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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 (2nd
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 <