I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I
Have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

Collect of 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.

Prayers from the Royal Army Chaplains' Department

A Prayer for the Armed Forces (From the Field Service Book of the British Army):
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, they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace; to the honour of your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for the Peoples of Iraq (From the Common Worship Collect for Psalm 72):
Your kingdom come, O Lord, with deliverance for the needy, with peace for the righteous, with overflowing blessing for all nations, with glory, honour and praise for the One God and Father of us all, He who is Compassionate and Merciful. Amen.



A Prayer for the Victims of War (From a prayer of St. Anselm, 1033-1109):
God of love, whose compassion never fails; we bring before you the griefs and perils of peoples and nations; the necessities of the homeless; the helplessness of the aged and weak; the sighings of prisoners; the pains of the sick and injured; the sorrow of the bereaved. Comfort and relieve them, O merciful Father, according to their needs; for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Prayer that the will of God may prevail (From the Book of Common Order of the Church of Scotland):
Lord God, Sovereign over all, bring in the day of the splendour of your kingdom and draw the whole world into willing obedience to your reign. Cast out the evil things that cause war, and send your Spirit to rule the hearts of people in righteousness and love. Repair the desolations of many generations, that the wilderness may rejoice, and the city be made glad with your law. Confirm every work that is founded on truth, and fulfil the desires and hopes of your people, through the victory of Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Litany for the Armed Forces:
Holy God, the protector of all who trust in you:
Grant to the Armed Forces of the Crown, and all who seek you,
the assurance of your presence, the knowledge of your love,
and the guidance of your spirit.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Bring healing and wholeness to people and nations:
let your mercy rule all that we do.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.
Be with all who defend your truth and your peace,
that we may vanquish injustice and wrong.
Lord, hear us.
Lord, graciously hear us.