The 12th Law: A Scout is Reverent
Baden Powell wrote:
First love and serve God. Second love and serve your neighbour. In doing you duty to God always be grateful to him. Whenever you enjoy a pleasure or a good game, or succeed in doing a good thing, thank Him for it, if only with a word or two.
Here you will find a collection of Reading, Prayers, Grace and Blessings from many religious, national and cultural diversities
This section is always under improvement by adding new entries regularly. Would you like to submit an entry then please send us an email.
Scout Leaders Prayer for their Scouts
Build me a Scout, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when they are weak and brave enough to face themselves when they afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory...
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Build me a Scout whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a Scout who themself is the
foundation stone of knowledge...
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Lead them, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let them learn to stand up in the storm; here let them learn compassion for those who fail...
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Build me a Scout whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high. A Scout who will master themself before they seek to master others, one who will march into the future, yet never forget the past...
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And after all these things are theirs, add, I pray, enough of a sense of humor so that they may always be serious, yet never take themself too seriously. Give them humility, so that they may always remember the simplicity of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength...
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Then I, a Scouter who knew them, will dare to whisper, `I have not lived in vain.
Responsive readings
The Scout Law: A Responsive Reading The Scout Law is really the definition of a Scout. Wearing the uniform doesn’t make us a Scout. In fact, the one who keeps the Scout Law, even if he has no uniform, is the real Scout far more than the one who wears the uniform, but doesn’t keep the Law. This is the Scout Law you promise to obey in the Scout Oath. Scouts: A Scout is Trustworthy. Leader: Character is what a person is. Reputation is what people think about us. A youth of character is worthy of trust. To be worthy of Trust, we have to recognize our own goodness and the goodness of all people as children of God. A Scout tells the truth and keeps his promises. People can depend on him. Scouts: A Scout is Loyal. Leader: Because our first loyalty is to God, a Scout is loyal to all to whom loyalty is due – family, friends, Church and country. Scouts: A Scout is Helpful. Leader: Christ has told us that the good turn we do for others He will consider as done to Him. A reason why we are helpful, is that we see Christ in everybody. If our Lord was willing to die for all of us, a Scout certainly should be ready to offer help when needed. The whole Scout program gives us an opportunity to be helpful, especially the doing of our daily good turn. Scouts: A Scout is Friendly. Leader: A Scout should be a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout. The basis and motive of this point of the Law is Christian charity. We are all children of the same God, and brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, so a Scout tries to understand others, and respects those with ideas and customs different than his own. Scouts: A Scout is Courteous. Leader: A Scout should respect the image of God in everyone. Courtesy comes from the heart and goes hand in hand with friendship. He knows good manners and makes it easy for people to get along with him. The meaning of love as a Scout should be taken from the words of Christ himself — "I have come not to be served, but to serve." Scouts: A Scout is Kind. Leader: A Scout is gentle and compassionate in how he treats other people. The kind person is strong and able to restrain from brute force. This applies also to our treatment of animals. They have been given to us by God as a trust; as such we must use them well, never abusing or mistreating them. Scouts: A Scout is Obedient. Leader: Jesus Christ gave us an example of perfect obedience throughout his life. This will be a difficult point of the Law for a Scout to keep because it will mean discipline and giving up things that he wants at times. It means following the rules of family, school, and troop. He should obey, not because the command pleases him, but because the one giving it has the right to be respected, is someone in authority, and is right in doing so. Disobedience brought death and sin into the world; obedience brought our salvation. Real victory comes from obedience — first to God, then to all he has placed in authority as long as they deserve our obedience. Scouts: a Scout is Cheerful. Leader: Joy should be one of the marks of a child of God. A Scout will have joy in his heart and show it by his cheerful manner. A Scout looks on the bright side of things, and cheerfully does jobs that come his way. He tries to make other people happy. Scouts: A Scout is Thrifty. Leader: A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unseen needs, and carefully uses time and property. As Scouts, we should be deeply concerned with preserving our natural resources and keeping our environment clean. Thrift teaches self-respect, making us unwilling to be a burden to others. Far from being a burden, we are able by thrift to help others. Scouts: A Scout is Brave. Leader: He can face danger even if he is afraid. He has courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others scorn or make fun of him. Scouts: A Scout is Clean. Leader: He keeps clean in body and thought; stands for clean speech, clean sport, clean habits; and goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean. Scouts: A Scout Is Reverent. Leader: He is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties and respects the convictions and beliefs of others in manners of custom and religion.
