A SCOUT IS REVERENT
"He is reverent toward God.
He is faithful in his religious duties.
He respects the beliefs of others."
Official Boy Scout Handbook, 1989 edition
Come let us sing unto the Lord: Let us make a joyful noise to
the Lord, all the lands. Let us serve the Lord with gladness and
came into his presence with singing.
Psalm 100
Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the
city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave,
and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and
the meadow where mention of God hath been made and His praise
glorified.
from the Baha'i Writings
O Great Spirit! Watch over us as we begin this day. Protect us
as we live in you care. Give us bounty and hold us from harm. We
are your children and wish only to please you. We hold our Mother
Earth close to our hearts and wish her goodness. We thank You for
your love.
American Indian
May the time be not too distant, O God, when all your children
will understand that they are brothers and sisters, so that, one
in spirit and one in fellowship, they may be forever united
before you. Then shall your kingdom be established on earth, and
the word of your prophet shall be fulfilled: " The Lord will
reign forever and ever."
From the Jewish Service of the Heart
Lord, stay with us as we come together;
let all the earth keep silence in your presence.
Dear Lord, bless all those everywhere who contribute to shape the hearts, minds, and bodies of young people. Let us remember what they have taught and apply it daily.
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. 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 and irreligion, 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 be real adults. --Amen