Prayers for all Occasions, Needs, and Intentions

BLESSINGS FOR PERSONS, PLACES AND THINGS

Never pay back one wrong with another, or an angry word with another one; instead, pay back with a blessing. That is what you are called to do, so that you inherit a blessing yourself. (1 Peter 3:9) 

In March 1972, the Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship summarized its thoughts on blessings:

Blessings obtain certain spiritual effects. They bless men and things, or pray for men and their needs.

The first element in a blessing is thanksgiving and praise toward God (as in the berakah prayers used over bread and wine during the preparation of the gifts at Mass).

A blessing recognizes and proclaims that creation is good, and that our Creator looks after us in his providential love. When man gives thanks at various moments in his life, he recognizes and professes that all things have been made by God and come to us from him.

The use of blessings should increase in the lives of Christians; we ought to continue to advert to God and to his constant guidance of the universe. To help bring this about, it is good to extend the use of blessings to lay persons, especially blessings which belong to their daily life and work.

Blessings which belong directly to worship are reserved for use by an ordained minister.    

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Blessing of Love (Attributed to St. Francis)

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is discord, union;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light; 

Where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. 

Prayers for Peace

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

God our Father, you reveal that those who work for peace will be called your sons. Help us to work without ceasing for that justice which brings true and everlasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God, Creator of the world, you established the order which governs all ages. Hear our prayer and give us peace in our time that we may rejoice in your mercy and praise you without end. We ask this through Jesus, your Son and our Lord. Amen.

God of perfect peace, neither violence nor cruelty can be a part of you. May those who are at peace with one another hold fast to the good will that unites them. May those who are enemies forget their hatred and be healed. Grant this peace to all men throughout the world. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, we praise you; bring peace into the world by bringing your peace into the hearts of men. Help us to turn away from sin, and to follow you in love and service. Glory and honor be yours forever and ever. Amen.

Thanksgiving

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Father of all gifts, we praise you, the source of all we have and are. Teach us to acknowledge always the good things your infinite love has given us. Help us to love you with all our hearts and all our strength as our expression of thanksgiving for your many blessings. Fill our hearts with this spirit of gratitude. Amen.

Father of mercy, we thank you for your kindness and ask you to free us from all evil that we may serve you with generous hearts and in happiness all our days. Make us always aware of your mercies that with truly thankful hearts, we may make known your praise by giving wholeheartedly of ourselves, and by true holiness of lives all honor and glory will be yours throughout all ages. Amen.

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all men. We bless you for our creation and all the blessings of this life, but above all, for your incomparable and undying love in the redemption of the world by your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving kindness to us and to all men, particularly our families, friends and loved ones.

We thank you for all the blessings of this life, our disappointments and failures, but above all, for your incomparable love in the redemption of the world, through your Son Jesus Christ, and for the means of grace and the hope of glory.

Make us always aware of your mercies, so that with thankful hearts we may make known your praise, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving of ourselves to your service. May others see you in us by the charity and holiness of our lives.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, so that we can know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, we may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

For Our Fellowmen

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, you have made us in your likeness and redeemed us through your Son Jesus Christ. Look with compassion on all of our fellowmen throughout the world. Take away arrogance and hatred from our hearts. Bless us abundantly, so that in your good time all nations and peoples may serve you in peace and harmony here and around your heavenly throne. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grace at Meals

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Bless us, 0 Lord, and these your gifts which we are about to receive from your bounty and goodness through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Father, make us grateful for all your mercies and make us ever mindful of the needs of others, especially those less fortunate and blessed. Amen.

Lord God, King of the universe, you give us food to sustain our lives and bless us in so many ways. Help us never to forget your love and providential care. Amen.

Father in heaven, we praise you for giving us your Son to be our Savior and Lord. Bless us as we gather together and let us always live in your love. Fill our hearts with a deep spirit of love. Hear our prayer, loving Father, for we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Blessed be your name, our God and our Provider, for the gifts of this nation, this land, and for our table. Bring us together in this sharing. Like the supper of Jesus, let this occasion nourish us with faith in you, with care for one another, and with food to give us pleasure and to make us strong. We know that we dare thank you only if our sharing reaches out to all in need. Amen.

