Sister Jean B. Bingham, the Church’s Relief Society general president, delivered this prayer May 3, 2018, at the White House during a a Rose Garden ceremony to honor the National Day of Prayer (the first Thursday each May in the United States).
Our loving, gracious, and perfect Father in Heaven, we approach Thee in gratitude for the many blessings received at Thy hands. On this National Day of Prayer, we unite to acknowledge that all good gifts come from Thee. This nation has been given relative peace and prosperity, and we humbly ask Thee to watch over those who are in harm’s way protecting our freedoms in the pursuit of happiness.
Bless those who lead this great nation with the empathy, insights, and inspiration they need as they counsel together and sincerely strive to work in harmony. Help us in our quest that we may be “joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). May each exercise integrity, humility, and nobility of character in his or her sphere of influence.
Heavenly Father, many are in need, and we pray for all who are working unselfishly to improve lives. May we become a land of “good Samaritans,” laboring in love to lift the hands of the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the afflicted. “Knit [our hearts] together in unity and in love one towards another" (Mosiah 18:21).
Please strengthen homes and families which provide loving guidance in building capable and compassionate citizens.
We also recognize the need to improve, Father. Help us to find ways to understand and value one another, to work together in cooperation and selflessness, rather than seek for personal gain, to satisfy vain ambitions, or to gratify pride. May we examine ourselves and become better individuals, thereby increasing the peace and happiness of each citizen in this United States of America.
Dear Father, we thank Thee for every blessing and humbly ask for Thy help as well as for Thy continued care and keeping.
In the sacred name of Thy Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, amen.