It is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 2021 and the center of our government has been barricaded with concertina wired fences. Prayers have always been associated with this day, but today we are looking for strong prayers for times of trouble in the United States of America. Our country is indeed in trouble, like we have not experienced since the Civil War.
Washington, D.C. has been manned with troops. I understand there are currently more than 25,000 troops in DC, which is more than we have in Afghanistan. They are marching around our US Capitol, and no one seems to be completely sure what they intend to do. There is the pretense of an arrival of angry Trump supporters, and the expectation of an inauguration that will be attended by no one.
Misinformation is so thick, even people who should have a clue do not have a clue. Those who really do have a clue dare not speak a word of it for fear of the information being immediately manipulated. Everything is suspected of being part of a psyop or a target of a psyop. When you cannot trust anyone, who can you trust?
This is not the first time the world has seen this kind of trouble.
There have been other moments in history when espionage and insurrection set whole populations on edge, to fear and distrust everything. One example in particular is from Merry Old England. It was not so merry while control of its government wrestled between two factions: Those who would control it as representing the independent Church of England, and those who would control it as representing the interests of the Roman Catholic Church. It was the cause of much insurrection, espionage, and bloodshed. It went on for a very long time.
I am not here to advocate for either side of that power struggle. I am happy to agree that there were good and God-fearing people on both sides of the conflict, and there were bad opportunists on both sides. The treasures we can draw from that conflict are the refined prayers of the people that came through that fire (Zec 13:9).
My focus is only on the prayers that were developed during this time in history. Over the course of this particular protracted time of trial for England, the salt-of-the-earth people, and the good ministers who led them, put down some well-organized prayers. They are all developed from Scripture. They address the concerns we all share: that God harness control over the specific ills we see in our times, that regard the welfare of our country. These prayer remain documented in the Book of Common Prayer, and are meant for daily use. These prayers are extremely relevant today.
Of course, many prefer to look for a Psalm, or a relevant Scripture passage, to pray over that speaks to specific needs, and I am a huge fan of this technique as well. But If you are going for a prayer that gives laser-focus to a supplication that God remove corruption from government, that God give wisdom to our military, that God bring to ruin any attempt at insurrection: there are prayers, crafted from all relevant Biblical passages about these matters, that give direction about how we should pray on it, that help us pray “as we ought” (Romans 8:26).
These all come from the Book of Common Prayer (This version is from the Reformed Episcopal Church). If you need a prayer to cover any concern other than those listed here, chances are good you will find it. I will encourage you that this prayerbook contains prayers that address a host of human circumstances, and you can be assured that each prayer, while crafted to address the circumstance, are all expressed in context of Holy Scripture. You will never be at a loss for how to pray about anything, and with a confidence that it is in alignment with the Word of God.
Prayer is powerful, and arguably better than any other action in times of national crisis. Try these prayers for times of trouble for the United States of America, and be ready to see how God moves!
Prayers, with page reference
in the Book of Common Prayer
For Our Country (p.62)
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour. Bless us with industry, prosperity, learning, and purity of life. Save us from discord and violence, and from pride and arrogancy. Preserve us from public calamities, pestilence, and famine; from war, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; and especially from national sins and corruption. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with wisdom those in authority, that justice and peace may prevail. Make us strong and great in the fear of God, and in the love of righteousness, that, blessed of thee, we may be a blessing to all people. In prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in trouble suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Army, the Navy, and the Air Forces of Our Country (p.63)
ALMIGHTY God, the strong Tower and Refuge of thy people; We entreat thy favour upon the officers and all who are enlisted in the service of defence of our country, upon land, and on the water, and in the air. Ever spare them from being ordered into a war of aggression or oppression. Use them if need be, as thine instruments, in the defence of our national life and liberty. But restrain, we beseech thee, the greed and wrath of man, that wars may cease in all the earth. Deepen in the hearts of our defenders the spirit of peace; and, for his sake, may they ever love and serve the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
In Time of War and Tumults (p.63)
O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Congress (p.58)
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 so 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 necessaries, we humbly beg in the Name and mediation of Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.
For Other Law-making Bodies (p.59)
O GOD, the Fountain of wisdom, whose statutes are good and gracious and whose law is truth; We beseech thee so to guide and bless the Legislature of this State, and all other legislative bodies, that they may ordain for our governance only such things as will please thee, to the welfare of the people, and the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Courts of Justice (p.59)
ALMIGHTY God, whose judgements are true and right; We humbly beseech thee to bless and guide all Magistrates and Courts of Justice throughout our land; granting unto them knowledge and firmness; enduing them with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, that they may discern the truth, and impartially administer the law in the fear of thee alone; through him who shall come to be our Judge, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the Coming of Christ’s Kingdom and Universal Peace (p.56)
O ALMIGHTY Father, thou King eternal, immortal, invisible, thou only wise God our Saviour; Hasten, we beseech thee, the coming upon earth of the kingdom of thy Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and draw the whole world of mankind into willing obedience to his blessed reign. Overcome all his enemies, and bring low every power that is exalted against him. Cast out all the evil things which cause wars and fightings among us, and let thy Spirit rule the hearts of men in righteousness and love. Repair the desolations of former days; rejoice the wilderness with beauty; and make glad the city with thy law. Establish every work that is founded on truth and equity, and fulfil all the good hopes and desires of thy people. Manifest thy will, Almighty Father, in the brotherhood of man, and bring in universal peace; through the victory of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A General Intercession (p.604)
O GOD, at whose word man goeth forth to his work and to his labour until the evening; Be merciful to all whose duties are difficult or burdensome, and comfort them concerning their toil. Shield, from bodily accident and harm, the workmen at their work. Protect the efforts of sober and honest industry, and suffer not the hire of the labourers to be kept back by fraud. Incline the heart of employers and of those whom they employ to mutual forbearance, fairness, and good-will. Give the spirit of governance and of a sound mind to all in places of authority. Bless all those who labour in works of mercy or in schools of good learning. Care for all aged persons, and all little children, the sick and the afflicted, and those who travel by land or by sea. Remember all who by reason of weakness are overtasked, or because of poverty are forgotten. Let the sorrowful sighing of the prisoners come before thee; and according to the greatness of thy power, preserve thou those who are appointed to die. Give ear unto our prayer, O merciful and gracious Father, for the love of thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Final segment below is the full Litany and the Lesser Litany for a comprehensive prayer vigil. In the Lesser Litany, there is a place where you can add the shorter, more specific prayers above at your discretion.
