The rest of this page has prayers for the people who love a Marine: in boot camp, deployed, coming home, or gone.
Historical Context
The Corps’ motto and the prayer fit together. “Always faithful” is a vow to God, country and each other, and the prayer asks for the grace to keep it on the ordinary days, not only in combat.
The Marine’s Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails,
make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will.
Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed
and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear.
Protect my family.
Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm.
Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance.
Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me.
Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist;
if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.
Amen.
A Prayer for a Recruit in Boot Camp
Lord, my son (my daughter) is at boot camp, and I can’t call.
Give them strength for every day of it.
Keep their body safe and their spirit unbroken.
Let them find friends who will carry them,
and let me hear their voice soon.
Amen.
For a Marine Deployed
Lord, keep this Marine safe wherever they are tonight.
Guard their unit. Give them sleep and clear heads.
Let them do their duty with honour and mercy.
Comfort the family waiting at home,
and bring them all back.
St Michael, pray for them.
Amen.
For a Marine Who Has Died
Lord, receive this Marine, who was faithful to the end.
Give him rest, and the peace he defended for others.
Comfort his family and his brothers and sisters in the Corps.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
Semper Fidelis.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At the start of a duty day, or before a deployment.
- During boot camp, for the family at home.
- On 10 November, the Marine Corps birthday.
- On Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
- At a Marine’s funeral or memorial service.
Scripture Connection
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” — Micah 6:8
Military chaplains often turn to Micah because it holds the warrior’s dilemma together: justice, mercy and humility at once. The Marine’s Prayer asks for the same things in different words.
Related prayers
For the patron of soldiers, see the Saint Michael Prayer. Other branches have their own pages: the Air Force Prayer and the Paratroopers Prayer. For a loved one far from home, see the Safely Home Prayer.