This prayer from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer was written originally by The Rev. George Lyman Locke (1835-1919), Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Bristol, Rhode Island, for 52 years. According to his great-grandson, Mark Howe, “He was a good friend of William Reed Huntington, also a priest of the Episcopal Church, who led the editing and compiling of the 1892 Book of Common Prayer; Huntington asked Locke if he would compose this prayer for the 1892 BCP.”
For Our Country
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.
INTERESTING NOTE: This prayer has been mistakenly attributed to Thomas Jefferson. For more information: http://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/national-prayer-peace
Another bit of inspiration for the Fourth of July
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“The Trade” by Karen R. Sanderson
George Lyman Locke was my great-grandfather. For 52 years he was Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Bristol, R.I. He was a good friend of William Reed Huntington, also a priest of the Episcopal Church, who led the editing and compiling of the 1892 Book of Common Prayer; Huntington asked Locke if he would compose this prayer for the 1892 BCP.
For the days in which we are living, it is quite apposite.
Oh my goodness, Mark, I am enormously moved by this and that you found my little post! As an Episcopalian, I am especially glad that I “got it right” as far as the authorship. It is a stunningly beautiful prayer and, yes, quite apposite, indeed!
And, Mark, I have updated my post to include the wonderful information you’ve shared. Thank you again for reading and commenting.
And here it is July 5th and although I am indeed late, I know you’ll agree that such prayers have no boundaries as weak as calendar dates. So very very beautiful <3
Never, ever late when it comes to remembering how fortunate we are to live in this country and the sacrifices that have been made to give us that gift. Thanks for your lovely comment, Barbara.
Yes, we should ALL read this every 4th. Great reminder of what this country is all about, or SHOULD be all about. To a country full of wisdom, honorable industry, grace and compassion toward all, prosperity peace and praise. Happy 4th!
I’m so glad you like it too, Pam. I really was taken with the beautiful words and their deep meaning. Thanks so much for taking time out of this special day to leave a comment.
So say we all: AMEN.
Amen, indeed. May it be so…Thanks for visiting, Esther. Happy 4th of July!
Awesome prayer. Awesome video, too. Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth. I am so grateful for this 4th…and every other day.
Thank you, Karen! I came across the prayer months ago and had it scheduled to post today because I thought it was so beautiful. Then yesterday a friend sent me the video and it made me weep with deep emotion. I just had to share it too! Hope your day is wonderful. I sure do appreciate your sharing it with Heartspoken!