Greek Orthodox: Blessed be God, who in his mercy nourishes us from his bounteous gifts by his grace and compassion. 0 Christ, our God, bless the meat and drink of which we are about to partake, for you are holy forever. Amen.

Protestant: Bless, O Lord, this food for our use, and us for your service, and make us ever mindful of the needs of others, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Jewish: Lift up your hands toward the sanctuary and bless the Lord. Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen.

For Our Enemies

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God of all mankind, whose Son commands us to love those who hate us, hear our prayers for our enemies. Deliver them and us from deeds beneath the dignity of man whom you have redeemed. Turn us from our evil ways by removing hatred, cruelty and revenge from our hearts. Let others see Christ in us, and that we reflect his love in every thought, word and action. Amen.

For the Church

(May be used for the diocese and the parish.)

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Gracious Father, hear our prayers for your holy Catholic Church. Fill it with truth and keep it in your peace. Strengthen and confirm its members, and grant them every blessing that they be of one heart and one mind. Where it is in error, correct it. Where it is in want, provide for it. Where it is divided, reunite it. Where it is right, strengthen and defend it. We ask this for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

O God, sustain your Church as it faces new tasks in the distress and confusions of this rapidly changing world. Let your Holy Spirit guide our Holy Father the Pope, our bishops and our priests with sound judgment, convictions and the strength to persevere in being bold witness to your kingdom on earth. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Church Unity

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, “Peace I give you; my own peace I leave with you.” Regard not our sins, but the faith of your Church. Take away all hatred and prejudice and whatever else may hinder us from unity. May we all be of one heart and one soul united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and love, so that we may with one mind and one tongue sing out your glory. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Our Country

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, we humbly thank you for this good land which you have given us for our inheritance. We pray that we may always prove honest labor. Save us from violence, discord and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Preserve and increase our liberties, and fashion into one united nation this people of many races and tongues. Fill with the spirit of wisdom those to whom we entrust the authority of government, that they may seek justice and peace. In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness and in time of trouble, do not allow our trust and hope in you to fail. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.              

For Civil Authorities

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O Lord, the whole world is full of your glory. We commend our country to your merciful care, that we may follow your guidance and live in peace. Give to the President of these United States (or governor of this state, etc.), and to all authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your holy will. Fill them with the love of truth, honesty and righteousness. Make them always remember that they are your servants called to lead and serve this nation (or state, etc.) in the fear of your righteous judgments. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and governs with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

For Congress or a State Legislature

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, the source of all wisdom, whose statutes are good and gracious, and whose law is truth, guide and direct our senators and congressmen (or state legislature, etc.), that by just and prudent laws, they may promote the well-being of all our people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, our Father, you have charged us with the task of building on this earth a home where all the nations dwell in unity, liberty and justice.

We pray for strength and purpose to make officers in every branch of government accountable to all the people, fulfilling roles of service and responsibility, that they may seek justice and protect the weak and lead us in constructing institutions for our peace and mutual aid. Amen. 

For Social Justice

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you have created us in your own image. Grant us strength and courage to fearlessly contend against evil, that we may rightly use our freedom and have strong convictions to be counted when we are put to the test. Help us employ the principles of freedom and Christian ideals in the struggle for justice among men and nations, to the glory of your holy name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O Lord, your holy and life-giving Spirit that every human heart may be moved and promoted to break through the barriers that divide the peoples of our land. Destroy the spirit of hatred; and may suspicions disappear and hatreds cease, so that we may live in justice and peace for which Christ gave his life that all men would be saved. Amen.

In the midst of our complex and hurried lives, our Father, remind us of our simple roots. We have to carry about so much and manage so many things, that we dare not be distracted by our neighbor. If we do not reach out to others, it is not because we do not want to, but because our arms are tired from grasping, holding, keeping all the good things we possess. Lighten our load, so that we may learn to share; and help us learn to share, so that our load may be lightened. Amen. 

For Those in the Armed Forces

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we commend to your gracious and protective care and benevolent keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your guiding hand and heavenly grace; encourage them and strengthen them in their trials, temptations and discouragements; grant them your abiding presence wherever they may be. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.                               

