# Inauguration Day Prayer for Mercy for the Whole World
*2017-01-19*

> Bill Young reflects on the new presidential administration and leads a prayer asking God’s mercy for the United States and the entire world, drawing on the Gospel reading of Mark 3:13‑19.

## A New Administration and Our Concerns

I begin by noting that President Donald J. Trump has just been inaugurated. While not everyone supported him, I believe he wants to do good for America and to protect its people. The primary job of any government is to safeguard its citizens, and I feel the previous administration fell short in that regard. Recent tragedies—such as the airport attack in Florida, the Orlando massacre, and other acts of terror—show the need for stronger border security and vigilance against radical Islamists.

## Why Catholics Support This Choice

For many Catholic voters, the decisive issue is the protection of life. The pro‑life stance is a clear, non‑negotiable choice: we cannot support policies that permit abortion. When we compare the loss of Black lives to the staggering number of aborted Black infants, the moral imperative becomes evident. All lives matter, and the sanctity of life must guide our political decisions.

## The Gospel Reading: Mark 3:13‑19

Today's Gospel, Mark 3:13‑19, recounts Jesus selecting the twelve apostles. N.T. Wright explains that the first‑century Jewish expectation of God’s kingdom involved the restoration of the Temple, proper worship, and the gathering of Israel’s tribes. This vision echoes Isaiah 2, where the mountain of the Lord’s house becomes a gathering place for all nations. The twelve disciples were meant to be a prototype for the gathering of Israel and, ultimately, of all peoples.

## A Prayer for Mercy

We now pray for God’s mercy on the whole world, especially on our new leaders:

Oh greatly merciful God, infinite goodness, all humankind cries out from the abyss of its misery. Hear our prayers, O Lord, and do not reject the pleas of this earth. You know our weakness; we cannot reach you by our own power. Fill us with your grace, that we may do your holy will. May the abundance of your mercy shield us from the enemies of salvation, that we, your children, may await your coming with confidence. Through Jesus, our hope, may we pass through the gate of heaven. Amen.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Eternal Father, whose mercy is infinite, turn your compassionate gaze upon us. In hardship, may we not despair but submit to your holy will of love and mercy. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the saints, and the angels, protect our nation and all peoples who turn to you for mercy. May the Holy Spirit guide President Trump, Vice President Pence, and all members of the cabinet to protect the people of this country and the world. God bless them. Amen.

## Closing Thoughts

As we watch the oath of the 45th President of the United States, let us pray for guidance, protection, and mercy for the next four years and beyond.

*May God’s mercy guide our leaders and unite the world in the hope of Christ.*