For those who thought Rick Warren’s invocation wasn’t ecumenical enough–how does this one from Washington D.C. Archbishop Donald Wuerhl from the National Prayer Service yesterday at the National Cathedral strike you?
Almighty God,
who has entrusted us with the care of this great land:We humbly ask that we may always prove ourselves
a people worthy of this trust and pleased to do your will.Bless our nation
with honorable industry, sound learning, and mutual respect.Save us from violence, discord, and confusion,
from arrogance and greed, and from every evil way.Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people
the multitudes brought from all the corners of the earth.Bestow the spirit of wisdom
on those to whom we grant the authority of government,
that there may be justice and peace at home.Through obedience to your law,
may we show forth your glory among the nations of the world.In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, strengthen our trust in you;
all this we ask in your holy Name.
Amen.
I’d quibble that it’s really not ecumenical since it’s adapted from The Book of Common Prayer–which is Christian and is used in most Episcopalian Churches. But I like the prayer nonetheless.
BTW–for the first time at the National Prayer Service yesterday a woman delivered a sermon! Namely,
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins summoned Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Cherokee sources among others.
Although Watkins began festively — ” ‘Mr. President.’ Has kind of a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” — she told Obama that the White House “will tend to draw you away from your ethical center. . . . In the days immediately before us, there will be much to draw us away from the grand work of loving God and the hard work of loving neighbor. In crisis times, a basic instinct seeks to take us over, a fight-flight instinct.”