St. Paul wrote to Timothy: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
For those who have an Anglican heritage, the basic way to “pray without ceasing” for the President, his cabinet, the Congress, the Armed Forces etc., as the war against terrorism proceeds at a variety of level from military to diplomatic, is to make use of the two daily offices and their set prayers in the morning and evening, to add to them when possible the Litany, and at other times to offer brief prayers to the Lord our God as we go about our daily routines.
In the required prayers in Morning Prayer of the BCP (1928) are two “Prayers for The President of the United States, and all in Civil Authority.” The second one reads:
“O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world; we commend this nation to thy merciful care, that being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness; and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.”
In the Collection of Prayers and Thanksgivings (BCP, 1928, pp.35ff.) to be used to supplement the prayers in Morning and Evening Prayer, there is a Prayer for the Congress, to be used during their session:
“Most gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for the people of these United States in general, so especially for their Senate and Representatives in Congress assembled; that thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety, honour, and welfare of thy people; that all things may be ordered and settled by their endeavours, upon the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. These and all other necessities, for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg in the Name and mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.”
And because God created the whole world, let us pray also for those in authority in other lands, whether we deem those places friendly or hostile to the USA. St Paul’s exhortation to Timothy covered all rulers known to them!
Finally, a Prayer for the Armed Forces:
“O Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the armed forces of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Lord have mercy upon us!
The Revd Dr Peter Toon
October 2, 2001
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