“Almighty Father, whose way is in the sea, whose paths are in the great waters, whose command is over all, and whose love never faileth: Let me be aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and in deed, and helping me so to live that I can stand unashamed and unafraid before my shipmates, my loved ones, and Thee.
“Protect those in whose love I live. Give me the will to accept my share of responsibilities with a strong heart and a cheerful mind. Make me considerate of those entrusted to my leadership and faithful to the duties my country has entrusted to me. Let my uniform remind me daily of the traditions of the service of which I am a part.
“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 keep before me the life of Him by whose example and help I trust to obtain the answer to my prayer, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
The Midshipman’s Prayer has spread far beyond its original intended audience. Among other locales, the words continue to be read weekly at the United States Naval Academy Chapel. Annapolis’ soaring dome and intricate stained glass, nestled in white marble, have witnessed the tumultuous journey of many a young candidate as they seek to learn the true meaning of “honor, courage, and commitment” and the burden of leadership.
But be it in Annapolis or no, for midshipman, officer, and civilian alike this prayer’s penitent cry continues to resonate deeply today.
To my mind, this is not a prayer of strength.
It is not Moses on the mountaintop nor Elijah on his flaming chariot; it is not the supplication of one in deep commune with God, confident in his purpose.
No. To me, this is the humble exclamation of one utterly lost, a man bereft of strength but still reaching out, seeking for succor. As they say (too often), the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak—this midshipman wants to do good, his heart seeks to do the right thing, but he feels so helpless himself.
And who can’t relate to that?
I know I can.
Of the past 18 months, I’ve spent at least 13 at sea (I think … the days run together).
There are:
- Those mornings when I wake up and already feel defeated.
- Those evenings when I look back and feel as if I’ve been running around all day, but nothing was accomplished.
- Those long afternoons spent pecking away at one task, and no progress appears.
- Those crises of insecurity, where I feel as if I’ve lost both my character and my ability to work.
Those flashes of every day in every moment, when no matter how often I seek refuge in the rolling waves, mackerel sky, or moonlit reflection, I’m still reminded of how far I am from those and what I love.
That’s just me. I know I have it better than most, my commission significantly easing some of the burdens that weigh upon my Sailors. And who can say what goes on in their minds, in that often-harrowing inner dialogue which we share with no others? Though the world outside may be a frightening, exacting, and demanding place, frequently the true horror lingers unseen.
In such circumstances, it is only reasonable to remind ourselves yet again of these words. One doesn’t need to wear the bars of a naval officer to pray for strength; one doesn’t require a uniform to live with honor. And, most particularly, one does not need a certain race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion or occupation to cry out for protection for our loved ones: God, “protect those in whose love I live,” whose silent but real support sustains me even at my worst.
Perhaps this prayer has been misnamed.
“The Midshipman’s Prayer,” they call it.
Perhaps a better description would be, “The Human’s Prayer.”
**The author of the prayer is William Nathaniel Thomas. He wrote it at the request of the midshipmen in 1938 while serving as Command Chaplain of the United States Naval Academy.
About Brett Beeson
Brett Beeson, officially, is a Lieutenant JG in the United States Navy, currently attached to DDG54 Curtis Wilbur out of Yokosuka, Japan. She graduated in 2014 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Arabic and a minor in Spanish. Unofficially, she is the “evil twin” (one of Jory’s twin daughters), that annoying-friend-who-won’t-stop-calling perpetual questioner, ice cream enthusiast, scribbler, roarer-of-laughter, and eternal student of God’s amazing mysteries. After extensive travel in Morocco and Oman, she has become passionate about furthering her/our understanding of the Middle East and Islam. To enjoy more of Brett’s writing, please visit Randomness with Brett.
richard templeton says
Hello Jory, I am Chaplain William N Thomas’ grandson here in Annapolis. He wrote the prayer in 1938 on the request of some Mids, the walk in front of the Chapel has his name on it and the words of dedication in Memorial Hall are also his. The best, Richard
Jory Fisher says
How marvelous!!!!!!! I’ll be sure to tell Brett. She’s leaving soon for Bahrain, but I’ll see her this weekend in Boston. My husband and I live an hour away from Annapolis. Perhaps we can meet sometime. Thank you for posting your comment! We LOVE this prayer!
Steven M. Thomad says
Thanks so much Richard for passing that information on. I just finished reading this and also wanted to let it be known that it had be written by my grandfather, Chaplin William N Thomas, rear Admiral in the United States Navy. I’m the youngest grandson, now living in Waynesville, NC. I walk around Lake Junaluska often, where I grew up next to my grandparents. Thanks, Steven M. Thomas
Jory Fisher says
How wonderful! Thank you for your comment, Steven.
I love Lake Junaluska by the way. Have been there for youth retreats. 🙂
Bless you.
Jory
Dorothy Thomas says
So I, too, just came on to correct the misinformation! Glad there’s family still stepping up to correct these things :-). I’m Uncle Will’s great niece. My grandfather was his brother. I knew both Uncle Will and Aunt Ellen.
Jory Fisher says
I certainly understand why your family wants to give credit where credit is due. This is a beautiful prayer, written by a beautiful soul. Thank you for letting us know.
Jean Frederick says
Hi, My grandson, Reid Bolen is a senior this year at the Naval Academy. I would like to give him a framed copy of the MIDSHIPMAN’S PRAYER for a gift to him. Do you have any suggestions where I can purchase this framed. He. often leads the congregation in the beautiful prayer. thank you.