The Novena for the New President (part one)

Originally (and still) posted in my other blog, I'm copying it here as this seems the more appropriate site:

Day One: The Novena for the New President
Today, January 12, Day One.

That all those who participate in decisions about our economic future understand that at this time, even more than at other times, what counts is what is best for ALL of us----it is the common American who is far more vulnerable in tough times than the powerful, and it is the common American, not the wealthy lobbyist, that our representatives are elected to consider and protect. Let them be aware of the magnitude of their responsibility, and alive to it.

Lord, hear our prayer.



Day Two: January 13
That those whose mission it is to protect the President and his family may know God, and find strength in God. For the long hours and difficult assignments; for the strains that mission cause with friends and family; to face the dangers that they must face every day. May they know Your strength and support in their lives, and may they feel the loving arms of Mother Mary consoling them when the nights are especially long cold and dark.

Lord, Hear our Prayer.


Day Three: January 14
For the "keepers" and "minders" whose job it is to schedule the President and his family: may they find peace in the midst of chaos, serenity in the height of pressure. May they find time for God in their day, and may they be open to His direction in maintaining balance. May they feel called to make sure that the President hears always from more than the rich and the powerful, from more than the sycophant and supplicant. May they find the time and means to schedule the prophets and poets as well as the boon-seekers and the powerbrokers.

Lord, hear our Prayer.


Day Four: January 15
For all those who will be appointed to positions, whether in the Cabinet, or the Judiciary, or at lower levels in various agencies: may God's hand be in the choosing, and in the approving, and in the hearts of those appointed. May they understand well the arena in which they work; may they seek to understand it better; may their attention and intention be focused on the work that needs to be done rather than political expediency, favors, or building a lucrative personal future. May they attain wisdom and balance, and hear when God speaks to them.

Lord, Hear our Prayer.


Day Five: January 16
For all those whose work in government does not depend on who's in office, or on being appointed: May those who labor in the civil service never forget the meaning of the word service. Not that they should deal with individuals in a servile fashion, but that they remember that it is their country that they serve, and that to do so is a privilege which must not be abused. May they see Jesus in each of the citizens they interact with each day, and be moved to a gentle touch even when the message they must convey seems harsh.

Lord, Hear our Prayer.