This week, Americans will celebrate the 247th anniversary of the birth of our nation on July 4, 1776. As we celebrate our Independence with picnics, festivals, and fireworks, let us also pray that God will bless our nation and show us his mercy. For your own prayer and reflection this week, I offer you this prayer for our nation, adapted from a prayer composed by Archbishop John Carroll of Baltimore for the Inauguration of President George Washington in 1789:
Almighty and eternal God,
you have revealed your glory to all nations.
God of power and might, wisdom and justice,
through you authority is rightly administered,
laws are enacted, and judgment is decreed.
Assist with your spirit of counsel and fortitude
the President of these United States, Joe Biden,
that his administration may be conducted in righteousness,
and be eminently useful to your people over whom he presides.
May he encourage due respect for virtue and religion.
May he execute the laws with justice and mercy.
May he seek to restrain crime, vice, and immorality.
Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress,
especially Senators Hawley and Schmitt and Representative Bush,
and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed
for our rule and government.
May they seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness,
and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.
We pray for Mike Parson, the governor of this state,
for the members of the legislature, for judges, elected civil officials,
and all others who are entrusted to guard our political welfare.
May they be enabled, by your powerful protection,
to discharge their duties with honesty and ability.
We likewise commend to your unbounded mercy
all citizens of the United States,
that we be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified
in the observance of your holy law.
May we be preserved in union and that peace which the world cannot give;
and, after enjoying the blessings of this life,
be admitted to those which are eternal.
We pray to you, who are Lord and God,
for ever and ever. Amen!
In observance of Independence Day, the Parish Offices will be closed on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. On Tuesday, July 4, Mass will be celebrated at 8:00am; please join us to offer thanks and pray for our nation. Enjoy this wonderful summer holiday time with your family and friends!
Happy Independence Day!