This prayer is abridged from a prayer composed by Archbishop Carroll, A.D. 1800, for the United States of America…
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 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 a faithful execution in the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of the 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 blessings of equal liberty. Amen.
We add, as a family, this additional prayer…
You are my king, and we ask that you give us the graces that we need, to do your will and not mine, and may we be open to your graces, both in mind and heart, to serve you well in this life and to be happy with you in the next. St. Joseph…guide us.