Collects
of the Regiments and Corps of the British Army
authorised by the
Chaplain-General of Her Majesty's Land Forces.
Responding to an article in the Journal of the Royal Army Chaplains' Department in July 1929 on Regimental Prayers, the Reverend Matthew Tobias wrote his "Collects for the British Army" (1930), which attempted to provide every cap badge with a suitable collect.
In 1976 the Chaplain General published an updated version of The Collects (The Black Book), consolidating all those collects issued from his office over the years; these dealt with the mid-century amalgamations, newly formed units and rewritten collects.
The re-organisation of the Army in the early 1990's, called Options for Change, necessitated new Collects, and provided the opportunity to amend existing ones. This current collection is the work of the Reverend R A McDowall. It contains the Collects of the Regular Army, together with those of our Sister Services.
These collects are printed in order of regimental precedence.
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The Life Guards
O Ever-living God, King of Kings, in whose service we put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation, grant we beseech thee that The Life Guards may be faithful unto death, and at last receive the crown of life from Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Formed in April 1922 from: The 1st Life Guards The 2nd Life Guards and took their present title in June 1928
The Blues and Royals
O Lord Jesus Christ who by the Holy Apostle has called us to put on the armour of God and to take the sword of the spirit, give thy grace we pray thee, to the Blues and Royals that we may fight manfully under thy banner against all evil, and waiting on thee to renew our strength, may mount up with wings as eagles, in thy name, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Formed on 29 March 1969 from: The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons)
The Royal Armoured Corps
Almighty God, who art our defence and our castle, grant to the Royal Armoured Corps that putting on the whole armour of God they may go forth through the earth eager to do thee service with courage and faith, and never be separated from thy grace or divided among themselves, through Jesus Christ Our Lord to whom, with the Father and Holy Spirit one blessed and eternal Trinity, be glory for ever. Amen.
29 March l967 All Regiments of the Cavalry of the line and the Royal Tank Regiment
1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards
O Lord God, whose throne is in heaven and whose eyes behold the children of men, grant that as thy prophet saw the valiant horse eager to go forth through the earth on thy service, so may the Queen's Dragoon Guards, united in keeping thy Royal Law and thinking no evil in their hearts, ever seek to serve their Sovereign and their native land in thee and for thee, who art one God, world without end. Amen.
Formed on 1 January 1959-from: 1st King's Dragoon Guards The Queen's Bays (2nd Dragoon Guards}
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
Almighty God, whose blessed Son, Jesus Christ, gave us a perfect pattern of service, give us grace that we, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, may be second to none in following his example, swifter than eagles to overtake his enemies and serve thee in thine everlasting Kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
Formed on 2 July 1971 from: 3rd Caribiniers (Prince of Wales 's Dragoon Guards) The Royal Scots Greys (2nd Dragoons)
The Queen's Royal Hussars
Almighty God, whose perfect love casteth out fear, remember in thy great goodness the Queen's Royal Hussars and all who serve with us. Keep us mindful of former valour, and grant us thy grace, that whatsoever our minds and hands shall find to do for thee, we may endure hardships as thy good and faithful soldiers, and so enter into thy glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 1 August 1992 from: 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards
9th/12th Royal Lancers
O Eternal God, grant to us, thy servants of the 9th/l2th Royal Lancers, strength, guidance, courage and steadfast Faith, that we may ever serve thee truly; and finally by thy mercy attain everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen
Formed on 11 September l960 from: 9th Queen's Royal Lancers 12th Royal Lancers (Prince of Wales's)
The King's Royal Hussars
Almighty God, by whose power and in whose mercy we are shielded from danger and pardoned when we have done wrong, help us all, as members of the King's Royal Hussars, to find in our service in the Regiment a sure way of serving thee. Help us to dedicate our lives in that we may live for others rather than ourselves, and grant that through the power of the Holy Spirit we may be steadfast in duty, patient in hardship and bold at all times to declare the truth in the name of him who loves us and died for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Light Dragoons
Almighty God, who givest more than we desire or deserve, grant to us the Light Dragoons, that we who strive for our Queen and country may serve thee with one heart and mind, in true fellowship with each other. And grant that we may never count the cost but in all things loyally fulfil thy Royal Law and at the last attain the glory of thy salvation; this we ask through the merit of him who is the Resurrection and the Life, even our Lord Jesus Christ Amen.
