God of all nations, Father of the human family, we give you thanks for the freedom we exercise and the many blessings of democracy we enjoy in these United States of America.
We ask for your protection and guidance for all who devote themselves to the common good, working for justice and peace at home and around the world.
We lift up all our duly elected leaders and public servants, those who will serve us as president, as legislators and judges, those in the military and law enforcement. Heal us from our differences and unite us, O Lord, with a common purpose, dedication, and commitment to achieve liberty and justice in the years ahead for all people, and especially those who are most vulnerable in our midst.
As we complete the stressful election cycle in the United States, let’s remember and be thankful that Christ offers us peace. Through Him by accepting reality and seeking wisdom, we walk the path of serenity.
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace. Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen
We have exercised our right to vote for a leader of our nation and to have our voices heard with our ballot. What a gift to have the freedom to do so. Despite our politics and our agreement with the elected candidate, it is our duty to be united for the health of our country. Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit to guide our leader!
We pray O God of might, wisdom and justice, through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with your 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 your 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.
O God, we acknowledge You today as Lord, Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.
We thank You for the privilege Of being able to organize ourselves politically And of knowing that political loyalty Does not have to mean disloyalty to You.
We thank You for Your law, Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged And recognized as higher than any human law.
We thank You for the opportunity that this election year puts before us, To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote, But to influence countless others to vote, And to vote correctly.
Lord, we pray that Your people may be awakened. Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation, Their response to You requires that they be politically active.
Awaken Your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world But rather a community of faith renewing the world.
Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to You in prayer Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth; That the same eyes that read Your Word Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot, And that they do not cease to be Christians When they enter the voting booth.
Awaken Your people to a commitment to justice, To the sanctity of marriage and the family, To the dignity of each individual human life, And to the truth that human rights begin when Human Lives Begin, And not one moment later.
Lord, we rejoice today That we are citizens of Your kingdom.
May that make us all the more committed To being faithful citizens on earth.
Lord God, as the election approaches, we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our country and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters, one and equal in dignity, especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned, men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word, live your love, and keep in the ways of your truth as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today we celebrate a significant feast in the Catholic Church dedicated to honoring all the saints, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven. This solemnity acknowledges the “great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1, celebrating the lives of those who have faithfully followed Christ. We are all called to be saints and Smitten with Goodness. If you are looking for someone to walk alongside you in your faith journey, let me know. On this Fourth Anniversary of this blog, let’s remember and pray for all the faithful departed, reflecting on the communion of saints and the hope of eternal life.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with grateful hearts, celebrating the feast of All Saints. We honor all the saints, both known and unknown, who have faithfully followed Your will and now rejoice in Your presence in heaven.
Lord, we thank You for their example of holiness and dedication. May their lives inspire us to live with the same fervor and commitment to Your teachings. Help us to strive for sainthood in our own lives, seeking to love and serve You with all our hearts.
We pray for the strength to follow in their footsteps, to be courageous in our faith, and to trust in Your divine plan. As we remember the communion of saints, we ask for their intercession, that we may grow in virtue and grace.
On this special day, we also remember and pray for all the faithful departed. Grant them eternal rest and let perpetual light shine upon them. May we all be united in Your love, looking forward to the day when we will join the saints in heaven.
All Hallows’ Eve, commonly known as Halloween, has deep roots in Catholic tradition. The term “Halloween” is derived from “All Hallows’ Eve,” which is the vigil of All Saints’ Day, celebrated tomorrow.This day is dedicated to honoring all the saints in heaven, both known and unknown.
Lord God, Our hearts are crowded with gratitude as we celebrate the feast of Thanksgiving. We have come to this our feasting table with great joy and eagerness, for we are truly grateful to you, our God, for all that we have been given. We pause now and, in silent prayer, do thank you for the great generosity of Your gifts.
We also thank one another for gifts – especially for the gifts of love and affection that we have freely shared. We are thankful for all who are present at this our feast as well as for all those who have labored in love in order to bring this dinner to our table.
May You, our God, bless this Thanksgiving feast and all of us who shall share it in your holy name.
Smitten With Goodness 