A Prayer for the Conversion of a Wayward Nation

In January 2008, one of our Agnesian sisters asked me to write a prayer to be read aloud outside a Planned Parenthood office here in Hays, Kansas. As I did last year, I offer this prayer to my countrymen for the conversion of its all-too-worldly people. Feel free to pass it on. And may God have mercy on our souls. --JFB


Almighty God,

We pause here to remember the uncounted victims of a misguided society: women, confused and frightened, who were led to believe problems would be solved by ending their pregnancies; the unborn children who died as a result; couples whose wonderful potential to foster new life has been stifled. Enlighten those who pervert the healing arts, that they might see the destruction they have wrought. Edify those who reduce unborn children to mere abstractions. Lead our citizens, courts and governments to understand that everyone has a right to live, regardless of age, ability, health or social circumstance.

Bless our youngsters, that they might appreciate their bodies, value chastity and understand the true purpose of sexuality.

Allay the fears of new parents. Encourage them, that they might treasure the lives they've brought into the world, trust in your providence and embrace the call to parenthood. May they understand that children are unrepeatable gifts, no matter the circumstances of their conception.

Grant that society will once again respect marriage as the insoluble union which brings forth the family and recognize the family as the very foundation upon which society itself rests. Dispel the selfishness that regards fertility as a malady and pregnancy as a disease, that couples might cherish procreation as a blessing and bring ever more life into the world.

Console those parents who once chose abortion and now regret their decision; may their grief turn to action and their suffering to resolve in testament to the Truth.

Strengthen with love all who seek You, that we might embrace our calling to be light amid the darkness and, so, transform America, that she might truly become a nation under You, oh Lord, with liberty and justice for all.

Saint Gianna Molla, who gave up her life that her unborn daughter might live, pray for us!

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, martyr of an earlier holocaust, pray for us!

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle!

Amen.