Prayers for Our Country, the United States of America to America the Beautiful

Heavenly Father, You are the real foundation of nations, raising them up
to serve and care for the people dwelling in their boundaries.
I thank You for making me a citizen of this land of freedom
and unlimited opportunity---which are the result of its Christian base.
Send forth your Spirit to this country and make it a source of wisdom
and strength, order and integrity throughout the world. Amen.

Prayer for Civil Authority

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the universe, look with mercy on those who rule
over us. Grant to our President and his administration the grace to know
and do your will. Let them serve all their subjects in truth and righteousness.
Inspire our Congressmen with the courage to make laws for the good of all
rather than the few. Give our Judges your Spirit of wisdom and understanding
that they may discern the truth and impartially administer the law.
And let all the people pitch in to make our way of government
continue to work. Amen.

Prayer for Wise Governance

Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the democracy alive in our country and for the freedom to worship You.
Help the elected government and all in positions of power and authority to govern wisely and for the common
good of all. Amen.

~~ Harvey Barnes

Prayer for Our President

O Jesus, in Your Holy Name, I lift up our president to You. I know that our leader's heart is in Your Hand, so I ask You to guide the head of our nation in the way You would have him go. Lord, I pray that You would surround our president with wise counsel--men and women of moral integrity who place Your agenda and the good of this great nation above their own and whose motives are for that which is right.
I pray that You would give our leader discernment, understanding, and knowledge so that our country may know stability internally and abroad. I give You thanks for our president according to Your Word, and thank You for working in and through his leadership so that we might lead peaceable lives in godliness and honesty. Amen.

For our Legislators

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in the mighty name of Jesus, thanking You and praising You for our great nation. I thank You for the plan You gave to our forefathers by which to govern our nation and for the division of powers so that our destiny does not rest in the hands of one person.
In praying for those in authority, I therefore lift up our Congress and Senate to You. I pray that by Your Holy Power, our legislative bodies would make laws that are just.
Father, I ask You to give them wisdom to make decisions that would strengthen and prosper our nation. I desire that they would make right decisions concerning the politics, the social welfare, and the economics of our country. I pray that they will be motivated by Your Hand and not their own personal concerns. Amen.

Decisions in Times of National Crisis

O Lord, I humbly pray that You direct the leaders of this great nation now in this time of crisis. Grant them wisdom and understanding, and help them to respond quickly and effectively to this situation. Direct them that they may do what is right in Your sight. May they follow Your Divine Will to lead our nation on the paths of peace and safety.
Unite all response agencies in an organized and harmonious fashion to bring quick and effective resolve to the demands of this crisis. Empower us as United States citizens to do our own part, financially, physically, emotionally, and spiritually to support all who have been affected by this tragedy.
O Lord, I pray that You encourage and strengthen our nation. Surround us with Your Love and Mercy! Bring peace and comfort to all those who are suffering as a result of this crisis. In Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

For a Better Economy

O God, I pray in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, for our country's economy. I know that even more than a strong military, a strong economy helps keep a nation powerful. Father, I ask that You would raise up people of skill and wisdom who will affect our financial future. Give them inspired ideas and a voice with the powers that be. Cause Congress to vote aright in these matters. Give them foresight so that provision might be made for our nation's future, not just its present.
Father, as the people continue to finance the spread of Your Word and help the poor all over the world, I pray that You would continue to prosper us more and more so that we may continue to assist others less fortunate, in this country and across the globe. Amen.

For our Supreme Court Justices

O Lord, I bring our Supreme Court Justices before You. Knowing that they are appointed by man, I pray that You will influence the selection of each new replacement. Guide them to choose people who will judge morally in every matter brought before them.
As our Justices make their decisions, I pray that their decrees are in accord with Your Will, not that of man. Help them set a standard of justice and balance for the judicial office at large, not only on a national level, but for every adjudicator in our nation. Amen.

For Good Foreign Relations

O my Jesus, I pray for the international relations of my nation, because our global influence has allowed us into other countries to spread Your Holy Word in the past. I pray that those You raise up would give favor and offer safety to the missionaries in their respective nations.
Raise up wise men and women to fill our diplomatic corps, persons of skill, morals, and understanding in foreign affairs and in the affairs of state. Grant safety to our embassy personnel in every foreign land so they will be able to maintain good relations in their posts, and so that even our enemies will be at peace with them. I ask that Your Hand would be with our diplomats to such a degree that even the most fanatical of our enemies would fear attacking our embassies and their personnel. Rather, Lord, let our enemies begin to see the United States as an ensign of peace to the world and realize that living in peace is preferable to living in fear and bondage.
Send Your Holy Spirit to alert our personnel of any potential attacks, and give them the power to quell them before they happen. Keep them always in the safety of Your Arms. Amen.

