Pause for Prayer: THURSDAY, January 6

January 6 is the first anniversary of the attack on our nation's Capitol building so we'll pause and pray today for our nation, its leaders and its people. I've chosen for our reflection a portion of the prayer offered at George Washington's inauguration (1789) by Bishop John Carroll.  Washington was inaugurated in New York City when Carroll was bishop of Baltimore, the first Catholic diocese in the United States. This prayer is as apt today as it was when first offered, 233 years ago...

 

We pray 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 of these United States, 

that his administration may be conducted in righteousness 

and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides; 

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 his excellency, 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 your powerful protection, 

to discharge the duties of their respective stations 

with honesty and ability.

 

We recommend likewise, to your unbounded mercy, 

all our brethren and fellow citizens 

throughout the United States, 

that they may be blessed in the knowledge 

and sanctified in the observance 

of your most holy law; 

 that they 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.

 

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