Formed on 1 December 1992 from: 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) 15th/l9th The King's Royal Hussars
The Queen's Royal Lancers
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, grant (we pray) to thy faithful soldiers of the Queen's Royal Lancers thy strength and courage; that united in our duty to pursue thy peace, we may at the last pass through death to thy eternal glory, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.
Formed on 25 June 1993 from: 16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers 17th/21st Lancers
The Royal Tank Regiment
Almighty God, whose perfect love casteth out fear, mercifully grant that thy servants of the Royal Tank Regiment may fear naught but to fall from thy favour, for his sake, in whom thou art well pleased, thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Royal Tank Corps renamed on 4 April 1939
The Royal Regiment of Artillery
O Lord Jesus Christ, who dost everywhere lead thy people in the way of righteousness, vouchsafe so to lead the Royal Regiment of Artillery that wherever we serve, on land or sea or in the air, we may win the glory of doing thy will. Amen.
The Royal Engineers
O God, whose righteousness is exceeding glorious, may it please thee to send out thy light and thy truth to lead us thy servants of the Corps of Royal Engineers that everywhere we may be enabled to do our duty, and so may glorify thee our Father in Heaven, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Corps of Signals
Almighty God, whose messengers go forth in every age giving light and understanding grant that we of the Royal Corps of Signals, who speed the word of man to man, may be swift and sure in sending the message of thy truth into all the world. May we serve thee faithfully and, with the help of thy Holy Spirit, make such success of our soldierly duties on this earth that we may be found worthy to receive the crown of life hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Grenadier Guards
O God grant that thy servants, the Grenadier Guards, may ever be mindful of their proud and costly heritage, that continuing to guard what is right, and fighting for what is just, they may so serve thee here in this life that they may be counted worthy to join those who now continue their service in the life to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.
The Coldstream Guards
Eternal Lord, beside whom there is no God, keep, we pray thee, the Coldstream Guards second to none in loyal duty to thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee, O Father and with the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth one God,world without end Amen
The Scots Guards
Almighty God, whose blessed Son did say unto Saint Andrew "Follow me", grant that the Scots Guards, who wear the Cross of thy Holy Apostle, may follow thy Son with impunity; be made stronger in brotherhood and fierce against all enemies of our Saviour, ever going forward under the leadership of him, who by the hard and painful way of the cross, won high conquest and great glory, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Irish Guards
Almighty God, who through the glory of the eternal Trinity hast inspired men in every age to love and serve thee, and hast promised that none shall be separated from thy love who truly trust in thee; we beseech thee thou wouldst keep thy servants the Irish Guards steadfast in this faith, that they may show it forth not only with their lips but in their lives, who livest and reignest, one God, world without end. Amen
The Welsh Guards
O Lord God, who hast given us the land of our fathers for our inheritance, help thy servants, the Welsh Guards, to keep thy laws as our heritage for ever, until we come to that better and heavenly country which thou hast prepared for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O Arglwdd Dduw, a roddaist i ni wlad ein tadau yn draftadaeth, cynorthwya dy weision, y Gwarchodlu Cymreig, i gadw Dy ddeddfau yn etifeddiaeth inni dros fyth, nes y down i'r wlad well a nefol a baratoaist i ni, trwy lesu Grist ein Harglwydd
The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment)
O Lord Jesus Christ, who art the first and the last, grant, we pray thee, that, as thou hast promised to be with us even unto the end of the world, so may the Royal Scots be the first to follow thee and the last to forsake thee, who art with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen
The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment
Almighty God, the strength of those who put their trust in thee and the hope of those who serve and follow thee; grant to the members of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment such a measure of thy grace that in both peace and war they may win thy favour, and with courage and loyalty faithfully serve their Queen and country, upholding those noble traditions of which they are the proud inheritors. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 9 September 1992 from: The Queen's Regiment The Royal Hampshire Regiment
The King's Own Royal Border Regiment
O Lord Jesus, who has called all men to serve thee; give thy grace, we pray thee, to the King's Own Royal Border Regiment; that we may come at last to thine everlasting kingdom who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest for ever. Amen.
