Yesterday, those of us in the Diocese of Arlington were asked to keep a day of prayer and fasting by Bishop Loverde to ask God’s protection and guidance for those who are crafting health care legislation. I imagine that it is no accident that the petitions for Evening Prayer in the Divine Office for yesterday started off with these:
Glory to God the Father, who has promised through his Son to grant what is asked by those who pray together. With confidence in this promise, let us pray:
– Lord, save the people you have redeemed.
Lord, you gave the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, and brought it to perfection in your Anointed One,
may all recognize the Law written in their hearts, and keep it faithfully as a covenant.
– Lord, save the people you have redeemed.
Give those in authority a true concern for their brothers and sisters entrusted to their care,
and inspire the hearts of the people to support their leaders.
– Lord, save the people you have redeemed.
It may be a good idea to keep these petitions close to you in the coming days and pray them everyday as we grow closer to a vote on this legislation. We cannot know what God will allow to happen, but we do know that it is our job to pray for the best.
