A Continuing Prayer
Courtesy of The Federalist
"Ever faithful God, in death we are reminded of the precious birthrights of life and liberty you endowed in your American people. You have shown once again that these gifts must never be taken for granted. We pledge to those whom you have called home, and ask of you -- Patience, to measure our lust for action; Resolve, to strengthen our obligation to lead; Wisdom, to illuminate our pursuit of justice, and; Strength, in defense of liberty. We seek your special blessing today for those who stand as sword and shield, protecting the many from the tyranny of the few. Our enduring prayer is that you shall always guide our labors and that our battles shall always be just. We pray this day, Heavenly Father, the prayer our nation learned at another time of righteous struggle and noble cause -- America's enduring prayer: Not that God will be on our side, but always, O Lord, that America will be on your side. Amen." --Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld offering prayer at the opening of Friday morning's White House cabinet meeting after 9-11