Blessing of a School

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, sanctify, we implore you, this building meant for the education of children. Pour into it the richness of your blessing and peace. Nurture your children with Christian ideals. Enlighten with your wisdom those who teach and those who learn, that rejoicing together in the knowledge of your truth, we may worship and serve you from generation to generation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Schools and Colleges

O God, the source of all truth, behold with your gracious favor our schools and colleges that knowledge and wisdom may be increased among us. Bless all who teach and all who learn, that their minds will be open to the truths of Christian ideals and principles. Bless both teacher and student that they may ever look to you their God, the source of all truth, and accept your teachings in genuine humility of heart. Amen. 

Blessing for an Elderly Person

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Father in heaven, remember those who have grown old in your love and service. Bless them and give them strength; keep them in your love. Give them your joy and peace each day, so that they may always follow your Son Jesus. Amen. 

For the Sick

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Father, your Son accepted our sufferings to teach us the virtue of patience in human illness. Hear the prayers we offer for our sick friends and relatives. May all who suffer from disease or painful lingering sicknesses realize that they are chosen to be saints, and know that they are joined to Christ in his suffering for the salvation of the world, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Heavenly Father, our help in human weakness, show our sick and suffering friends the power of your loving care. Accept the prayers and gifts we offer for them. In your kindness make them well, and if it is your will, restore them to health and turn our society for them into joy. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Heavenly Father, your love guides every moment of our lives. Accept our prayers and petitions for our sick relative (or friend, etc.), N.; restore his (her) health and turn our anxiety for him (her) into joy. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Merciful Father, giver of life and health, bless N., your servant, and those who minister to him (her) your healing gifts that he (she) may be restored to complete health and render to you prayers and gratitude. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our only help in time of need and distress, we humbly beg you to relieve your sick servant for whom our prayers are offered. Look upon him (her) with your great mercy; comfort him (her) with a sense of your goodness; give him (her) patience in his (her) affliction. In your good time restore him (her) to health and enable him (her) to live the rest of his (her) life in your love and to your glory. Amen. 

For One About to Undergo an Operation

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, graciously comfort and encourage your servant in his (her) suffering and bless the means available for his (her) cure. Fill his (her) heart with absolute confidence in you and teach him (her) to put complete trust in your goodness and power. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Childbirth

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth. O Lord, be a tower of strength to your servant N., and send her aid from your holy place. Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things, you who are mighty and awe-inspiring, just and merciful, you alone are kind and loving. By the co-working of the Holy Spirit, you prepared the body and soul of the Virgin Mary to become a worthy home for your Son. Receive the sacrifice of your servant N. who humbly asks you for the welfare of the child you permitted her to conceive. May the hand of your mercy assist her delivery and may her child come to the light of day without harm, to serve you in all things and attain everlasting life. Through Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen. 

For the Poor and Neglected

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Most merciful God, help us to remember all poor and neglected persons, whom it would be so easy to forget: the homeless, the destitute, the aged and the sick,  particularly those who have no one to care for them. May your fatherly goodness rest upon them. Heal and comfort those who are broken in spirit and turn their sorrow into joy. Lift up the downhearted and cheer them with new hope. Keep them from being discouraged and help them from despairing. Grant this, our heavenly Father, for the love of your Son who, for our sake, became poor. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Those Who Mourn or Are Bereaved

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all comfort, look with pity on the sorrows of your afflicted servants. Remember them; nourish them with patience; comfort them with a sense of your goodness. Lift up their countenance as they cast their cares on you, so that they may know the genuine strength and consolation of your love. Amen.

Give an abundance of faith and courage to all who mourn, that they may have the required strength to face the days ahead with stead­fastness and patience, not sorrowing without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness and love in past years and a sure expectation of a joyful reunion with those they love. Amen.

Blessing in Time of Sorrow

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Blessed are you, Lord God, ruler of all creation. We praise you for the gifts you have bestowed upon us. Help us in this time of sorrow and distress. Strengthen us, for we entrust our lives and all that we do into your hands, our heavenly Father. Amen.

