Boy Scout Prayer Book Now Obsolete!

By: Mike Neubecker PFLAG/Dad

Below are samples of prayers that 'The Church Commission for Civic Youth Serving Agencies will have to revise in their scouting handbook titled, 'When Scouts Worship' so they don't conflict with the Boy Scouts of America's shameful victory. This prayer book, complete with the B.S.A. logo on the cover, contains prayers with references to the scriptures that inspired each of them. These prayers, along with the corresponding scriptures, would have to be revised to fit this openly exclusive and bigoted organization. When reading these particular prayers intended for young scouts, the hypocrisy is obvious and overwhelming. Perhaps the B.S.A.'s leaders should open this prayer book to read for themselves and heed the messages within.

Fellowship

'Sometimes we pretend to be what we are not for fear that our real selves are unacceptable. Yet we can turn to you, O God and to Christians in this place and say, Thank you for understanding; help us to be courageous. We thank you, Father, for such a household and such acceptance. Amen.' Ephesians 2:19-21

Friendship and Dating

'Teach us to communicate freely and without fear. That we may know the fulfillment of sharing our deep feelings and longings with those who care. Help us, Lord, discover the uniqueness of each person that we meet, and help us learn respect for personality, even when people differ from us greatly...' John 15:14-15

Reconciliation

'Help us, Father, where we are, begin to tear down the walls of our own isolation from people our little fears of change, our personal prejudices, our protective natures. Show us how wonderful a view we get of people when the walls come down.' Ephesians 2:14

I, Myself

'...how can we find our particular place? Do not sell yourself short. God made only one of you. No one else can have your style, or wear your smile, or think your thoughts, or feel exactly the way you do... You are a unique creation among other creatures...no one can tell you exactly who you are or where you fit in. You must discover that for yourself.' Psalms 8:4-5

Where do gay youth and adult leadership fit in? Sadly, nowhere in the Boy Scouts.

Mike Neubecker