Response to a Prayer for America

For

FORUM

SENIOR CENTER FORUM  (ASR) The Place for Seniors! #427318 by NaNoKit

Response to a Prayer for America

May we find peace
by coming together
and bless raindrops and sunshine
regardless of weather
and know we are valued
as we come from the One
who gives us love's tools
to recognize we're all one.

And may we be glad
to be alive at this hour
to live in a country
which blossoms with power
to overcome differences,
deserving of praise.

May we receive the Lord's Mercy
from our birth to our grave.

© Copyright 2021 Kåre Enga [178.85] (May, 2021)

16 lines.

Notes: ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to America in 1912. He visited Chicago for the dedication of the cornerstone of the Bahá’í Temple, May 1st, 1912.

Prayer for America

O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.

— ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Also note: May is the end of Ridvan (May 1-2), the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab (May 22-23), the commemoration of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (May 28-29).