Pause for Prayer: WEDNESDAY 1/20

 On this Inauguration Day I offer you this excerpt from a prayer written in 1791 by John Carroll, Archbishop of Baltimore.

 

We pray you, O God of might, wisdom, and justice,

through whom authority is rightly administered, 

laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, 

assist with your Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude 

the President and Vice President of these United States, 

that their administration may be conducted in righteousness, 

and be eminently useful to your people, over whom they preside; 

by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; 

by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; 

and by restraining vice and immorality.

 

Let the light of your divine wisdom 

direct the deliberations of Congress, 

and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws 

framed for our rule and government, 

so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, 

the promotion of national happiness, 

the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; 

and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.  

 

We pray for the governor of this state, 

for the members of the assembly, for all judges, magistrates, 

and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, 

that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, 

to discharge the duties of their respective stations 

with honesty and ability. 

 

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, 

all our fellow citizens throughout the United States,  

that we may be blessed in the knowledge 

and sanctified in the observance of your most holy law; 

that we may be preserved in union, 

and in that peace which the world cannot give; 

and after enjoying the blessings of this life, 

be admitted to those which are eternal. 

 

(Here's the full text of Carroll's prayer.)

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