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Prayers & Blessings
A Native Indian Prayer 0' GREAT SPIRIT, Whose voice I hear in the winds, And whose breath gives life to all the world, Hear me! I am small and weak, I need your strength and wisdom. LET ME WALK IN BEAUTY, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. MAKE MY HANDS respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. MAKE ME WISE so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. LET ME LEARN the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock I SEEK STRENGTH, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy— MAKE ME ALWAYS READY to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. SO WHEN LIFE FADES, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.
THE LORD'S PRAYER Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
"An Old Irish Blessing" May the road rise to meet you, May the wind always be at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May god hold you in the palm of his hand.
Prayer of Thanks Giving We thank you today For the adventure of Scouting, For the unselfishness of parents, For the patience of teachers And for the encouragement of friends. We give thee thanks, O Lord, for our Founder's life of service and for his gift of Scouting to the world. Help us to hold firmly to the Law which he gave us for guidance and so to understand more fully thy will. Inspire us to find a way of life, in which the youth of all nations, may find unity and true brotherhood. Amen.
Wiccan I am united with Source, at one with all the most miraculous healing energies of Creation and limitless in Wisdom, Appreciation and Peace...
Buddhism Prayer for peace May I become at all times, both now and forever A protector for those without protection A guide for those who have lost their way A ship for those with oceans to cross A bridge for those with rivers to cross A sanctuary for those in danger A lamp for those without light A place of refuge for those who lack shelter And a servant to all in need.
Hinduism Universal Prayer O Adorable Lord of Mercy and Love! Salutations and prostrations unto Thee. Thou art Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient. Thou art Satchidananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Absolute). Thou art the Indweller of all beings. Grant us an understanding heart, Equal vision, balanced mind, Faith, devotion and wisdom. Grant us inner spiritual strength To resist temptations and to control the mind. Free us from egoism, lust, greed, hatred, anger and jealousy. Fill our hearts with divine virtues. Let us behold Thee in all these names and forms. Let us serve Thee in all these names and forms. Let us ever remember Thee. Let us ever sing Thy glories. Let Thy Name be ever on our lips. Let us abide in Thee for ever and ever.
Islam That which examins Our Lord, upon You we have relied, and to You we have returned, and to You is the destination. Our Lord, make us not [objects of] torment for the disbelievers and forgive us, our Lord. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.
Judaism Prayer for the World Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations. Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, the neglect. Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows. Let the warmth of the sun heal us wherever we are broken. Let it burn away the fog so that we can see each other clearly. So that we can see beyond labels, beyond accents, gender or skin color. Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt our selfishness. So that we can share the joys and feel the sorrows of our neighbors. And let the light of the sun be so strong that we will see all people as our neighbors. Let the earth, nourished by rain, bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty. And let the mountains teach our hearts to reach upward to heaven. Amen.
Brand New Day This is the beginning of a brand new day. I can waste it or use it for good. What I do today is important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place What I have traded for it. I want it to be gain, not loss -- good, not evil -- success, not failure -- so that I shall never regret the price I paid for today.
Sioux Prayer Ho! Great Spirit, Grandfather, you have made everything and are in everything. You sustain everything, guide everything, provide everything, and protect everything, because everything belongs to you. I am weak, poor and lowly; nevertheless, help me to care, in appreciation and gratitude to you and for everything. I love the stars, the sun and the moon, and I thank you for our beautiful mother, the Earth, whose many breasts nourish the fish, the fowls and the animals, too. May I never deceive Mother Earth; may I never deceive my people; may I never deceive myself; and above all, may I never deceive you.
