IN GOD WE TRUST

Prayer for our Country

We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom and justice! through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted and judgments 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 presided; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws of 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 blessings of 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 repectivce stations with honesty and ability. We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our bretheren 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. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Abridged from a prayer by Archbishop Carroll, c.1800.

A Prayer for the Safety of Our Soldiers

Almighty and eternal God, those who take refuge in you will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of your love enable them to return home in safety, that with all who love them, they may ever praise you for your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

A Prayer for Courage

O Prince of peace, we humbly ask your protection for all our men and women in military service. Give them unflinching courage to defend with honor, dignity and devotion, the rights of all who are imperiled by injustice and evil. Be their rock, their shield, and their stronghold and let them draw their strength from you. For you are God, for ever and ever.