From Washington's First Inaugural Address

"...it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe,who presides in the Councils of Nations,and whose providential aids can supply every human defect,that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States,a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes: and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success,the functions allotted to His charge."
(from George Washington's April 30,1789 Inaugural address).
Some things to remember as you read the above which contains a type of English that may not be familiar to many people these days: when you read the word supply--think substitute or overcome--- benediction,think blessing-and finally---the word consecrate--to make holy.
With that said, I wonder if we'll hear anything like the above quote this coming January,2009 when the new President is inaugurated? Washington and the other Founding Fathers regularly acknowledged, gave thanks,and reached out to Our Lord through public proclamations and prayer.And never a mention back then of the separation of Church and State.

Accept Life

"Accept life. It is the gracious gift of God. Never fight with life: never flee from it. Love life. There is no greater conquest possible than the victory of love."
(a quote by Acharya Rajneesh).

For a Husband and Wife

O Almighty God, who in the beginning didst institute the Sacrament of Marriage, bless with happiness our union, and grant that amid all the changes and chances of this mortal life, we may so live together in thy love and fear, that in the end we may meet in thy eternal home.Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(taken from the Traditional St.Augustine's Prayer Book).).
A Sacrament is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.

The Hard Sayings of Jesus,Pt,1

Jesus said,"But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a woman who is divorced commits adultery."
(from St.Matthew 5:32).
I would ask,when was the last time you heard a sermon preached on the above? Is it perhaps due to the the fact that an increasing number of clergy and their parishoners are divorced(and have remarried)? Marriage is an earthly portrayal of Our Lord's love for His Church,so it should come as no surprise that Jesus said what He did about divorce. Marriage should be entered into with much consideration and prayer.Unfortunately, in recent years far more planning is done in regards to the wedding itself, many of which are increasingly looking like expensive extravaganzas.Couples must focus on their spiritual and emotional compatibility rather than the superficial aspects of their wedding day. I'd add that Our Lord knows our hearts and the reality that many of us came to a saving faith after having been divorced and remarried previously, before we became aware of God's truth on this matter. Let us remember that He is merciful and loving towards those who are repentant and sincere.

On Prayer

"And when you pray,you shall not be like the hypocrites.For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets,that they may seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you,they have their reward. But you,when you pray,go into your room,and when you have shut your door,pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
(words of Jesus from Matthew 5:27,28).
Sobering words from Jesus,somehow I can't help but think of the radio and television "evangelists" when reading these words.Our Lord is very explicit as far as what is acceptable and unacceptable in regards to worship.

A Prayer For Social Justice

Almighty God,who hast created man in thine own image; Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil, and to make no peace with oppression, and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice among men and nations,to the glory of thy holy Name,through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(from The Book of Common Prayer,1928 Edition).

There by the grace of God go you and I.

In Time of Calamity

O God,merciful and compassionate,who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee; Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant us thy help in this our need; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(from The Book of Common Prayer,1928 Edition).
A needed prayer in these troubling times.