Today is Memorial Day in the United States of America, the day we set aside each year to remember those who gave their lives for their country.
As we continue to read through the Easter readings, it’s easy to see parallels in how this country – and many countries across the globe – pay honor to those willing to die for freedom and justice.
Like the brave soldiers who march on the front lines of the wars of our world, seeking to root out evil and protect all that is good, we have seen how the apostles marched on the front lines of faith.
And of course, there was Jesus.
So, I thought it might be nice to take a day to step back and say a classic prayer for our country. And it really does not have to be exclusive to the U.S. As you read the words below, you can easily substitute your own nation and its leaders.
This prayer has been attributed to Bishop John Carroll, who was named by Pope Pius VI to serve as te first bishop of the United States in 1789. His cousin, by the way, was Charles Carroll, one of America’s Founding Fathers and the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Bishop Carroll wrote this prayer for the new U.S. government on November 10, 1791.
It still applies today.
As we witness the tragedies of terrorism, the evils of dictatorship and the breakdown of many nations, perhaps it is proper to take a moment today to join together in prayer.
“We pray, Thee O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name.
“We pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope Francis, the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.
“We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy 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 Thy 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 Thy 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 Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
“We recommend likewise, to Thy 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 Thy 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.
“Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.”
