Catholic Prayer for Our Country: Archbishop Carroll’s Prayer for America, and Prayers for Elections and Leaders

Lord God, bless our country.
Give our leaders wisdom, justice and courage,
protect the life and dignity of every person,
heal our divisions, and make us one people under you.
Mary, conceived without sin, patroness of the United States, pray for us. Amen.

We pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.

We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop N.N., the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own bishop, N.N. (or, if he be not consecrated, our bishop-elect); all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.

We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the 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 a 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.

We pray for his Excellency, the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men:
For kings, and for all that are in high station: that we may lead a quiet and a peaceable life in all piety and chastity.

Holy Spirit, enlighten the voters of our country.
Help us to form our consciences by the truth,
to vote for the common good, for the protection of human life and the dignity of every person,
and to accept the results in peace and charity.
Give wisdom to those who will be elected, and keep our nation united. Amen.

Lord, bless the President, the members of Congress, our governors, judges and all who govern.
Give them humility, honesty and wisdom,
help them to seek justice and the good of all, especially the poor and the weak,
and protect them from harm. Amen.

Prince of Peace, heal the anger and division in our country.
Teach us to listen, to disagree with respect and to love our neighbor,
and make us instruments of your peace. Amen.

Lord, we thank you for the gift of freedom and for all who built and defended our country.
Help us to use our liberty for what is good and true,
and never to forget that every right comes from you. Amen.

Lord, grant eternal rest to the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Comfort their families, and grant us a just and lasting peace. Amen.