As we
draw close to the end of November I thought it might be interesting to share
the oficial Panamanian “Prayer for the Homeland”. This prayer, written by a Panamanian
Jesuit is used as the Prayer of the Faithful at all Masses in Panama during the
month of December.
The
response after each individual prayer reads: “Our Father, from this “isthmus
country”, hear our prayer”. The prayer, as you will see, follows the text of
the Our Father quite closely. I wonder, if we were to do something similar in
Ireland, how our prayer might read?
Official
Prayer for the Homeland
God,
father of all peoples, who cares for everything with your providence, kinkly receive
the prayers we direct to you for our Homeland.
R/ Our
Father, from this “isthmus country”, hear our prayer.
- Since
it is your wish that all people be saved, may your name be recognised and loved
in Panama. R/
- May
your Kingdom come; a kingdom of peace, of love and of justice. May your will be
done: that we may be the builders of a civilisation of love, where those who
lead seek the common good, and where hate and resentment are overcome; give us
the generosity to share all the many good things that You give to us. R/
- Give us
our daily bread: may we always be able to eat it in our own home and to enjoy a
standard of health that is worthy of human beings. May your providential care
ensure that those on the margins of society always have enough of everything
that they need. R./
- We ask
you Lord, not to allow us to fall in to the temptation to destroy life: may we
never profane the dignity of men or women. Grant that among us there will never
be abandoned children or old people without love. R/
- Free us
from all evil: from sin that separates us from you; from everything that
cheapens the human condition; from selfishness that makes us indifferent to the
suffering of others; from pride that hardens our hearts and makes fraternity
impossible. R/
Lord, we
ask that you hear our prayer because we believe that you love us. Amen.
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