace, that we may live and work together in unity and love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

After a disaster

Gracious God, through your Son you have taught us that nothing in life or in death is able to separate us from your love. Look in mercy on all in sorrow Help those who are injured and support those who are dying. Strengthen the members of the emergency services, and all who bring relief and comfort. Console and protect those who have lost loved ones. Give your light in darkness to all who are near to despair, and assure them that you hold all souls in life; through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

Prayers for the Armed Forces

For the Armed Forces

Almighty God, stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and protect the armed forces: grant that meeting danger with courage and all occasions with discipline and loyalty, we/they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace; to the honour of your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Forces of the Crown

From the Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland

Almighty God, in you alone we find safety and peace. We commend to your gracious keeping all the men and women who serve in the Navy, the Army, or the Air Force, who face danger and put their lives at risk so that others might live in safety. Defend them day by day by your heavenly power; and help them to know that they can never pass beyond the reach of your care. Keep alive in them and in us your vision of that peace which alone we must seek and serve; through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

The Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us 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 we may not so much seek to 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, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

The Collect of the Royal Army Chaplains' Department

Blessed God, who has committed the glorious Gospel to our trust, have mercy upon the Royal Army Chaplains' Department and grant that we may never glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, but in all things may approve ourselves as your ministers, through the same your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

A prayer before a mission

O Lord, you know how busy I must be this day. (night)
If I forget you, do not forget me. Amen

Sir Jacob Astley,
before the Battle of Edgehill, 1642

Jewish Prayers

On The Eve Of Sabbath
Father of mercy, continue, we pray, your loving-kindness to us all. Make us worthy to walk in the way of the righteous before you, loyal to your Law and clinging to good deeds. Keep far from us all manner of shame, grief and care; and grant that peace, light and joy ever abide in our home;
for with you is the fountain of life, and in your light do we see light. Amen.

For a sick or wounded person
O Lord God, you are gracious and merciful; you spread your wings of protection and tender care over all your creatures; you heal the sick and bind up their wounds. Receive, we beseech you, our humble petitions on behalf of N, who is confined to a bed of sickness. Send him, O God, your healing, that he may speedily recover from the illness that has come upon him. Sustain his spirit, relieve his pain, and restore him to perfect health, happiness and usefulness. Instil into his impaired body the balm of Gilead that he may be able to bear testimony to your everlasting mercy and love, for you, O Lord, are a faithful and merciful healer. Amen.

Kaddish – Prayer of a Jewish Mourner
Magnified and sanctified be the great name of God in the world which he created according to his will. May he establish his Kingdom in your life and in your days, and in the lifetime of all his people: quickly and speedily may it come; and let us say Amen.
Blessed be God for ever.
Blessed, praised and glorified, exalted, extolled and honoured, magnified and lauded be the name of the Holy One; blessed be God! Though he be high above all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations, which are uttered in the world; and let us say Amen!
Blessed be God for ever.
May there be abundant peace from heaven and life for us and for all people; let us say Amen.
Blessed be God for ever.

By Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
Sovereign of the universe, be always with us as we seek to know your work and do your will: let your unity inspire us to love one another as your children; let the diversity you have made teach us to respect the diversity of human cultures and faiths, each a different language through which we hear your voice; and let us never forget the task with which you charged us, to make this world a home for your presence, and our lives a celebration of your gift of life. Amen.

Jewish Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord shine his face upon you. May he show you his loving kindness and bring you peace. Amen.

Islamic Prayers

In the name of God, who is merciful: All praise be to God, who is the Lord of everything. We serve no one but you, our God, and you are the only one to whom we turn for help. Keep us away from the path of those who stray from you. Guide us instead on the way we should go on the path of those whom you have blessed.

I thank you, Lord, for knowing me better than I know myself,
and for letting me know myself better than others know me.
Make me, I pray you, better than they suppose,
and forgive me for what they do not know
Abu Bekr, Father-in-law of Mohamed

For all that we should have thought and have not thought;
For all that we should have said and have not said;
For all that we should have done, and have not done;
we ask forgiveness, Lord.
For all that we should not have thought, but have thought;
For all that we should not have said but have said;
For all that we should not have done, but have done;
we ask forgiveness, Lord.

Lord, may the end of my life be the best part of my life.
May my closing acts be my best acts,
and may the best day of my life be the day when I shall meet you.

Jews, Christians and Muslims (the people of Islam) share a common belief in the One God who is revealed in the Hebrew or Jewish Scriptures, which Christians call the Old Testament of the Bible. For this reason Muslims call all three groups “The People of the Book”. The God of Abraham, Jesus and Mohamed is the same. That is very clear. In Eastern Religions like Hinduism and Buddhism the idea of god, or “the gods”, is very different, and is not very clear. The two below, however, can surely be said as prayers to the One God, who is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the God of Israel and of Islam.