For Families

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God our Father, bind our families together. Banish anger and destroy bitterness within them; nourish forgiveness among them and develop a strong sense of peace. Bestow upon parents such wisdom and patience that they may greatly exercise the spirit of genuine Christ-like love and bring forth from their children their greatest virtues and the best that is in them. Instill in their children self-respect and right ideals, so that they may obey their parents and grow in their love and the joy of their companionship. Open ears to hear the truth another speaks; open eyes to see the reality beneath another’s appearance, and make family affection reflect the genuine sign of Christ’s love for all mankind. Amen. 

Blessing of a House *

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Peace to this house, and to all who enter here

Sprinkle me, O Lord, with blessed water, and I shall be purified; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Have mercy on me, O God, in your great mercy. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

* Conclude with any of the following:

O Lord, hear my prayer and let my cry come to you. The Lord be with you and with your spirit.

Come, Lord God, we humbly beg you, and fill this house with the serenity of your love, joy and peace. Shower your benediction and grace in abundance upon all who dwell herein. May the peace and bless­ing of almighty God rest upon this house and all who dwell in it. Amen.

Hear us, Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, and graciously send your holy angel from heaven to watch over, to cherish, to protect, to abide with, and to defend all who dwell in this house. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, you are acquainted with all our ways, preserve all in this house in their going out and their coming in. Give ear, Lord, to their prayers and with your grace protect them; pour forth blessings upon both their bodies and souls, that they may serve you in this life and in the world to come. Amen.

Blessed be your name, our God, our shelter from all that home­lessness and lack of place can mean. Blessed be your name, for you have sheltered us. Bless now this house, this dwelling place of life and love, for you alone assure the peace and strength, the care that covers all our differences. You make these rooms a source of confidence, of dignity and freedom, for the members of our family household, and therefore for our country and the world. Let your Spirit dwell in us and open us to all who need our hospitality and care. Amen.

O Lord God, you who have taught us that everything that we do, if not done in the spirit of charity and love, is worth nothing, give your blessing to this house, so that they who dwell therein may be knit together in true fellowship here upon earth and finally may be joined in the everlasting joy of heaven. Amen.

O God, the Creator of all things, whose blessed Son worked in the carpenter shop of Nazareth, be present with those who work in this house and grant that, laboring as true Christians, they may share in the joy of your creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O Lord, protect this house and let your holy angels dwell herein. May the Lord be with you always and remain ever with you. Heavenly Father, of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named, be present in this house, so that all who live here will be kindly disposed toward each other and may always find it a haven of blessing and peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Parental Blessing of a Child

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, bless N. and keep him (her) in your love and protection. Grant him (her) a good rest tonight (or a good day, a good journey, etc.) and send your angels to protect him (her). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

(The parent may make the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead or simply lay his hands on the child’s head in silence.) 

For Guidance

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Direct us, O Lord, in everything that we do with your most gracious fervor and continual help. Teach us to begin, continue and end all of our work under your guidance, so that we constantly glorify your name and finally obtain eternal life. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, guide our humble efforts to a right judgment in everything that we do, and dispel the ignorance of ungodly men by the light of your truth. In all our doubts, uncertainties and troubles, grant us your grace so that we may always seek your will and, being turned away from the ways of error, we may see the true light and be directed to you, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessing for a Good Harvest

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

There is a time to plant and a time to harvest, heavenly Father. Continue to bless, preserve and defend from every injury this harvest. We pray for an increase of the earth and the gathering of its fruits. Grant that we, having our desire for earthly needs fulfilled, may have a lively sense of your great mercy toward us, that we may serve you well, praise your goodness and mercy without ceasing and make such use of our temporal blessings so as not to lose our eternal goods. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.                                 

Blessing of the Hunt

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, our refuge and our strength, the source of all goodness, heed our prayers and grant that we fully obtain whatever we ask for in faith.

Almighty and everlasting God, you who helped the illustrious St. Anthony to emerge unscathed from the many temptations that beset him in this world, help us your servants to grow in virtue by his noble example.