Wiccan Rite of Peace for all Lady, weave your web of change Bring the world to peace again Let us all be kin together So Mote It Be
Buddhism Prayer for children May I become at all times, both now and forever A protector for those without protection A guide for those who have lost their way A ship for those with oceans to cross A bridge for those with rivers to cross A sanctuary for those in danger A lamp for those without light A place of refuge for those who lack shelter And a servant to all in need.
Hinduism United Let us be united; Let us speak in harmony; Let our minds apprehend alike. Common be our prayer, Common be the end of our assembly; Common be our resolution; Common be our deliberations. Alike be our feelings; Unified be our hearts; Common be our intentions; Perfect be our unity.
Islam Daily prayer for the soul Lord, make pure my intentions for this prayer... We realize our short stay in this world Give us this day our daily bread Let us strive with our tongue and our deeds to earn your mercy and not your wrath Sway our hearts towards U so that our limbs may follow Prevent us from distractions that will harm our mind, body and soul Lead us not into temptations and forgive our trespasses Guide us to your straight path Let this transient life be an opportunity to grow spiritually And bring us out of ignorance into Light (Nur) Ameen
Judaism Traditional Jewish Prayer How wonderful, O Lord, are the works of your hands! The heavens declare Your glory, the arch of the sky displays Your handiwork In Your love You have given us the power to behold the beauty of Your world robed in all its splendor. The sun and the stars, the valleys and the hills, the rivers and the lakes all disclose Your presence. The roaring breakers of the sea tell of Your awesome might, the beast of the field and the birds of the air bespeak Your wondrous will. In Your goodness You have made us able to hear the music of the world. The voices of the loved ones reveal to us that You are in our midst. A divine voice sings through all creation.
Grace
Philmont Grace
For food, for raiment
For life, for opportunity
For friendship and fellowship
We thank thee, O Lord.
Grace
The Lord is good to me and so
I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need
The sun and the rain and the Appleseed
The Lord is good to me.
AMEN
Scout's Grace
Let us be thankful for the food and drinks we are about to receive before us.
Let us be thankful for the shelter that protects us while we sleep at night.
Let us be thankful for the water that rejuvenates our mind, body & soul.
Let us be thankful for the earth we walk on and the air we breathe.
Let us be thankful for the fire that keeps us warm and gives us light.
Let us be thankful for natural surroundings that give the earth beauty and life.
Let us be thankful for the family and friends that are helpful when we need them the most.
Let us be thankful for the staff and leaders that lead us on our way.
Amen
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O God, Thou hast given so much to us, give one thing more - a grateful heart. Amen. -George Herbert
Songs
Morning has Broken
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Morning has broken, Like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken, Like the first bird,
Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them springing fresh from the word.
Sweet the rain's new fall sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness Where His feet pass.
Mine is the sunlight! Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light Eden saw play!
Praise with elation, Praise every morning,
God's recreation of the new day!
Amazing Grace
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Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found;
Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fear relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
'Me hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
We have already come.
'Twas grace that brought us safe this far,
And grace will bring us home.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found;
Was blind, but now I see
Bless This Camp
Tune: Bless This House
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Bless this camp, O Lord we pray,
Keep it safe by night and day.
Bless the stars that twinkle bright,
Shining with God's heavenly light.
Bless the campfires blazing there,
With smoke rising like a prayer.
Bless the Scouts that dwell within,
Keep them safe and free from sin.
America the Beautiful
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O beautiful for spacious skies
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam,
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea!
God Bless America
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God Bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above,
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the ocean, white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
Scout Vespers
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Softly falls the light of day,
As our campfire fades away.
Silently, each Scout should ask,
"Have I done my daily task?"
"Have I cared and have I tried,
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared,
Every thing to be prepared?"