Hindu Prayer

From untruth lead us to Truth.
From darkness lead us to Light.
From death lead us to Immortality.
O Lord of Peace, Peace, Peace.
Ancient Vedic Prayer

Buddhist Meditation

May I be filled with loving kindness.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy.
Ancient Tibetan Meditation

Prayers in Welsh and English

Bydd Di o Dduw yn fflam ddisglair o'm blaen,
Yn seren uwchben i'm harwain
Yn lwybr gwastad i'm troed
Yn fugail gofalus tu cefn
Heddiw, heno ac am byth. Amen

Be a bright flame before me, O God,
a guiding star above me
Be a smooth path below me,
a kindly shepherd behind me
today, tonight, and for ever. Amen

Cariad Crist amgylcha ni
Goleuni Crist arwain ni
Tangnefedd Crist llenwa ni
Nerth Crist cymorth ni
Llawennydd Crist gwefreiddia ni
Presenoldeb Crist aros gyda ni.
Amen

The love of Christ surround us
The light of Christ lead us
The peace of Christ fill us
The power of Christ aid us
The Joy of Christ thrill us
The presence of Christ be with us evermore. Amen

O fwrlwm bywyd tywys fi, Arglwydd,
I'r llecyn tawel
Allan o'r dwndwr diball
I'th lonyddwch mawr dibaid.
Bydd Di'n gymorth i mi, O fy Arglwydd,
I amgyffred fy hun fel yr wyf ac fel y dylwn fod. Amen

Take me Lord, from busy-ness
To the place of quietness
From the tumult without cease
Into your great unending peace.
Help me then, my Lord to see
What I am and ought to be. Amen

Arglwydd, cymorth ni i fod yn ystyriol o'n gilydd;
Cynorthwya ni i wrando ar ein gilydd;
Cynorthwya ni i weithio er ein gilydd;
Cynorthwya ni i garu'n gilydd;
y cyfan er dy fwyn Di. Amen

Lord, help us to feel for each other;
Help us to listen to each other;
Help us to work for each other;
Help us to love each other;
all for your sake. Amen.

Dduw, sy'n dioddef gyda'r rhai sy'n dioddef, cysura dy bobl gan roi iddynt obaith; dyro nerth i ni i herio drygioni ac anghyfiawnder,fel,wrth i ni dosturio wrth y rhai sydd mewn angen, y datguddir Crist i'r hollbobL
Amen

God, suffering with the world's suffering, comforting your people and bringing hope; give us strength to challenge evil and injustice, that as we bring compassion to those in need, Christ may be revealed to all people. Amen

Pastoral Services

Prayer for Healing and Strength

When pursued in defence of the poor and helpless, and for the promotion of peace and justice, the profession of arms is noble; but those who bear arms expose both their bodies and souls to extra-ordinary risks. Those in battle may see and do such awful deeds that afterwards they may not be able to quieten their consciences. Those preparing for battle would not be fit for armed service in our society if they were not apprehensive of what might be required of them. Although this “Strengthening Service” may be used anytime, it is primarily for use before or after engaging hostile forces: it is a prayer “that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul.” After the Word of God has been heard, and prayers said for his protection and peace, the ancient ceremonies of the laying on of hands and of the anointing with Holy Oils are offered. The laying on of hands may be done in the absence of a chaplain, and is a way of sharing hurt and understandable anxiety with each other and the Lord. The anointing with Holy Oil requires a chaplain or other authorized lay-minister. In both ceremonies, which are optional for all, we ask the Lord of all peace to fill us with his blessing; to protect us from all evil; and to forgive us for what we have done, or may have to do, or have failed to prevent.

After these ceremonies should any person have a conscience that remains troubled a chaplain should be approached in confidence. The order of Reconciliation (Confession) may then be used. BE

The Gathering

Bless the Lord, O my soul;

All and forget not all his benefits.

God forgives all our iniquities;

All and heals all our weaknesses.

God redeems our life from the Pit;

All and crowns us with love and mercy.

Blessed are you, sovereign God, gentle and merciful, creator of heaven and earth. Your word brought light out of darkness. In Jesus Christ you proclaim good news to the poor, liberty to captives, sight to the blind and freedom for the oppressed. Daily your Spirit renews the face of the earth, bringing life and health, justice and mercy, wholeness and peace. In the renewal of our lives you make known your heavenly glory. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

All Blessed be God for ever.

The Collect

Almighty God, you see that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves: keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

The Liturgy of the Word

One or more readings follow as time and circumstances permit.

Psalm 91 may be said, or a hymn may be sung

Psalm 91

All Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
and abides under the shadow of the Almighty,
Shall say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my stronghold,
my God, in whom I put my trust.’

All Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy.

You shall not be afraid of any terror by night,
nor of the arrow that flies by day;
Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor of the sickness that destroys at noonday.
Though a thousand fall at your side
and ten thousand at your right hand,
yet it shall not come near you.
Your eyes have only to behold
to see the reward of the wicked.

All Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy.

Because you have made the Lord your refuge
and the Most High your stronghold,
There shall no evil happen to you,
neither shall any plague come near your tent.
For he shall give his angels charge over you,
to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you in their hands,
lest you dash your foot against a stone.

All Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy.

This psalm-prayer may be said

Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy and, as you have bound us to yourself in love, leave us not who call upon your name, and grant us your salvation, made known in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Suitable Readings

The whole Armour of God
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6.10-18

By Christ wounds you have been healed
For it is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.                                                 1 Peter 2.19-end.

If the Communion is celebrated as part of this service, one of these or some other Gospel reading shall be used:

Serving Christ in others                                       Matthew 25.34-40
The Sermon on the Mount                                   Matthew 5.1-12
Love your enemies and pray for them                Matthew 5. 43-48
The Roman Soldier                                              Matthew 8.5-10
Do not worry about your life                              Luke 12.4-7, 22-31.
No one has greater love than this.                      John 15.9-14.

Sermon

The Prayers

Holy God, the protector of all who trust in you:

Grant to [this section/platoon/company/individual’s N and]
all who seek you the assurance of your presence,
your power and your peace. Lord, hear us.