A Prayer of Gratitude and Protection
Eddie Rickenbacker and two companions were rescued from a rubber raft after twenty-one days at sea. Their initial food supply was four oranges. “Frankly and humbly,” says Rickenbacker, “we prayed for our deliverance. Within an hour after our prayers, a seagull landed on my head. That seagull kept us alive.”
O Lord, I thank thee for the strength and blessings though hast given me, and even though I have walked through the valley of the shadow of death, I feared no evil, for thy rod and thy staff comforted me event unto the four corners of the world. I have sinned, O Lord, but through thy mercy thou hast shown me the light of thy saving grace.
In thy care we are entrusting our boys and girls in the Services scattered throughout the entire world, and we know that in thee they are finding their haven of hope. Be with our leaders, O Lord; give them wisdom to lead until that day, be with those at home—strengthen them for whatever may lie ahead. Be with our enemies, O Lord, and through the light of thy divine grace, may they reconsecrate themselves to thy service as we are reconsecrating ourselves, so all peoples of the world will sign in unison “Glory to God in the Highest,” as only through thee can we realize our hopes for peace everlasting. In Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.
Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Prayer Book 1944
Defend Us Thy Humble Servants
O God, who art the author of peace, and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies, that we surely trusting in thy defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer 1785, for King’s Chapel
Let the Light of Thy Divine Wisdom…
“We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgement decreed, assist with They Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.” – John Carroll, 1791
John Carroll was the third son of Irishman Daniel Carroll and Eleanor Darnall. He grew and began a long study in philosophy and theology in Liége, which is now the capital of a province with the same name in Belgium. After 14 years at Liége, in 1769, he was ordained a priest.
In 1776, he joined a committy composed of Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Chase. They travelled to Canada, seeking neutrality during the War of Independence, and although it was denied, it was considered a great honor and caused Carroll to gain interest in the New World.
In 1788, twenty four out of twenty five priests voted in favor of Carroll stepping up to become bishop. The Pope, Pius the VI, appointed him in accordance to their votes. He became archbishop in 1808, thus becoming the first archbishop appointed in the States. As one of such high standing within the Roman Catholic church, he was asked to lay down the cornerstone of the Washington Monument in Baltimore, but he had to decline, due to issues of health. His health continued failing him, until November 22nd, when he breathed his last. After the funeral procession and burial, a number of Baltimore papers wrote articles in memory of him, and many other men were able to articulate how Carroll touched their lives, inspired them, and impressed upon them the importance of the life of such a great, influential man. The men who spoke so highly of him, one being Reverend Doctor C.I. White, did not only focus on his life, however. They also made it very clear that the gates of Heaven opened to him on the day of his departure.
“In him religion assumed its most attractive and amiable form, and his character conciliated for the body over which he presided, respect and consideration from the liberal, the enlightened of all ranks and denominations; for they saw that his life accorded with the benign doctrines of that religion which he professed. In controversy he was temperate yet compelling, considerate yet uncompromising.” – A Baltimore paper, on his funeral.
George Washington’s Prayer for the U.S.
Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in
Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of
subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for
one another and for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large. Amen.
George Washington
Prayer after his Inauguration
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Prayer Book, 1944
From “Endowed by Their Creator”
Keep Me From Bitterness
Keep me from bitterness. It is so easy
To nurse sharp bitter thoughts each dull dark hour!
Against self-pity, Man of sorrows, defend me,
With Thy deep sweetness and Thy gentle power.
And out of all this hurt of pain and heartbreak
Help me to harvest a new sympathy
For suffering human kind, a wiser pity
For those who lift a heavier cross with Thee…
Amen.
Anonymous
Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Prayer Book 1944
From “Endowed by Their Creator”: A Collection of Historic American Military Prayers 1774-Present