Formed on 1 October 1959 from: The King's Own Royal Regiment (Lancaster) The Border Regiment
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
O God our guide from of old, grant that wherever thy servants of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers are called upon to serve, we may follow the example of thy servant St George and ever prove steadfast in Faith and valiant in Battle, through him who is the Captain of our Salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 23 April 1968 from : The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers The Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) The Lancashire Fusiliers
The King's Regiment
O Thou who didst begin to build the Kingdom of God upon earth through a company of men, grant that we who are Kingsmen may never cease to be thy servants, who art the King of Kings; make us true to thee, and guard us with thy love. Then shall no difficulties daunt us, for we shall be thy soldiers and thou shalt be our God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 1 September 1958 from: The King's Regiment (Liverpool) The Manchester Regiment
The Royal Anglian Regiment
O Lord God, who by the brightness of a star didst lead men to the Saviour of mankind; give thy grace to the Royal Anglian Regiment, that trusting in thee as our strong rock and castle, we may in unity with thee and with one another rightly serve our Sovereign and our native land, and at the last be led by thy mercy to thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Formed on 1 September 1964 from: 1st East Anglian Regiment (Royal Norfolk and Suffolk) 2nd East Anglian Regiment (Duchess Gloucester's Own Royal Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire) 3rd East Anglian Regiment (16th/44th Foot) The Royal Leicestershire Regiment
The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment
O Christ, our Redeemer, the sure stronghold of each succeeding age; grant that we, who now bear arms in the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment may endure, as our Fathers did before us with steadfast courage. Lead us in every quarter of the earth; that we not only honour and proclaim thy name, but also serve to open a highway of thy salvation for all mankind; through the same Jesus Christ, who now liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Formed on 17 May 1958 from: The Devonshire Regiment The Dorset Regiment
The Light Infantry
O God, who requireth that thy servants be found faithful, grant to us of the Light Infantry, the spirit of unity and brotherly love so that we may ever be ready to give swift obedience to thy call, yielding to none in giving glory to thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 10 July l968 from: The Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry The King's Shropshire Light Infantry The Durham Light Infantry
The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire
O Lord God: the shield and buckler of all that trust thee: grant to our Regiment the strength that fears no evil tidings, no desperate endeavours; and no foe bodily or spiritual: but advances in thy righteousness, through all rough places: under the Captain of our Salvation, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 25 April l958 from: The West Yorkshire Regiment The East Yorkshire Regiment
The Green Howards
Lord Jesus Christ, Shepherd of our souls, so lead, we pray thee, the Green Howards, that as we bear the symbol of thy Cross we may be always ready to take up our Cross and follow thee; till, having passed through the valley of the shadow of death we may rest in green pastures in thy care, who art with the Father and the Holy Ghost one God, world without end. Amen.
The Royal Highland Fusiliers
Almighty God, who didst so bless the endeavours of our fathers that they have handed down to us an example of heroism and sacrifice, grant, we beseech thee, to the Royal Highland Fusiliers thy continued blessing. Abide with us wherever we may be called upon to serve; strengthen us to resist to the uttermost all the assaults of evil; and inspire us so to serve thee in our day and generation that we may worthily uphold the trust which has been committed to us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Tragwyddol Dduw, a gyfododd trwy dy nerth yr Arglwydd Iesu Grist o'r meirw, cynnal fe weddiwn, gwrhydri hynafol y Fiwsilwyr Cymreig, fel yr oddefwn galedi yn ol ei esiampl, fel yr oddefwn galedi yn ol ei esiampl, ac y cyfodwn gydag ef i lewyrchu fel yr haul yn dy deyrnas, trwy'r un Iesu Grist ein Harglwydd. Amen.
