US Military Academy Prayers

The United States Army Cadet Command Prayer was officially commissioned and recognized in 2006 by the United States Army Cadet Command as the fourth official institutional military prayer in US history. It was originally written for the Leader’s Training Course (LTC)—now known as Cadet Summer Training (CST) at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, US Military Hymns ]

As it approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the prayer remains a solemn reflection of the values and mission of the United States Army Cadet Command, contributing to a broader effort to foster spiritual resilience and ethical leadership among ROTC Cadets.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Medals of Honor and Valor ]

Composed by Chaplain (MAJOR) James F. Linzey, USA (Ret.), ordained as a Southern Baptist Convention clergyman, the United States Army Cadet Command Prayer is part of a select group of only four official institutional military prayers ever commissioned by branches of the US Armed Forces:

  • The West Point Cadet Prayer – United States Military Academy; written by Chaplain (COLONEL) Clayton E. Wheat, then West Point Chaplain (circa 1920–1925)
  • The Midshipman’s Prayer – United States Naval Academy; written by Chaplain William N. Thomas, USN, then Naval Academy Chaplain (1938)
  • The Airman’s Prayer – United States Air Force Academy; written by Mary Christian Dugan Hamilton (1915), later adopted by USAFA
  • The Army Cadet Command Prayer – United States Army Cadet Command; written by Chaplain (MAJOR) James F. Linzey, USA (Ret.), then the first full-time chaplain of the Leader’s Training Course (2006)

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Spiritual Fitness in the USA Military ]

Commissioned in July 2006 by Colonel Robert J. Frusha, USA, then Commandant of the Leader’s Training Course, the prayer was formally unveiled in a ceremony on August 2, 2006, presided over by Major General W. Montague Winfield, USA, then Commanding General of the US Army Cadet Command. The initiative contributed to a broader effort to foster spiritual resilience and ethical leadership among ROTC Cadets.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Inspiring Military Mottos ]

Army ROTC Cadets train with the rank of Second Lieutenant during this university-level program and undergo physical, mental, and spiritual challenges to prepare for leadership in the United States Army. “This prayer captures the heart of Cadet life—its challenges, its growth, and its call to serve with integrity,” says Chaplain (Major) Linzey, the only living author of an official institutional US military prayer. A former United States Air Force Chaplain who served for the Air Force Space Command, Linzey is also the only living author of a US military hymn—the ‘United States Space Force Hymn’ (Creator of the Universe). Linzey continues, “It’s an honor for this prayer to stand among the foundational prayers of our military institutions.”

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Secure Your Base (Your Soul) ]

Since its unveiling, the United States Army Cadet Command Prayer has appeared on emergency cards for ROTC Cadets with emergency after-hours phone numbers (see accompanying image), in graduation bulletins, and at ceremonies throughout the Army Cadet Command. As Cadet Summer Training continues to serve as the Army’s largest commissioning source, the prayer remains both a spiritual anchor and a historic milestone.
News Release / United States Army Chaplain Corps

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Concealed Carry Daily Prayer ]

United States Army Cadet Command Prayer

Almighty and most merciful Father,
in whom is the fullness of light and liberty,
instill within the hearts of our Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Cadets
the passion to lead Thy people to victory.

Inspire them to seek deeper levels of understanding.
Enlighten their minds by Thy Spirit, and be gracious unto them.

Grant them the wisdom to know Thy ways
and sound judgment to determine what is best
for the Soldiers they will lead.

Gracious Father, place within them the sense of duty
to Thee and to America.
In all their endeavors, renew their minds, spirits, and strength,
keeping them safe from all danger,
while they give Thee thanks for their success. Amen.
US Army ROTC Cadet Command

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of SPIRITUAL FITNESS ]

The West Point Cadet Prayer

O God, our Father, Thou Searcher of Human hearts, help us to draw near to Thee in sincerity and truth. May our religion be filled with gladness and may our worship of Thee be natural.

