When the Dow tanks: pray, pray, pray

The Stock Market has been in bear territory lately, so I offer this prayer which is sometimes attributed to George Washington. It did not get published in The Book of Common Prayer until 1928, but I think it is timely today:

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.


In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Vicar, Holy Cross Church Episcopal
Billings, MT
406-208-7314
www.holycrosschurchbillings.org
Photo: Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone Park
Memorial Day, 2008
He walked right by the car and off
into the woods. Scary!