For a third year Alpha for Forces along with the Armed Forces Christian Union, the Naval Christian Fellowship and the Chaplaincy Departments of all three services organised and participated in the Day of Prayer for the Armed Forces which took place on 6th November 2008 and was held St Clement Danes,the central church of the RAF.

Mark Leakey reports in brief on the day's events

The day kicked off with a light lunch and a chance for people to mingle.The first part of the service was led by Rev Adrian Gattrill, the incumbent of St Clement Danes, and included some well known hymns, together with a psalm and an anthem sung by the choir. SAC Laura Bates read the lesson, and she was followed by the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt who gave a candid view from the top; whilst our new Secretary of State listened carefully in the front row! The Rev Mike Elliott gave a fascinating insight into his recent ministry in, Colonel Paul Eaton introduced and launched the UK Forces Prayerline.

After a short break, the Rev Simon Springett, from HMS Albion, took the lead with
a trio from Holy Trinity Brompton provided some beautiful music; Major General Roddy Porter addressed us from Baghdad via the wonders of technology (included in the video link above), before Lady Dannatt gave a moving account of the life lived by dependants. LET (WE) Nathan Senior read the lesson which was followed by Rev Dave Richardson’s talk; based on recent ops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Private Rich Thorburn gave us a heartfelt testimony before we had some short briefs on Alpha for Forces on their course at the Military Correctional Training Centre and the Marriage Course. There were several occasions for prayer throughout the service. In all it was a day of contrasts, of worship, briefings and prayer in a beautiful church.