War Cries

Military Prayers from Barracks to Battlefield

Mark Davidson, Mark Davidson RN

• Publisher: SPCK Publishing
• Year: 2015
• Print ISBN: 9780281073641
• eBook ISBN: 9780281073658
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Religion

War Cries is the first ever collection of prayers which reflects the faith experiences of Christians within a military context. It comprises 225 formal and informal prayers (from the Army, Navy and RAF, from civilian sources and other nations) which are presented in 7 chapters, each of which exposes a different aspect of military life. The prayers appear in a way that mirrors the military experience, beginning with the act of 'joining-up' and ending with post-conflict reflection. This structuring helps the reader join the recruits - in mind and heart - at the beginning of their military journey, to experience the frustration of training, the boredom of life at sea, the formality of the parade ground, the horrors of battle, the traumatic aftermath of war, and ultimately the desire for a meaningful peace. The collection also includes prayers of service families during times of conflict. Compiled by a serving military chaplain. Not intended to glorify military service, deify the dead, or sanitise the horrors of war, but rather to reveal something of the realities of Christian military service. Will help clergy who have had little exposure to military life to provide homilies and prayers for Remembrance Sunday (8 November in 2015) and other civic occasions.

1

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart . . .

Prayers during training and peacetime

The military life is not an easy one and the decision to join up is never taken lightly. Throughout history, men and women have taken this step for different reasons. Some, of course, have had the choice made for them – men pressed into service in Nelson’s navy, or conscripted to fight in Haig’s army. Others have been driven by patriotism, by a sense of adventure, or in the hope of answering a primal wanderlust. Then there are those who join to better themselves, those who hope to build a career, to receive an education, or at the very least to escape from a painful past and a violent present.

Whatever their reason for joining up, those who serve in the armed forces face many challenges. The military dangers are obvious – and no less significant now than they were in bygone eras. Although British casualty rates in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan have been far lower than those incurred during the world wars, the realities of death, disfigurement and disability remain no less horrendous for individuals today than they were for service personnel 100 years ago.

But these are not the only challenges associated with the military life. For some, military service poses significant physical or intellectual hurdles. In other cases, the problems are emotional or relational – with long periods away from home placing considerable strain on friendships and family ties. Often, the frustrations associated with the military lifestyle have their origins in an unavoidable clash of cultures as service personnel struggle to retain their core Christian identity and values while immersing themselves in a military idiom characterized by its own language and values, structure, traditions, lifestyle, dress code, history, laws and even humour.

The prayers listed below provide some insight to these issues. Beginning with prayers for recruits during training, they illustrate some of the emotional, moral and spiritual challenges faced by Christians serving on land, at sea and in the air.

1.1 For strength during training

Lord Jesus Christ, who left your home at Nazareth to fulfil your purpose, be with me now, away from those I love. Give me your strength to go forward on my journey through life that I may fulfil the purpose you have for me. Amen.

(The Revd Michael J. Harman RN in Pray with the Navy)

1.2 For those in training

O Lord, our God, we ask thy help and blessing for all who are now being prepared to take their part in the defence and service of their country. Grant that they may cheerfully perform all necessary duties; preserve them amidst the dangers and temptations which beset them; make them apt and able, that in all things they may quit themselves like men to the honour of their high calling, their country’s safety, and thy glory; through him who suffered, died, and rose again for us, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

(A Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors, 1917)

1.3 For the ability to lead

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 servants of others,

and teach us to serve to lead,

through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(‘The prayer of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst’, from The Armed Forces Simple Prayer Book)

1.4 For God’s blessing during training

Heavenly Father, I seek your blessing in this time of learning. Be with all on this course and those who train us. In those things which challenge us, may we know your strength; in those things we find easy, may we know your humility; in all things may we truly prepare for service to you and humankind. We make our prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

(The Revd Michael J. Harman RN in Pray with the Navy)

1.5 For airmen on their graduation

Almighty God,

you have promised that they who wait on you

shall renew their strength;

they shall rise up on wings as eagles;

they shall run and not be weary,

they shall walk and not faint.

We commend to your Fatherly protection

all who serve in the Royal Air Force

and especially today’s graduating pilots and navigators.

Encourage and inspire us in all our efforts,

so that we may be a safeguard to our Sovereign Lady,

Queen Elizabeth,

and a sure defence to our nation.

Help us to fulfil our duties with honour,

goodwill and integrity,

and grant that we may prove worthy successors to those

who by their valour and sacrifice did nobly

save their day and generation.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

(‘A prayer for the Royal Air Force’ from The Armed Forces Simple Prayer Book)

1.6 On going to sea

O God, I ask you to take me into your care and protection

along with all who sail in ships.

Make me alert and wise in my duties.

Make me faithful in times of routine

and prompt to decide

and courageous to act in any time of crisis.

Protect me in the dangers and the perils of the sea

and even in the storm grant that there may be

peace and calm within my heart.

When I am far from home and far from loved ones

and far from the country which I know,

help me to be quite sure that, wherever I am,

I can never drift beyond your care.

Take care of my loved ...

Table of contents

• Cover page
• About the author
• Care for souls: Nelson and the SPCK
• Title page
• Imprint
• Dedication
• Epigraph
• Table of contents
• Foreword
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• 1. Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart . . .
• 2. Preserve us . . . from the violence of the enemy . . .
• 3. You strode before us down that dreadful road . . .
• 4. Smoke clouds enwrap me and cannons are crashing . . .
• 5. Let thy Holy Angels encamp around this place . . .
• 6. Stretch forth your wounded hands . . .
• 7. Where there is hatred, let me sow love . . .
• Sources and acknowledgements