Today in America

About eight o’clock this morning, Vice President Joe Biden will take the oath of office. At 11:55 in the White House, according to the timeline calendar on the web, Barack Obama will be officially sworn in for his second term as President of the United States. We are blessed to have a president who cries when children are murdered, as he did last month. May he, and we, never face that again.

In our Scripture this morning we will be reading from First Corinthians 12, Saint Paul talking about spiritual gifts. A collect from our 1928 Book of Common Prayer seems especially suited to this day that is so important in the life of the nation.

O LORD, our heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth; Most heartily we beseech thee, with thy favour to behold and bless thy servant THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED SATES, and all others in authority; and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may always incline to thy will, and walk in thy way. Endue them plenteously with heavenly gifts; grant them in health and prosperity long to live; and finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In a time, which tragically has become not only a time but an age of great divisiveness in our land, we might also offer this prayer, and that fervently, even desperately 

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 favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, 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 multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Amen, amen.

Amen.

TW+