Scout prayers

Traditional worship in Scouting

Prayer is used in Scouting worldwide, following the belief of its founder, Robert Baden Powell, that "a scout is reverent." When creating the Scouting concept, Baden Powell was adamant that there was a place for God within it. In Scouting for Boys, Baden Powell wrote:

We aim for the practice of Christianity in their everyday life and dealings, and not merely the profession of theology on Sundays

Baden Powell believed that Scouting should be independent of any single faith or religion, but still held that spirituality and a belief in a higher power are key to the development of young people.

The Boy Scouts of America use many Scout Prayers.

(This prayer is designed to demonstrate the Scout Law.) Dear Lord, Bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the hearts, minds and bodies of young people everywhere. Let us remember what they have taught us and apply it in our daily life. When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy. If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal. Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful. When we find people in despair, let us be Friendly. In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous. Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind. Though lawbreaking and rule scoffing are common, let us be Obedient. While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful. In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty. When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave. As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean. While witnessing impiety, let us remember to be Reverent. In short, in a world that has for generation after generation lamented the lack of good examples, let us, as Scouts, stand out, grow up, and become real adults. Amen.

Several Cub Scout prayers are used in the United States of America.

Used by the Venture Scout section. Lord, We thank you for letting us come once again to marvel at your creations. We hope that those in the group who are new to this activity will leave with the same sense of wonder that we always feel as we step into a cave. We treat these activities as fun, but always with a sense of wonder at the thousands of years required to create even the smallest of the features at which we look. Help us to preserve your work, both for ourselves and for future generations of Scouts and Cavers. Amen.