| Contribute a translation | Source (English) |
|---|---|
|
|
“Hearer of prayer,
before Thee all flesh appear.” (Psalms 65:3) |
|
|
Be in our midst, and bless us!
Hear the prayer of all those who are afflicted and in trouble! |
|
|
This country,
the home and the refuge of the oppressed of all lands, is in a distracted and dangerous condition. The present union of these United States is in danger of instant dissolution. Panic and distress prevail throughout the land. Commerce and business are declining, and cannot be carried on under these circumstances, and the laborer finds no employment. In vain do we turn to the National Councils for the instruction in the way of wisdom and conciliation which bring unity, peace, and concord. |
|
|
Therefore, O God!
we turn to Thee in our present calamity. With deep penitence we look up to Thee, acknowledging our ingratitude and guilt towards Thee, O merciful Father, and confessing our sins and our iniquities. |
|
|
Thou, O God!
to whom the people of the colonies did cry when they were oppressed by a foreign power— Thou, who didst hear their cries, and didst assist them in throwing off the yoke of that arbitrary power— Thou, who didst always look graciously on this country, and didst bless it with peace, plenty, and prosperity— |
|
|
O Lord God Father!
to Thee we pray, and we beseech Thee to remove from the hearts of those composing our National Councils hatred and false pride of opinion, that they may deliberate calmly and soberly, without crimination or recrimination, on the questions of the day, that friendship and good-will may be re-established among the people of these United States, that this Union may be saved in its integrity. |
|
|
But if it be in Thy omniscience
that union and peace may not be preserved, because of perpetual and opposing interests, arising from discordant principles, grant, Father of All, that a way may be opened whereby we, the people of the South, may pass with dry feet in safety to the position of peace and plenty, attended with the protection which Thou gavest to thy chosen people of old. |
|
|
O Lord! Ruler of nations,
bless us with the best of all blessings, bless us with peace, and save us from the horrors of anarchy and of civil war. May internal peace be and prevail undisturbed, and grant us grace. |
|
|
May Thy watchful eye rest most graciously
on the Constitution of our land, and be it amended to satisfy all sections of this, formerly, so happy Republic, that oppression, bigotry, and despotism, may never find room on this soil. |
|
|
Bless, guard, and preserve, O Lord!
the President of the United States of America;[1] President James Buchanan (1791-1868), 15th president of the United States (1857-1860) grant him life, and deliver him from all affliction and trouble. |
|
|
Bless, O Lord!
the Senate and the House of Representatives, in Congress assembled, and all who have the welfare of the country truly at heart. |
|
|
Defend our beloved State
in her honor and liberties. Endow the Governor with wisdom of council and of understanding. Inspire the Senate and House of Delegates with sentiments of true patriotism. May they know their high and responsible station, that our State may prosper under their administration. |
|
|
Bless all our fellow-citizens,
and shower all earthly and heavenly blessings upon them. Remove poverty, sickness, and disease from our midst. Bless the Mayor and the officers of our city, and teach them to exercise mercy and justice. |
|
|
“The Lord will give strength to His people—
the Lord will bless His people with peace.” (Psalms 29:11) Hear us, O Lord! Hear us! Amen! Amen! |
This prayer for the peace of the United States was offered by Rabbi M.J. Michelbacher at Congregation Beit Ahabah (Richmond, Virginia) on the occasion of a national day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer proclaimed by President James Buchanan for January 4th, 1861. The prayer was published in the Richmond Daily Gazette and reprinted as “Another Prayer for the Union” in The Occident and American Jewish Advocate (17 January 1861), page 4.
Source(s)
Another Prayer for the Union (The Occident, 17 January 1861), p. 4
Notes
| 1 | President James Buchanan (1791-1868), 15th president of the United States (1857-1860) |
|---|