For a Moral Nation

O Heavenly Father, I know that the spirit of worldliness can creep into the Body of Christ very subtly, and before we know it, we can so easily be led astray. I pray You send Your Holy Spirit upon us, so that a moral, Christian voice can be heard and heeded by our leaders and the media. Cause us, as Christians, to become the standard bearers to such a degree that we can profoundly affect the morality of this nation. Turn our people's hearts to You. Open our eyes that we may see the error of our ways. Gather all Christians, Catholic and Protestant, together so that we form a united front against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Disarm the evildoers, leaving them powerless and not in control of our great nation. Inspire our media--television, newscasters, reporters, filmmakers, and celebrities--to promote a truly moral social justice and morally righteous entertainment and fashion. Be our strength when we are tempted to succumb to worldy things and ways. Help us to lead our lives all for the greater honor and glory of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Harmony Among Races

Dear Father, I realize that racial enmity came as a result of the Fall. Truly, we do not even know the ethnicity of Adam, except that he was Your creation, a child of God. It is from his seed that all humanity proceeded. I pray that there would be such a move of Your Spirit in our nation that our oneness is Jesus Christ would positively influence relations between races. I desire that this begin in the Body of Christ and spread throughout every community in our country. May it affect every ethnic group and cross every racial barrier. I pray that when we look at those from another culture, we won't see them as people of another color, but that we will see them through the eyes of love as You see them--as people created in Your own image. Remind us all of the Golden Rule. Let us embrace one another as members of the one Body of Christ. Amen.

National Protection

Most High God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus, asking for divine protection for the people of this country. I pray for the safety of every man, woman, and child. Keep us from harms way and provide protection from plans of destruction that our enemies have plotted. Stop their plans before they are evoked. Give wisdom, understanding and discernment to those who provide us protection. Help us to be watchful and alert to signs of wrongdoing. Please provide insight to national and local authorities on ways to guard, defend, and insure the safety of all American citizens both home and abroad. Helps us to unite with government leaders and law enforcement personnel in making this country a safe place to live, work, and play. Allow Americans to enjoy our freedom without fear. Amen.

Protection from Terrorism

Father, I pray You prevent the destructive forces of terrorism directed against our nation. Provide protection from evil attacks and stop the aggressors that attempt to bring destruction to our nation and its people. May Your Hand of protection keep us safe.
I stand against the spirit of fear that accompanies the cowardice acts of terrorism. Allow our fear to turn to trust in You. May knowledge of terrorist planned attacks be revealed to those who provide our national and international security. Help those in power to act swiftly to avert all danger, protecting American lives and property.
Lord, provide strength, courage, and wisdom to our protectors. Give wisdom and insight to our government and everyone involved in the elimination of terrorism. Provide instruction in the development of effective and efficient anti-terrorist strategies that will give us an advantage against our aggressors, allowing this country to remain safe and secure.
I also pray that You enter the hearts of the instigators of terrorism, so they recognize the evil of their ways, and repent and denounce their cowardice acts of destruction against humanity. Without repentance, may they reap the consequences of their actions through Your Divine Justice. May the fear of our retaliation be greater than their hatred of democracy. Guide us in efforts to seek out and erradicate these merchants of death. Reveal to us the names of those responsible and in allegiance with terrorist organizations. Enable our military to become swift, powerful, and accurate in any action of retaliation. Help them keep the innocent safe as they stop these evil people.
Lord, help us to understand lifestyle changes that might be necessary to ensure our protection. Grant patience and tolerance to us in adapting to the safety precautions and measure that we might experience. Enable us to realize that the cost of inconvenience is a small price to pay for the safety of our families. Amen.

Prayer for Offering the Daily Rosary
for the United States of America

Immaculate Mother, Patroness of the United States of America, I offer to you this rosary with all my love on behalf of my homeland, consecrated to your Immaculate Conception and so loved by you.
You appeared at Fatima and Pontevedra as Our Lady of the Rosary, and asked us to pray the rosary every day and to make reparation for the sins which pierce your Immaculate Heart. You promised that if we do what you ask, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.
With confidence in your maternal love and your most powerful intercession before the throne of God, I offer this rosary in reparation to your Immaculate Heart for the sins by which it is pierced by the people of my country. In return, I beg you to obtain for America, through the Sacred Heart of your Divine Son, forgiveness for the sins of its people, the grace of true repentance, the gift of true peace, and the fulfillment of God's plan for our nation for the salvation of souls and the spread of Christ's kingdom on earth. I offer this rosary and make this intention in union with the Guardian Angel of the American People and all who join in this National Rosary Crusade, for the glory of God and the honor of your Immaculate Heart. Amen.

