Our Living Faith
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The life of a Christian knight is not defined by outward symbols alone.
At its heart must be prayer, worship, repentance and the daily pursuit of Christ.
The historic Knights Templar lived according to a disciplined religious rule in which the hours of the day were marked by prayer.
For Templar Knights Albion, that ancient principle can find a natural expression within our Anglican tradition through the Daily Office of the Book of Common Prayer.
The Daily Office provides a simple rhythm: beginning the day in God's presence, remembering Him throughout our duties, and returning to prayer as the day draws to its close.
Members may pray the complete Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer where circumstances permit.
The following shorter examples may also be used as a starting point for personal devotion.
The Christian life is lived not only in church but in our work, our families, our communities and our encounters with others.
At midday, or before undertaking an important duty, members may pause briefly:
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
A short passage of Scripture may be read, followed by personal prayer.
A member might particularly remember:
those who are travelling;
those who are afraid or vulnerable;
the sick and suffering;
those experiencing persecution or conflict;
our families and communities;
our clergy and bishops;
and our brothers and sisters of the Order.
The ancient Templars were associated with the protection of pilgrims travelling towards the Holy Places. For us, the principle of protecting the pilgrim has a wider spiritual meaning: recognising Christ in those who need compassion, assistance, encouragement or protection.
The Christian life is lived not only in church but in our work, our families, our communities and our encounters with others.
At midday, or before undertaking an important duty, members may pause briefly:
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
A short passage of Scripture may be read, followed by personal prayer.
A member might particularly remember:
those who are travelling;
those who are afraid or vulnerable;
the sick and suffering;
those experiencing persecution or conflict;
our families and communities;
our clergy and bishops;
and our brothers and sisters of the Order.
The ancient Templars were associated with the protection of pilgrims travelling towards the Holy Places. For us, the principle of protecting the pilgrim has a wider spiritual meaning: recognising Christ in those who need compassion, assistance, encouragement or protection.
Evening Prayer provides an opportunity to look back upon the day with gratitude and humility.
We remember what has been good, acknowledge where we have fallen short, pray for those whom we have encountered, and entrust ourselves once more to God's keeping.
The ancient song of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been prayed at Evening Prayer by generations of Christians:
My soul doth magnify the Lord:
and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded:
the lowliness of his hand-maiden.
For behold, from henceforth:
all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me:
and holy is his Name.
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey thy commandments, and also that by thee we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Before sleep, the day may end with a simple act of trust.
One of the most beautiful biblical prayers traditionally associated with the Church's night prayer is the Nunc Dimittis, the Song of Simeon:
Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace:
according to thy word.
For mine eyes have seen:
thy salvation,
Which thou hast prepared:
before the face of all people;
To be a light to lighten the Gentiles:
and to be the glory of thy people Israel.
The member may then commend family, friends, fellow members of the Order and all those requiring prayer into the hands of God.
The Daily Office reminds us that Christian knighthood begins not with the sword, but on our knees.
Morning and evening prayer establish a rhythm in which faith becomes something lived rather than merely professed. Prayer should shape our conduct: teaching us humility when we are praised, courage when we are tested, mercy when we have power, and steadfastness when our faith is challenged.
The principles represented by our Order should therefore be visible in ordinary life:
Faith — placing Christ at the centre of our lives.
Prayer — beginning and ending our days in communion with God.
Service — giving our time and abilities for the benefit of others.
Protection — standing alongside the vulnerable and those who cannot easily defend themselves.
Charity — responding to need with practical Christian love.
Brotherhood — supporting one another in faith, fellowship and adversity.
Honour — seeking integrity in what we say and what we do.
The armour of a Christian knight is ultimately spiritual.
As St Paul reminds the Church:
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
— Ephesians 6:11
Our calling is therefore not simply to remember an ancient tradition, but to live our faith today — prayerfully, courageously and in the service of Christ and our neighbour.
Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam.
Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name give the praise.
— Psalm 115:1