Formed on 20 January 1959 from: The Royal Scots Fusiliers The Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)
The Cheshire Regiment
Almighty God, Lord and giver of life, nourish, we pray thee, the Cheshire Regiment with thine abundant grace; that, as we wear the Oak Leaf in token of loyalty, and forget not the valour of our fathers, so being rooted in the love of Christ and of our brethren, we may not fall away in time of temptation but stand fast in the Faith, and be strong like the Oak for his sake, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers
Eternal God, whose strength raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, uphold, we pray thee, the ancient valour of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, that we may ever endure hardship after his example, and may rise with him to shine as the sun in thy Kingdom, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Regiment of Wales
O God, our heavenly Father, who gave thy Son, Jesus Christ, to die upon the Cross for us, and calls men to be ready to lay down their lives for their friends, grant that we, thy servants of the Royal Regiment of Wales, choosing death rather than dishonour, may so follow the path of duty in this life that we may be found worthy of eternal life, through Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
O Dduw, ein Tad Nefol, a roddaist Dy Fab lesu Grist i farw troson ar y groes, ac a elwi ddynion i fod yn barod i roi eu bywydau dros eu cyfeillion, nertha ni, Dy weision o Gatrawd Frenhinol Cyrmu, i ddewis angau yn hytrach na chywilydd, fel y gallwn ddilyn llwybr dyletswydd yn y bywyd hwn a'n cael yn deilwng o fywyd tragwyddol trwy lesu Grist, Fy Fab, ein Harglwydd
The King's Own Scottish Borderers
O Lord, without whom our labour is but lost and all our watching is in vain, grant that the King's Own Scottish Borderers may ever trust in thy true religion, and endure hardness as good soldiers of him who bore the cross, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Royal Irish Regiment
Almighty God, whose love knows no bounds, grant that we, the Royal Irish Regiment, may do our duty courageously whether at home or abroad, so that undaunted by the difficulties which beset us, your will may be done And united as members one with another, may we, mindful of the valour and sacrifice of those who have gone before us, clear the way for those that follow; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 1. July 1992 from: The Royal Irish Rangers (27th (Inniskilling), 83rd and 87th) The Ulster Defence Regiment
The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment
Eternal Father, whose service is perfect freedom, grant that we, thy servants of the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, may ever stand back to back courageously against all evils that beset us, thus upholding the high traditions entrusted to us, through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 27 April l994 from: The Gloucestershire Regiment The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire)
The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment
Almighty God, by whose grace we are enabled to fight the good fight of Faith, uphold we pray thee in all their endeavours thy servants of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, that wherever they serve, at home or abroad, by land, sea or in the air, trusting in thy everlasting strength, they may stand firm as trees of a forest in their faith and resolution, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 28 February l970 from: The Worcestershire Regiment The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment)
The Queen's Lancashire Regiment
O Lord Jesus Christ, in whose service is our perfect freedom, grant that we, thy servants of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment may so loyally serve our Sovereign and our native land, that being faithful unto death, we may share in the life to come, for thy truth's sake, who art one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.
Formed on 25 March 1970 from: The Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales's Volunteers) The Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire)
The Duke of Wellington's Regiment
O Lord of Hosts, who three times commanded the leader of thine ancient people to be strong and of a good courage, and promised him good success, grant that we of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment may ever prosper in obedience to thy law, and thus do valiantly, so that we may tread down the enemies of our souls, in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
The Staffordshire Regiment
Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ, hast delivered us from the bonds of our sin, we pray thee, so to bind us thy servants of the Staffordshire Regiment in charity one with another, that in all dangers and adversities we may ever keep the unity of the spirit, being knit together in the body of the same thy Son Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 31 January 1959 from: The South Staffordshire Regiment The North Staffordshire Regiment (The Prince of Wales's)
The Black Watch
O God, whose strength setteth fast the mountains, Lord of the hills to whom we lift our eyes: grant us grace that we, once chosen to watch the mountains of an earthly kingdom, may stand fast in the faith and be strong, until we come to the heavenly kingdom of him who has bidden us watch and pray, thy Son, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.
The Highlanders
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ commanded his disciples to watch and pray, grant that we, the Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons), mindful of the valiant deeds of those who have gone before us, may be ever watchful. And we pray that as one family, vowed to help our Sovereign against our nation's enemies, we may stand fast in loyalty and integrity, and so prove ourselves worthy of the trust committed to us, for his sake, the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 30 September 1994 from: he Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerom) The Gordon Highlanders
The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
O Lord of all good life grant now and at all times thy blessing upon the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in which we are called upon to serve under thy servant our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth; enable us, while loving our own country best, to enter into the fellowship of the whole human family, and give us now and ever the gift of courage to seek after a just and merciful peace. Amen.