The Litany
or General Supplication
¶ To be used after the Third Collect at Morning or Evening Prayer; or before the Holy Communion; or separately.
¶ When used as a separate service, after the singing of a Hymn, the Minister shall say,
The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Minister. Let us pray.
¶ The four Suffrages following shall be said first by the Minister, with the people responding after him. And note, That the Suffrages may be said by the Minister and people together.
O God the Father, Creator of heaven and earth;
Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Son, Redeemer of the world;
Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O God the Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful;
Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
O holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, one God;
Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.
REMEMBER not against us, Lord, our offences, nor the offences of our forefathers; neither take thou vengeance of our sins: Spare us, good Lord, spare thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and be not angry with us for ever.
Spare us, good Lord.
FROM all evil and mischief; from sin; from the crafts and assaults of the devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all blindness of heart; from pride, vainglory, and hypocrisy; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all inordinate and sinful affections; and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From lightning and tempest; from earthquake, fire, and flood; from plague, pestilence, and famine; from battle and murder, and from sudden death,
Good Lord, deliver us.
From all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebellion; from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism; from hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and Commandment,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation; by thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation,
Good Lord, deliver us.
By thine Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and Passion; by thy precious Death and Burial; by thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension; and by the Coming of the Holy Ghost,
Good Lord, deliver us.
In all time of our tribulation; in all time of our prosperity; in the hour of death, and in the day of judgement,
Good Lord, deliver us.
WE sinners do beseech thee to hear us, O Lord God; and that it may please thee to rule and govern thy holy Church universal in the right way;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee so to rule the heart of thy servant, the President of the United States, that he may above all things seek thine honour and glory;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
¶ Or, in the parishes of Canada,
That it may please thee so to rule the heart of thy servant, our Queen, that she may above all things seek thine honour and glory;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bless and preserve all Christian Rulers and Magistrates, giving them grace to execute justice, and to maintain truth;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to illuminate all Bishops, Presbyters, and Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding of thy Word; and that both by their preaching and living they may set it forth, and show it accordingly;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to send forth labourers into thy harvest;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bless and keep all thy people;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give to all nations unity, peace, and concord;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us an heart to love and fear thee, and diligently to live after thy commandments;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give to all thy people increase of grace to hear meekly thy Word, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to bring into the way of truth all such as have erred, and are deceived;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to strengthen such as do stand; and to comfort and help the weak-hearted; and to raise up those who fall; and finally to beat down Satan under our feet;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to succour, help, and comfort, all who are in danger, necessity, and tribulation;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to preserve all who travel by land, by water, or by air, all women in child-birth, all sick persons, and young children; and to show thy pity upon all prisoners and captives;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to defend, and provide for, the fatherless children, and widows, and all who are desolate and oppressed;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to have mercy upon all men;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so that in due time we may enjoy them;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
That it may please thee to give us true repentance; to forgive us all our sins, negligences, and ignorances; and to endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit to amend our lives according to thy holy Word;
We beseech thee to hear us, good Lord.
Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world;
Grant us thy peace.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world;
Have mercy upon us.
O Christ, hear us.
O Christ, hear us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
¶ Then shall the Minister, and the people with him, say the Lord’s Prayer.
¶ On Ash Wednesday, all that follows may be omitted up to the Prayer, We humbly beseech thee, O Father, etc.; after which may be read the Commination or the Penitential Office.
OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Lesser Litany
¶ The Minister may, at his discretion, begin the Litany here, or omit all that follows, to the Prayer, We humbly beseech thee, O Father, etc.
Minister. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
Answer. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.
O GOD, merciful Father, who despisest not the sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such as are sorrowful; Mercifully assist our prayers which we make before thee in all our troubles and adversities, whensoever they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that those evils which the craft and subtilty of the devil or man worketh against us, may, by thy good providence, be brought to nought; that we thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thy Name’s sake.
O GOD, we have heard with our ears, and our fathers have declared unto us, the noble works that thou didst in their days, and in the old time before them.
O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us for thine honour.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
From our enemies defend us, O Christ.
Graciously look upon our afflictions.
With pity behold the sorrows of our hearts.
Mercifully forgive the sins of thy people.
Favourably with mercy hear our prayers.
O Son of David, have mercy upon us.
Both now and ever vouchsafe to hear us, O Christ.
Graciously hear us, O Christ; graciously hear us, O Lord Christ.
O Lord, let thy mercy be showed upon us;
As we do put our trust in thee.
WE humbly beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look upon our infirmities; and for the glory of thy Name, turn from us all those evils that we most justly have deserved; and grant, that in all our troubles we may put our whole trust and confidence in thy mercy, and evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of living, to thine honour and glory; through our only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
¶ Here… may be added other Prayers from this Book, or may be read the Commination or the Penitential Office.
A Prayer of St. Chrysostom
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting. Amen.
2 Corinthians 13:14
THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.
¶ Here ends the Litany
Katherine Parker
Kat the Wonk
Recent Comments