Prayers For Our Country
Here are three prayers (collects) from the third edition of the Roman Missal (that is, the current version), in the section “For Civil Needs” among the masses for “Various Needs and Occasions”. Any and all are appropriate on this day of the presidential inauguration, or on any other day of special importance to the civic life of the country, or indeed on any day at all.
For the Nation
O God, who arrange all things according to
a wonderful design,
graciously receive the prayers
we pour out to you for our country,
that, through the wisdom of its leaders and the integrity
of its citizens,
harmony and justice may be assured
and lasting prosperity come with peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. (no. 21, p. 1286)
For Those in Public Office
Almighty ever-living God,
in whose hand lies every human heart and the rights
of peoples,
look with favor, we pray,
on those who govern with authority over us,
that throughout the whole world
the prosperity of peoples,
the assurance of peace,
and freedom of religion
may through your gift be made secure.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. (no. 22, p. 1286)
For the Head of State
O God, to whom every human power is subject,
grant to our president N.
success in the exercise of his (her) high office,
so that, always revering you and striving to please you,
he (she) may constantly secure and preserve
for the people entrusted to his (her) care
the freedom that comes from civil peace.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. (no. 24, p. 1287)
Amen.
