God Bless
Your [realm] is an everlasting [realm], and your dominion endures throughout all generations. – Psalm 145:13 (NRSV)
Yesterday’s inauguration was filled with patriotic music, from John Philip Sousa’s “Hail to the Chief” to Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America.” I have to confess that I’m a sucker for both. As a kid, I liked Sousa marches because I liked to bang on things. I liked “God Bless America,” because my grandmother, who lost both a son and a son-in-law due to World War II, teared up whenever she heard Kate Smith belt it out.
I loved my country growing up. I still do—which is why I am grateful for today’s song (aka Psalm 145). The day after the inauguration, I need to be reminded what we’re asking when we pray for God to bless our nation. I need the psalmist’s understanding of God, the One filled with abundant goodness and justice and truth. I need to remember that the Ruler of the world is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Most of all, I need to remember the psalmist’s vision that God is “has compassion over all that exists.” God’s words are faithful, God’s actions are kind and just. God “upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.” The Creator of all life feeds the hunger of every living thing. The Maker of heaven and earth hears the cries of every creature.
The day after the inauguration, Psalm 145 reminds us that—no matter who occupies the White House or walks the halls of Congress—when we pray for God to bless our nation, we pray for God’s true blessings of a just and gracious world with wise and compassionate leaders.
Prayer
God, bless America—with your vision, justice, and compassion. Amen.
About the AuthorTalitha Arnold is Senior Minister of the United Church of Santa Fe (UCC), Santa Fe, New Mexico. She is the author of Mark Parts 1 and 2 of the Listen Up! Bible Study series and Worship for Vital Congregations.