National Day of Prayer

I was going to get all shirty about the National Day of Prayer (as I seem to do each year now that I know about it) and various flaps surrounding it, but then this morning I was reminded that May 8th is the feast of the English mystic Julian of Norwich who said "All things will be well," and that just calmed me right down. This flappiness ain't even a molecule of a hazelnut and not worth getting my knickers in a twist.

And then I read President Obama's proclamation for the National Day of Prayer, which is quite lovely and generous of spirit, in my opinion, and I thought that rather than rant, I would do what the president suggests:

Let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those suffering from natural disasters in Haiti, Chile, and elsewhere, and the people from those countries and from around the world who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to render aid. Let us pray for the families of the West Virginia miners, and the people of Poland who so recently and unexpectedly lost many of their beloved leaders. Let us pray for the safety and success of those who have left home to serve in our Armed Forces, putting their lives at risk in order to make the world a safer place. As we remember them, let us not forget their families and the substantial sacrifices that they make every day. Let us remember the unsung heroes who struggle to build their communities, raise their families, and help their neighbors, for they are the wellspring of our greatness. Finally, let us remember in our thoughts and prayers those people everywhere who join us in the aspiration for a world that is just, peaceful, free, and respectful of the dignity of every human being.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 6, 2010, as a National Day of Prayer. I call upon the citizens of our Nation to pray, or otherwise give thanks, in accordance with their own faiths and consciences, for our many freedoms and blessings, and I invite all people of faith to join me in asking for God's continued guidance, grace, and protection as we meet the challenges before us.

Amen to that.