Airborne Forces
May the defence of the Most High be above and beneath around and within us, in our going out and in our coming in, in our rising up and in our going down, through all our days and all our nights, until the dawn when the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings for the peoples of the world; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Christian Personnel of the Brigade of Gurkhas
Almighty God, Father of all, whose ancient people looked to the hills, grant to us of the Brigade of Gurkhas, bound together in a bond of friendship, that we may serve our Sovereign with loyalty, integrity and cheerfulness; and mindful of our traditions, may we thy follow wherever you lead, and so at the last come to our eternal home, for the sake of him who called his disciples his friends, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Gurkha Rifles formed l July 1994 from: 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles The Queen 's Gurkha Engineers The Queen's Gurkha Signals The Queen's Own Gurkha Transport Regiment
The Royal Green Jackets
Almighty God, creator and preserver of all mankind, we beseech thee in thy wisdom to guide and guard us thy servants of the Royal Green Jackets. Make us worthy of the great traditions bound up in the union of our three Regiments, and as thy servants of old were chosen to obey with speed may we be bold to seek thy grace in every time of need, and so be patient and persevering in running the race that is set before us This we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 1 January 1996 from: 1st Green Jackets - formerly the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry 2nd Green Jackets - formerly the King's Royal Rifle Corps 3rd Green Jackets - formerly the Rifle Brigade
The Special Air Service Regiment
O Lord who didst call on thy disciples to venture all to win all men to thee, grant that we, the chosen members of the Special Air Service Regiment, may by our works and ways dare all to win all, and in doing so render special service to thee and our fellow-men in all the world, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Army Air Corps
Almighty God, who makest the clouds thy chariots, and who walkest upon the wings of the wind, have mercy upon all who serve in the Army Air Corps that they may have the assurance of your presence with them, and find thy hand to support and strengthen them, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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.
Bendigaid Dduw, a ymddiriedaist yr Efengyl ogoneddus i'n gofal, bydd yn drugarog wrth Adran Frenhinol Caplaniaid y Fyddin, a phar na ogoneddwn mewn dim oddieithr Croes ein Harglwydd Iesu Grist, ac y cawn ym mhob peth ein cymeradwyo fel dy weinidogion, trwy yr un Iesu Grist dy Fab Ein Harglwydd. Amen.
The Royal Logistic Corps
God our Father, whose Son Jesus Christ ministered to the needs of mankind, may we of the Royal Logistic Corps, so tackle the diverse tasks assigned to us; that wherever we serve, on land or sea, or in the air we may sustain our comrades both in peace and war, and thus be found worthy of those whom we seek to support, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 5 April 1993 from: Royal Engineers (Postal and Courier) Royal Corps of Transport Royal Army Ordnance Corps Royal Pioneer Corps Army Catering Corps
The Royal Army Medical Corps
O God, whose blessed Son was made perfect though suffering, give thy grace, we beseech thee, to thy servants of the Royal Army Medical Corps, that by loyalty in hard service after the example of Saint Luke the beloved physician, we may be found faithful in ministering to those that need, for his sake who went about doing good, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
O God of power and might, whose all-pervading energy is the strength of nature and man, inspire, we pray Thee, us Thy servants of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers with the quickening spirit of goodwill, that as honest craftsmen, seeking only the good of all in peace or war, we may glorify Thee both in the work of our hands and the example of our fellowship, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Adjutant General's Corps (All Branches)
Father of a11, grant to us who are bound together in the Adjutant General's Corps, the grace to understand that those whom we support depend on our integrity, expertise and resolution; and, following in the footsteps of your Son, may we be mindful of their needs and faithful in our responsibilities; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Adjutant General's Corps (Staff and Personnel Support Branch)
