Sunday, January 20, 2013

A Day of Prayer

As Christians, we need to constantly be in prayer for our country and our leaders.  We are at a place in history that finds us facing challenges that I would have never believed would happen in the United States of America.
Sunday, January 20, 2013 has been declared a Day of Prayer where we will ask God to grant our leaders, local and national, the wisdom they need for the road ahead. We gather to ask God for forgiveness and healing of our land and to bless our Country and her people. This is not a political rally but a spiritual event and hopefully one that can help bring us together as we move forward as a nation.



O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth. Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties. 
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
 
To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and tofulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
 
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.

For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer (1979)