Lord, bless the animals in this hunt to the benefit of their being, and by the intercession of St. Anthony deliver them from all and every evil. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

For Any Special Need 

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

God our Father, our strength in adversity, our health in weakness, our comfort in sorrow, be merciful to all of us who implore your help. Listen to our prayers, receive the gifts we offer, look kindly on our sufferings, turn away from us your anger, and shower your love upon us. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Merciful God, deepen our faith in you as Creator and Father of all. Fill our hearts with a spirit of peace and reconciliation. Let us be your instruments of peace and making all things in Christ. May we grow strong in your image through which we can spread your message of love and peace in our own community and throughout the world. Grant this through your Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Blessed are you, Father. Teach us to accept your holy will, and help us in our time of need. Praise to you, Lord God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you for all the many blessings you have bestowed upon us. Amen.                              

General Blessing 

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O Father, listen to our prayer, and guard your family with your care.

We pause amid our work to pray, and ask your blessing throughout this day.

Upon your Church your graces pour: Protect us now and evermore.

Deliver us from sin and sloth, and aid us in your Spirit’s growth.

May peace be given to all lands, and food to all with empty hands.

May all our words be for your praise, and lead us in salvation’s ways.

0 Father, may our work for you rebuild your Church and make it new.

We honor Son and Spirit, too: ALL glory, honor, praise to you. Amen. 

Prayer for Authorities (Traditionally Recited on Thanksgiving Day)

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

We ask you, almighty and eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed your glory to all the nations, that your Church, being spread throughout the whole world, may continue, with unchanging faith, in the confession of your name. We pray, O Lord, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted and judgment decreed, that you assist the President of the United States in his administration, that it may be conducted in righteousness, and that it may be eminently useful to your people, over whom he presides, by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by faithfully executing the nation’s laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of congress, and let it 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 the perpetuation to us of the blessings of equal liberty. Amen. 

For Peace Among Nations 

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, the Father of all men upon earth, most heartily we pray that you will keep your people from the cruelties of war, and lead all nations in the way of peace. Teach us to put away all bitterness and misunderstanding, so that we, with all our brethren, may be drawn together as one people and dwell evermore in the fellowship of the Prince of peace, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Almighty, ever-living God, it is you we praise for our nation’s years of life and growth. It is to your word we owe the founding fathers’ vision of liberty and justice for all. Make this our vision and our constant goal. Out of many nations, many people, you have made us one, though we are not yet one in our own hearts and deeds. May your Spirit heal all of our divisions and disunity. Help us to respect and prize and share with full acceptance the rich, various and different gifts of this great people, that we may work together for a common good. Amen.

Almighty, ever-living God, you alone are Lord. Before you, we and all our institutions, our nation and our government are modest creatures, bound by human limits, possessing fragile power. We give you thanks and praise you for our years as a nation, for the gifts of this land’s native people, for the vision and aspiration of the founders, for people from many countries who have here found a home and cherished liberty. Let your Spirit purify our love of country that it may be true, that it may face the evil in us without being diminished, caring for all that is good in our heritage, striving for all that is possible in our future. Heal the wounds that injustice, past and present, has inflicted. Lay low the barriers that it has built. Move us to find ways of sharing the resources of the world as sisters and as brothers, with liberty and justice for all people. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

God of all gifts, blessings we cannot remember, blessings we sometimes hardly sense: you have made us a people; you have given us a place. We praise you for everything that is true and beautiful about this nation, its places and its people. It is beyond our power to thank you fully. Father, for our rich variety of people and for nature’s abundant gifts. We can only exclaim our wonder, our joy, our feeling about the poverty that we would suffer it were not so. It is right to give you thanks and praise. Amen.

For Blessing of our Daily Work 

V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.

R. Who made heaven and earth.

V. The Lord be with you.

R. And also with you.

Let us pray.

O Lord, my God, Creator and Ruler of the universe, it is Your will that human beings accept the duty of work. May the work I do bring growth in this life to me and those I love and help to extend the Kingdom of Christ. Give all persons work that draws them to You and to each other in cheerful service.

I unite all my work with the sacrifice of Jesus in the Mass that it may be pleasing to You and give You glory. I beg Your blessing upon all my efforts. With St. Joseph as my example and guide, help me to do the work You have asked and come to the reward You have prepared. Amen.

Irish Blessing 

May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your field. May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

An Irish Blessing

May Christ give to you at this time and for always: His peace in your soul; His presence in your heart; His power in your life.   (top)