Prayers for Secular Holidays

Almighty and everlasting God, we remember (this day) all those who have risked their lives to pursue peace and preserve the freedoms we enjoy. Bless, sustain and strengthen the veterans who have provided military service to this nation. By the power of the Holy Spirit, encourage and bless them going forward in their lives (especially N.).

We pray for your mercy to surround those who have suffered injury and permanent disability in body, mind, or spirit. Empower those doctors, mental health professionals and physical therapists who labor alongside those in rehabilitation. By your wounds, o merciful Christ, touch the woundedness of those who suffer, and strengthen their families to walk with them day by day.

Now let your peace fill the hearts and minds of our veterans and inspire the people of this nation to encourage and support them. Amen.

Almighty God, ruler of all in heaven and earth, the source of human authority and government: we bless and praise you for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America.

We give thanks for the courage and perseverance of those who, in wisdom, authored the Constitution that has shaped our national life, and the lives of all who are citizens. We honor the memory and the presence of those who inhabited this land long before others came to these shoes from distant lands, people seeking freedom, and enslaved people who, by your grace, were given their dignity and liberty.

In celebrating this Independence Day, through the working of your Holy Spirit, keep before us the true freedom we have in Christ Jesus. Amen.

O God of all mercy, You are our Guardian in times of peace and in times of war. We give thanks for the willing sacrifice of all members of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces in the defense of this nation against all enemies who would harm us. At this time, we remember before You all those who have given their lives in service either at home or abroad. We bring before You especially those soldiers, sailors, pilots, and all doctors and nurses who have given their lives while in active duty in every war since the American Revolution, whether they are remembered or unknown. We give thanks to You for their selfless offering for the freedoms we enjoy. Make us mindful of our call to honor those who have gone before, and to hold in prayer those whose lives are now at risk in various places around the world. We bring these persons before You in the name of Jesus Christ, who offered himself in sacrifice for our salvation, and in the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit, this day and always. Amen.

Then-President Harry S. Truman issued the first call for a National Day of Prayer in the United States on July 4, 1952. This day has continued to be observed ever since. The observance now happens annually on the first Thursday in May.

The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer invites people of every nation to be in prayer (in a non-political or partisan way) for the governance and life of your nation.

O God of every race and nation, Creator and Ruler of the world in which we live and the life that we enjoy: we pray for your Holy Spirit to guide those who govern the nation in which we live. Let your Spirit geode those who lead the state/province/territory where we make our home, and the city/town/village where we dwell. May we know justice, peace and grace in all legislation and policy. Heal the divisions that bring harm or danger and strengthen us to participate actively in our civic life. 

Protect the lives of those who protect us: the members of the military, those in law enforcement and first responders, and those who help us in times of natural disaster.

Bless and guide those who educate our children, and who promote lifelong learning and the development of our spiritual gifts and our skills.

Strengthen and uphold our spiritual guides in our places of worship, that we may find spiritual growth and courage to carry out your will and desire for our communities.

Be present to us each day, Almighty God, that we may following the holy steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Almighty and eternal God, Author of time in all of human life: you created me in your image yet have numbered my days: You have given me grace and hope to enter anther year in the human calendar. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and glorify your Name.

In this new year, I pray that you will bless and sustain me in health and wellness so that I may have energy and freedom to live each day. In this year I pray for your Holy Spirit to help me to discern what it is that you would have me do and to serve those whom you place in my path Help me to know more and more the love of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I pray especially to love those who, in this year, may be difficult to love along with those dearest to me.

I pray for the resolve to continue steadfast in faith and worship, and to support the mission and ministry of the Church and those who offer themselves in ordained ministry. Give me opportunities to be a good steward of what you have entrusted to me. Deliver me from anxieties in the changes and chances of this life, knowing that you always are at my side in every circumstance.

Give me opportunities, o God, to bring the light of Christ into the lives of others who seek to know him.

Deepen my life of prayer. Bring me more deeply into your presence. Help me to live each day in eternal life while living and working in this mortal life. May I use wisely the time you have given me through the coming year.

Help me to see you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly, day by day; through Jesus Christ my Shepherd and Savior. Amen.