Dear friends,

“Suffer not our trust in thee to fail.” BCP 820 for our Country

The horrifying and deeply troubling events witnessed yesterday are not cause for shame or despair. They are a clarion call to stay grounded in God’s gift of Eucharistic fellowship and recommit ourselves, heart, mind, body, and soul to the disciplines of Becoming Beloved Community:

  • Seek and speak truth with humility and love to all, careful to interrogate the sources, and with humble attention to our own complicity with evils we abhor;
  • Proclaim the dream and the vision of God’s kingdom, (not any kingdom of this world), in which all people are welcome as they are, and strive to embody that vision in our dealings with our neighbors and in whatever ways our circumstances allow;
  • Practice the way of love – repent of our own complicity in the alienation and violence on display yesterday, learn and share the truth, pray every day as Jesus taught us taking each petition to heart, worship every Sunday as a community mindful of the many different cultures, languages, and contexts in which our fellow Christians gather, go into daily life with the resolve to live the good news of God’s peace, bless others, including our enemies by living in charity with all, rest secure in the peace of God in Christ to guard our hearts and minds and souls unto eternal life regardless of trials and tribulations we sometimes endure;
  • Repair the breach in society and in our institutions – recommit to the institutions of church, family, and government which are the bedrock of our prosperity and peace. We need better institutions that are true to their principles, not weaker ones. Institutions governed by the rule of law and the Spirit of God, not by the cult and power of personality and narrow self-interest.

To help and focus your daily prayer over the next two weeks, please turn to the Book of Common Prayer and especially to these selections for our Country, our President and all in Civil Authority, and for Sound Government grounded in an educated people. And may the peace of Christ which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.

With gratitude and love,
Tuck+

18. For our Country
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.
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this Commonwealth, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

20. For Congress or a State Legislature
O God, the fountain of wisdom, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth: We beseech thee so to guide and bless our Senators and Representatives in Congress assembled, that they may enact such laws as shall please thee, to the glory of thy Name and the welfare of this people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, who sittest in the throne judging right: We humbly beseech thee to bless the courts of justice and the magistrates in all this land; and give unto them 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 our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
The responses in italics may be omitted.
O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.
Lord, keep this nation under your care.
To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.
And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-being of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen.