An Outline Service to Commemorate a Naval Battle and to remember those who were lost at sea
[the Battle of Jutland, which began on 31st May 1916, was the largest sea battle of World War 1]
Gathering Hymn
Eternal Father, strong to save,
Introduction
The introduction should be adapted, and possibly extended to more fully address the particular occasion, anniversary or scenario that is being commemorated locally.
We gather here today to remember those of Her Majesty’s Royal Navy, (the Royal Marines, the Fleet Air Arm, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Service) who protected the waters around these islands, and who were engaged in conflict at sea. We call to mind especially those who served in HMS (N),
[Or, were part of the convoy that protected these shores,]
[Or, accompanied those merchant vessels that sailed through dangerous waters.]
We recall the challenges and dangers of daily life at sea, giving thanks for their comradeship, their loyalty to each other and to their ship. But above all, we give thanks for the service they offered, and all that was achieved to safeguard our shores, to repel the enemy and to maintain the safe passage of goods and people.
We remember with gratitude those who supported the ships of the Royal Navy, the crews of auxiliary vessels, those who served in Headquarters, shore establishments, and Her Majesty’s royal dockyards.
Confident of God’s loving purposes for all, we remember those who lost their lives, those who were maimed and injured in naval engagements, and those who anxiously waited ashore for news of loved ones and so we pray:
Lord of the living and of the dead, have mercy upon us.
All Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord of earth and sky, land and sea, have mercy upon us.
All Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord of the past and of the future, grant us your peace.
All Lord, grant us your peace.
Uniting our prayers with Christians across the world, we pray, each in our own language, as Christ has taught us:
All Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever. Amen.
Reading(s)
One or more of the following may be read:
Job 38.16-21
Jonah 2
Psalm 46
Psalm 107.1-3, 23-32
Psalm 77
Luke 8.22-25
Responsory
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters.
All Be still, and hear my voice.
When the waters rage and swell.
All Be still, and hear my voice.
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters.
All Be still, and let there be peace.
Address
An address may be given
Anthem/Music
‘Walking on the water’ Anthony Piccolo (b.1946)
‘They that go down to the sea in ships’ Herbert Sumsion (1899-1995)
Prayers
‘The Lord reached down from on high and took me:
he drew me out of the mighty waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy:
from foes that were against me.’
(Psalm 18.17-18)
O Eternal Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest the raging of the sea; who has compassed the waters with bounds until day and night come to an end: Be pleased to receive into thy Almighty and most gracious protection the persons of us thy servants, and the Fleet which we serve. Preserve us from the dangers of the sea and of the air, and from the violence of the enemy; that we may be a safeguard unto our most gracious Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth and her Dominions, and a security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions; that the inhabitants of our Island and Commonwealth may in peace and quietness serve thee our God; and that we may return in safety to enjoy the blessings of the land, with the fruits of our labours, and with a thankful remembrance of thy mercies to praise and glorify thy Holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Naval Prayer
O Eternal Lord God, who through many generations has united and inspired the members of our Corps, grant thy blessing, we beseech thee, on Royal Marines serving all round the globe. Bestow thy crown of righteousness upon all our efforts and endeavours, and may our laurels be those of gallantry and honour, loyalty and courage. We ask these things in the name of him whose courage never failed, our Redeemer Jesus Christ. Amen.
The Royal Marines Prayer
God our Father, your Son is the Lord of all.
He walked on the water and stilled the storm.
May we respond trustfully to his call,
safely navigate the storms of this world,
and, in the end, be brought to the haven
you have prepared for us, for your mercy’s sake.
All Amen
Hymn
O God, our help in ages past
An Act of Remembrance and Commitment to Peace
At this point names on a memorial may be read aloud, and then the following is said
You, O Lord, brought them into the haven they desired
All We will remember them.
All Lord and Father of all,
we pledge ourselves
to serve you and to bring relief to all those who are in need,
Keep us, we pray, ever mindful of all those
who have bravely faced danger,
those who died at sea, and those who suffered injury and loss,
now and in all our days. Amen.
Go before us, Lord, in all we do
with your most gracious favour,
and guide us with your continual help,
that in all our works
begun, continued and ended in you,
we may glorify your holy name,
and finally by your mercy receive everlasting life;
though Jesus Christ our Lord.
All Amen.
The National Anthem
The Blessing and Dismissal
God grant to the living grace,
the departed rest,
the Church, the Queen, the Commonwealth and all people
unity, peace and concord,
and to us and all God’s servants,
life everlasting;
and the blessing of God Almighty,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
be among you and remain with you always.
All Amen.