Strengthen and increase our admiration for honest dealing and clean thinking, and suffer not our hatred of hypocrisy and pretence ever to diminish. Encourage us in our endeavor to live above the common level of life. Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won.

Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when truth and right are in jeopardy.

Guard us against flippancy and irreverance in the sacred things of life. Grant us new ties of friendship and new opportunities of service. Kindle our hearts in fellowship with those of a cheerful countenance, and soften our hearts with sympathy for those who sorrow and suffer.

Help us to maintain the honor of the Corps untarnished and unsullied and to show forth in our lives the ideals of West Point in doing our duty to Thee and to our Country.

All of which we ask in the name of the Great Friend and Master of all.
The West Point Cadet Prayer / West Point

[ Read the SemperVerus article, 250th Anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord for American Independence ]

The Midshipman Prayer (traditional version)

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 do my best and 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 in 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.

US Naval Academy Midshipman Prayer / United States Naval Academy Chaplains Centers

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Important US Dates to Commemorate ]

The Airman’s Prayer

Lord, Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In dark’ning storms or sunshine fair.

Thou who dost keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight,
Thou of the tempered winds, be near,
That, having thee, they know no fear.

Control their minds with instinct fit
What time, adventuring, they quit
The firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skilful hand.

Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with Thy saving grace.
O God, protect the men who fly
Through lonely ways beneath the sky. Amen.
(These are also the words to the Air Force Hymn, written by Mary Christian Dundas Hamilton)
United States Air Force Chaplain Corps Book of Prayers / US Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel

[ Read the SemperVerus article, A Navy SEAL Reveals 8 Secrets To Grit And Resilience ]

US Marine Corps 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. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. 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.
ChaplainCare archive website, USMC prayer

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Desmond T. Doss: Example of Stalwart Character ]

A Coast Guard Prayer

Almighty and Everlasting God, Whose hand stills the tumult of the deep, we offer our prayers for those who serve in our Coast Guard. We are mindful of their traditions of selfless service to the seafarers who make their ways to appointed ports. Employ their devotions of good ends as they track the weather and search for the seas for those in extremity of storm, shipwreck or battle. Make their soundings and markings sure that safe passages may be found by those who go down to the sea in ships. Encourage them, O Lord, as they stand guard over our coasts and the bulwarks of our freedoms. Graciously deliver them from threatening calamities in all their perilous voyages. Bless the keepers of the lights and be Thou their close friend in lonely watches. Keep the beacons of honor and duty burning that they may reach the home port with duty well performed, in service to Thee and our land. Amen.
ChaplainCare archive website, USCG prayer

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Make Your Bed, Change Your World ]

The Prayer of a Coast Guard Cadet

O God, Thou who are waiting to bring peace to my uncertain soul, give me the grace to accept Thy perfect love which casts out all fear and feverish tensions. Accept my gratitude for the privilege of wearing the uniform of a Cadet. Keep me steady in all my strivings to become worthy of the trust, which others have placed in me. Grant that I may have the heart and mind to make decisions in terms of what is right and wrong and not according to my emotions or desires. Fill the sails of my life with courage, strength and truth that I may be one with those who steer their lives by the stars above. Enable me to live as a good brother or sister in the family of mankind, sharing all my good fortunes with others, irrespective of their station, race or creed. Quicken my spirit as I seek to live by the honor code. Make me wise in patience, tack and understanding that I may be found worthy of leadership. Bless my loved ones and may I never fail them. Bring me to a good end and an unfailing confidence in Thy protecting care. Amen.
ChaplainCare archive website, USCG prayer

[ Read SemperVerus articles on the topic of BE ]

Stay Alert.   Stay Ready.   Stay True.

Invite SemperVerus® to present its 5 life-changing success-generating components—prepare, aware, be, know, do—to your organization to inspire and motivate your members.

Join the SemperVerus Brotherhood™!