Royal Air Force Collects

The Royal Air Force Collect 1 - Sir Jacob Astley, before the Battle of Edge hill, 1642

Almighty God, who has promised that they who wait upon thee shall renew their strength and mount up with wings, as eagles, we commend to thy fatherly protection all who serve in the Royal Air Force. Uplift and support us in our endeavour, that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth and a sure defence to our homeland. Help us to fulfil our several duties with honour, goodwill and integrity, and grant that we may prove to be worthy successors of those who by their valour and sacrifice did nobly save their day and generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Royal Air Force Collect 2

Almighty God, who makest the clouds thy chariots and walkest upon the wings of the storm, look in mercy we beseech thee upon the Royal Air Force. Make us a tower of strength to our Queen and to our country. Help us to do our duty with prudence and with fearlessness, confident that in life or in death the eternal God is our refuge and strength. Grant this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

The Royal Air Force Collect 3

Holy Spirit, Breath of God, who dost inspire and sustain man's destiny, quicken we beseech Thee, the hearts and minds of all who serve in the Royal Air Force; that those who fly may brave the perils of the air with courage; that those who labour on the ground may be infused with zeal and devotion; and that all who bear the burden and heat of the day may be refreshed with the live-giving power of thy grace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Royal Air Force Regiment's Collect

Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, whose son Jesus Christ showed us the path of duty, we beseech thee to bless all who serve in the Royal Air Force Regiment. Help us to do our duty with courage and dedication. Of thy goodness be our strength in times of danger, watch over our loved ones when we are separated, and make us a sure defence to those we serve. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for the Foundation of the Royal Air Force

Lord God, we remember the courage and dedication of those, who in past days took to the air, and pioneered the Royal Air Force we know today. Especially we remember the sacrifice of the few for the many in times of war and strife. Grant that, being inspired by their example, we may follow them in their endeavours to work for a world in which peace and justice reign supreme, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for The Royal Air Force

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 for 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 of Blessing for Brevets / Wings

Almighty God,
bless these brevets so eagerly desired, and so deservedly won.
May they always be to their wearers reminders of the calling
they have accepted -
a calling to think of service, not self,
a calling to perform duty, not follow personal desires.
May they be worn with honour and pride,
and may they who wear them live under your protection and blessing.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.