Kirk joins in prayer for Armed Forces Day
Published on 30 June 2018
Rev Dr Marjory Maclean, Convener of the Chaplains to Her Majesty's Forces Committee, has written a moving prayer to commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 30 June.
Armed Forces Day is an annual event held in tribute to the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces.
A prayer for Armed Forces Day
By Rev Dr Marjory Maclean, Convener of the Chaplains to Her Majesty's Forces Committee
Spirit of Peace,
On this Armed Forces Day
When our country gives thanks for those who are willing to stand in a place of danger,
We give thanks for the spirits of those who are dutiful, disciplined and unselfish.
For those keeping watch today at sea, on land, in the air, we pray,
For their loved ones waiting and worrying,
And for their chaplains serving alongside them to befriend and encourage them.
For those whose service lies now in the past we pray
- Especially those scarred by it in body, mind or spirit -
For the military charities supporting them and their families,
And for the civilian communities and parishes in which they live.
For those who will take up their duty in days yet to come, we pray,
For personnel undergoing recruitment and selection, and in training,
For those given the burden and privilege of leadership in crises yet to unfold,
And for our politicians who have the most difficult decisions to make.
Spirit of Peace,
On this Armed Forces Day
Bless the men and women of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force
As they wrestle with the duties and questions we find difficult,
And as they try to keep safe your lovely created world.
AMEN
The Armed Forces Covenant
During last year's Armed Forces Day, former Moderator Very Rev Dr Derek Browning signed the Armed Forces Covenant at Edinburgh Castle.
The Covenant stated:
"We recognise the value of serving personnel, regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to our organisation and our country.
"Therefore we, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, will endeavour in our business and charitable dealings to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant."
The Covenant went on by pledging to support Church of Scotland employees who are veterans and to "look favourably" upon requests for leave and flexible working by employees whose spouses are on deployment and compassionate leave.