I chose to leave this evening prayer mostly as it was shared shipboard. I think it’s a good reflection for everyone and could have been edited to be more widely applicable, but I want to share through this project some of what a shipboard chaplain’s concern is for his crew. So, for those who may read this who haven’t sworn to support and defend the Constitution, I ask your forbearance and your prayers for those who have. I pray you may also find the following meditation edifying.
For those of you who may not be tracking such things, because you’re tracking other more immediate things, yesterday (20 January 2020) at about noon Easter Standard Time Mr. Joseph R. Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States. We now have a new Commander-in-Chief. It is one of the miracles of our republic that we can have a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another, even after bitterly contested elections and contentious legislative cycles (and though it may seem to be, this most recent one isn’t even actually the worst we’ve had!). Through many challenges and a handful of rebellions the United States of America yet remain united, and —consequently—constitutes the longest serving current government in existence today. In fact, no government in mankind’s history has lasted as long as ours has in its original form, operating largely in the same fashion now as it did in its beginning.
Its success and survival is the result of the Founders’ fundamental purpose: to create a government of, by, and for the people. You and I are “the people,” which means you and I are the government, not just the men and women we elect to represent us, and who sit in state and federal capitol buildings. This is why all of us have sworn an oath to defend, not the currently sitting president, nor the current congress, but to defend the Constitution of the United States of America—just as the new president did yesterday. We do this because defending the Constitution means defending our government—in other words, all of us—no matter who the Commander-in-Chief is.
So, congratulations to Mr. Biden. I will be praying for him as he undertakes his new task, and I will continue praying with and for all of you as we continue in our common task and purpose, defending our Constitution against all enemies. May God continue to save us and the United States of America.
LET US PRAY
Almighty God, we know by the word of your servant that everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which You have established. (Romans 13:1) Remind us that no matter how we feel—and especially when things seem chaotic—that You, the Creator and Governor of the universe, are ALWAYS in control. Preserve and protect tonight all of us your servants who have sworn to support and defend each other. Keep us and our families always under the shelter of your wings, for You are holy always, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.
AMEN
An Orthodox Priest Abroad 