Almighty God, Creator and Father of all, so direct our lives that we may serve with integrity and resolution in the Adjutant General's Corps; and grant that in our service we may ever be worthy of the trust of those whom we seek to support for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 6 April 1992 from: Staff and Regimental Clerks Royal Army Pay Corps Women's Royal Army Corps
Adjutant General's Corps Provost Branch (Royal Military Police)
Almighty God, by whose grace we are called to positions of responsibility and trust bless, we pray thee, all members of the Royal Military Police (and those who previously served in the Corps of Royal Military Police). Inspire them to courage and wisdom, courtesy and faithfulness: grant them a true knowledge of thy will that they may guide their comrades aright: that by saving others in justice and mercy they may also serve thee and so become more worthy of their calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 6 April 1992 from personnel of The Corps of Royal Military Police
Adjutant General's Corps Provost Branch (Military Provost Branch)
Almighty God, whose ways are justice and peace and whose judgements are righteous and merciful, grant to us they servants of the Military Provost Staff (and those who previously served in the Military Provost Staff Corps*) the spirit of understanding and compassion, that by thy inspiration we may be faithful in the discharge of our duties, zealous in protection of the weak and faint-hearted and selfless in serving the best interest of those who have been committed to our charge. We ask this in the Name, and in the service, of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
*to be included on appropriate occasions
Formed on 6 April 1992 from personnel of The Military Provost Staff Corps
Adjutant General's Corps (Education and Training Services)
Almighty God, whose word giveth light in the darkness, grant to us thy servants of the Educational and Training Services Branch (and those who previously served in the Royal Army Educational Corps*) that with steadfast hands we may carry amongst soldiers the torch of learning and that with thine aid, both we and they may gain not only knowledge but wisdom, and may come to understand more clearly thy purpose for mankind. May we discern thy presence everywhere in nature and in the minds of men, so that our teaching may bear constant witness to him, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 6 April 1992 from personnel of The Royal Army Education Corps
Adjutant General's Corps (Army Legal Services)
Almighty God, before whom we shall all be judged at the last day, grant to us of the Army Legal Services (and to those who previously served in the Army Legal Corps*) that we may prosecute justice with integrity and truth, and also defend the rights of those committed to our care; so that at the last we may obtain mercy under your judgement; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
*to be included on appropriate occasions
Formed on 6 April 1992 from personnel of The Army Legal Corps
Royal Veterinary Corps
O God, who didst create man in thine own image, and gavest him dominion over every living thing, give wisdom and grace,we pray thee, to thy servants of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, that we may guard these thy creatures committed to our care against disease and suffering and promote their health and usefulness; and may ever declare both by word and example that the merciful man is kind to his beast, for his sake, who has told us that not one sparrow is forgotten before thee, Jesus Christ our merciful Redeemer. Amen.
Small Arms School Corps
Almighty God, who alone canst strengthen us in the hour of danger, and inspire us to fight the good fight of Faith; give, we pray thee, to thy servants of the Small Arms School Corps, whose service it is to teach our comrades against the day of battle, faithfulness and zeal in this their duty May they ever be mindful of that other warfare of the Spirit and prove themselves We warriors of thy Eternal Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Dental Corps
O God, who art the source of man's best gifts, grant to us who serve in the Royal Army Dental Corps wisdom and understanding, that our minds may seek further knowledge and our hands lose not their ability and skills; so that we may serve thee in promoting health of body and peace of mind for those in our care; we ask this in the name of him who is the health and peace of all thy servants, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Intelligence Corps
O God, who alone givest true wisdom: grant to thy servants of the Intelligence Corps such gifts of understanding and truth, that by their vigilance thy people may live their lives in freedom and in peace to thy glory and the welfare of this realm; for thy Holy name's sake. Amen.