Consecration of America for U.S.Catholic Bishops Meeting

Immaculate Mary, most Holy Mother of God and of Our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, we the people of the United States of America at this historic
moment stand before you in a humbled condition of love, loyalty, affection,
and thankfulness. To your Immaculate Heart we recommit and dedicate
ourselves throughout the entire American nation. To your Son Jesus Christ we
pledge to serve His teaching, His church, and to work for His kingdom on
earth. O Mary, to you do we flee for protection. Surround the American
family with your maternal care; enfold us in your arms. Give to this
American land, built on the blood and tears of so many faithful forebears, a
peaceful and praiseworthy existence in truth, love, justice, and freedom. O
Mary, we submit to you as the Patroness of our beloved country. O Mary, Help
of Christians, enfold the Holy Father and the Catholic Church within your
protective cloak; be our shield in the days ahead. Give to the Church true
holiness and freedom. Obtain for our leaders holy zeal, the ability to face
the truth, and the courage to correct all abuses. Stop the flood of atheism,
greed, heresy, impurity, lukewarmness, materialism, and selfishness that
threaten our nation. Show to those who have strayed from the Church the way
to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Mother of God, accept our personal consecration to
you and, through you, bind us forever to the Holy Trinity. Gather us all
into your Immaculate Heart and unite us forever with Jesus.
O Mary, we love you. Amen.

An Act of Consecration for the U.S.

Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in heaven, Who chose Mary as the fairest of Your daughters; Holy Spirit, Who chose Mary as Your spouse; God the Son, Who chose Mary as Your mother; in union with Mary, we adore Your majesty and acknowledge Your supreme eternal dominion and authority.
Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to You. Through her we wish to thank You for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage. Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our President and all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the innocence of our children. Grant the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother Mary, have mercy on the sick, the poor, the tempted, sinners--on all who are in need.
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, Our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from every harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to you will and the Will of your Divine Son, Jesus, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.

God our Father, Giver of life, we entrust the United States of America to Your loving care. You are the rock on which this nation was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell among Your people. Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our nation's leaders. Open their minds to the great worth of human life and the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your Holy Will.
Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our land, grant us the courage to reject the "culture of death." Lead us into this new millenium of life. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Prayer for America

God of our Fathers, Shepherd of Thy people, Lord of free men's souls,
bless Thou our nation with a valiant, Godly spirit, with a vision to see, with the courage to try,
with the power to achieve, that, marching behind Thee, Thy people shall not perish.
God, bless our America! Hear our prayer for our united peoples, grant guidance to our leaders,
protection to our sons, and teach each of us Thy way of life in good will and peace. Amen.

~~by Cardinal Francis Spellman

Prayer for the Nation

Almighty God, You have given us this good land for our heritage. We humbly ask You that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Your favor and glad to do Your will. Bless our land with honorable endeavor, sound learning and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitude brought here out of many nations and tongues. Endow with the Spirit of wisdom those to whom in Your Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Your law we may show forth Your praise among the nations on earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble do not allow our trust in You to fail. Amen.

~~ by Thomas Jefferson, taken from "Prayers for Today," published by Leaflet Missal Co.

The Touch Of God Upon Our Nation

Most Precious Lord Jesus, Gentle And Wonderful God, Truly Awesome And Ever-present Holy Spirit, I love You, Lord Jesus. Please bless this nation in which I live. Please pour out Your Spirit upon this nation's people and upon its leaders. Our nation has had times of trial and times of blessing. At this moment, we are facing grave dangers and trials we have not seen in generations. Because of this dark hour in our nation's history, I seek Your Touch upon this nation and its citizens. Touch the heart of every man, woman, and child who lives within our borders. O Lord, open our heart to You and to Your Love. O Lord, open our heart to You and to Your Will for our people. Protect us from the looming darkness that threatens us. Protect us from the evil that lurks about both from within and from without. Protect our people. Protect our leaders. Inspire in all of us, the desire to do Your Will and only Your Will. Keep us on our knees before Your Cross. May Your Touch open the floodgates of our creative spirit, our imagination, our inventiveness, our growth, and our unlimited hope for the future. Inspire in us a heart to turn from every corruption. Inspire in us a heart to turn from every temptation. Inspire in us a heart to do and live only Your Will each day. All these things I humbly pray in the Name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon Whom I can rely. Amen.

Please Pray For Catholic Relief Services

It is not just our nation, but all of humanity who suffers in the aftermath of September 11th. In the coming days of healing and prayer, while You are remembering those who grieve and supporting those who lead us, please do not forget "the least of them," especially the children around the globe for whom every day is a battle.

Please pray that God will hold them near in His embrace of safety and love and protection.

And pray, too, that He will lead a multitude of compassionate hearts to share their blessings with Catholic Relief Services, so they may help deliver hope in His Name.

Catholic Relief Services
209 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3443

05/30/2011

Many of these prayers were taken from "Pray for Our Nation," published by Harrison House, © 1999.