A Scout’s Prayer by Lord Baden-Powell

This prayer is attributed to Lord Baden-Powell himself. I have some doubts about whether he actually wrote this entire prayer or not, since the Scout Law written by Baden-Powell is not exactly the same as the Scout Law used by the BSA.  (See more about the Scout Law.)

Nevertheless, B-P clearly believed that faith was an important component of his Scouting program. So while Scouting is not specific to any particular faith, there is a spiritual aspect to it. This prayer, based on the Scout Law, would be appropriate for most groups of Scouts.

A Scout’s Prayer

Our Father, make us Trustworthy, for there are those who trust us.

Make us Loyal, for through loyalty we reach our highest ideals.

Teach us to be Helpful, for through helpfulness do we forget our selfness.

Make us Friendly, for there are so many who need a friend.

Train us in Courtesy, for courtesy is the carpet on life’s floor.

Make us kind for kindness is the oil in the cogs of life’s machinery.

Insist upon our Obedience, for victory comes only to him who obeys.

Make us Cheerful, for cheerfulness is the green grass among the rocks in the path of life.

Train us in Thrift, for thrifty habits brighten our future.

Make us Brave; brave in the dark and brave in the light; but save us from becoming fakers in bravery.

Help us to be Clean – clean in thoughts, in speech, and in deed. And may we remember that our bodies are Thy holy temples, and that any abuse thereof is to tamper with Thy Great Plans.

Above all, O God, help us to be Reverent toward all things which Thou hast made for our enjoyment when we are in Thy great out-of-doors, among the trees, along the streams, and on the Hillsides. May we know it was Thee who made the waters to flow, the trees to reach heavenward, the mountains to endure to all ages.

In all these things we ask that Thou wilt help us. And may we never forget the Scout Oath to which we all have pledged ourselves, so that through Thy help we may live these points of our Scout Law.

Amen