Army Physical Training Corps
O God, whose will it is that mind, body and spirit should work in unity to thy glory, help us of the Army Physical Training Corps to serve thee in our work and ever to remember that the body must be the servant of the mind, and the mind the servant of the spirit, and that only as they obtain their strength from thee can their purpose be fulfilled and thy name be glorified: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Queen Alexandra's Royal Nursing Corps
O God, who through the healing touch of thy dear Son didst recover the sick and relieve their pain, grant to us who serve beneath thy Cross in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps such love towards thee and devotion to our duty that the shadows may pass from those entrusted to our care, their darkness lighten into faith and hope, and thy love bring healing peace, for his sake who was content to suffer for all mankind, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Formed on 1. February l949 from personnel of Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service
Army Medical Services
Almighty and everlasting God, who sent your son, Jesus Christ, to be Saviour and Healer of men; we ask you to bless the work of the Army Medical Services. Grant that we who are called to share in this ministry of healing may ever have present in our minds the example of our Lord, and his tenderness and sympathy for all human suffering Give us grace and patience faithfully to fulfil our calling and crown our work with good success; for the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
This Collect may be used when personnel from two or more Corps of the AMS (RAMC, RADC, QARANC and RAVC are present, in place of individual Corps Collects
The School of Infantry
Almighty God, who alone can strengthen us in the hour of danger, give to thy servants of the School of Infantry, whose service it is to teach their comrades against the day of battle, faithfulness and zeal in this their duty. May they ever be mindful of the greater warfare of the Spirit, so that, filled with thy power, they may prove true leaders in the battle for thy eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Staff College
Almighty God, bless, we pray thee, all those who work at the Staff College .Grant that they and their families may make the most of their opportunities; give them patience and understanding, energy and good humour; and help them always to remember that the wisdom of the Owl and the power of the Sword are nothing without thy grace and the strength of thy Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Royal Military College of Science
O God, the source of all knowledge and wisdom, bless we beseech thee the work of the Royal Military College of Science and grant to all who labour therein the enlightenment of thy Holy Spirit, that in their search for truth they may discover the hidden purposes of thy creation and so be led into the way of faith and service, to thy glory and the benefit of all mankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Almighty God, whose Son, the Lord of all life, came not to be served but to serve; help us to be masters of ourselves that we may be the servants of others, and teach us to serve to lead; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea
O God, who by the overshadowing of an oak didst preserve our Royal Founder from the hands of his enemies and so lead him to an earthly throne, grant thy heavenly protection, we beseech thee, to thy servants in this Royal Hospital, that continuing in thy love, they may give thee true and loyal service, and so enduring to the end enter at the last into thine eternal kingdom in glory, through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
The Army Cadet Force
Our God our Father, who hast brought us together as members of the Army Cadet Force; help us to do our duty at all times and to be loyal to each other. May all that is good and true prosper among us; strengthen us to defend the right, and bless our work that it may be acceptable to thee; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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Other Prayers
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The Royal Navy
O Eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the seas who has compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end be pleased to receive into thy Almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us thy servants, and the Fleet which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and of the air, and from the violence of the enemy; that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth and her Dominions, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our Island and Commonwealth may in peace and quietness serve thee our God; and that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours, and with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies to praise and glorify thy Holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Marines
O Eternal Lord God, who through many generations has united and inspired the members of our Corps, grant thy blessing, we beseech thee, on Royal Marines serving all round the globe. Bestow thy crown of righteousness upon all our efforts and endeavours, and may our laurels be those of gallantry and honour, loyalty and courage. We ask these things in the name of him whose courage never failed, our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
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The Royal Air Force Collect 1
Almighty God, who has promised that they who wait upon thee shall renew their strength and mount up with wings, as eagles, we commend to thy fatherly protection all who serve in the Royal Air Force. Uplift and support us in our endeavour, that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth and a sure defence to our homeland. Help us to fulfil our several duties with honour, goodwill and integrity, and grant that we may prove to be worthy successors of those who by their valour and sacrifice did nobly save their day and generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Air Force Collect 2
Almighty God, who makest the clouds thy chariots and walkest upon the wings of the storm, look in mercy we beseech thee upon the Royal Air Force. Make us a tower of strength to our Queen and to our country. Help us to do our duty with prudence and with fearlessness, confident that in life or in death the eternal God is our refuge and strength. Grant this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
The Royal Air Force Collect 3
O Holy Spirit, Breath of God, who dost inspire and sustain man's destiny, quicken we beseech Thee, the hearts and minds of all who serve in the Royal Air Force; that those who fly may brave the perils of the air with courage; that those who labour on the ground may be infused with zeal and devotion; and that all who bear the burden and heat of the day may be refreshed with the live-giving power of thy grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Royal Air Force Regiment
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, whose son Jesus Christ showed us the path of duty, we beseech thee to bless all who serve in the Royal Air Force Regiment. Help us to do our duty with courage and dedication. Of thy goodness be our strength in times of danger, watch over our loved ones when we are separated, and make us a sure defence to those we serve. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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The Guild of St Helena
O Lord Jesus Christ, who by thy cross didst triumph over death, and by thy resurrection didst open unto us the Kingdom of Heaven; bless we beseech thee, the Guild of St Helena and us the members in our work, and grant that we may ever rejoice in the hope of eternal life; through thy grace, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest, ever one God, world without end. Amen
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Collects
of the Regiments and Corps of the British Army
authorised by the Chaplain-General of Her Majesty's Land Forces.