A Service of Prayer
for
The Nation
Washington National Cathedral
A Service of Prayer for the Nation
Tuesday, the Twenty-First of January
Two Thousand Twenty-Five
The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter & Saint Paul
Carillon Prelude
Dr. Edward M. Nassor, Carillonneur, Washington National Cathedral
Washington’s March No. 1 Anonymous American; arr. Frank P. Law (1918–1985)
The President’s March Philip Phile (c. 1734–1793); arr. Milford Myhre (b. 1931)
Washington’s March No. 3 Anonymous American; arr. William De Turk (1945–2024)
God of Our Fathers National Hymn; arr. Edward M. Nassor (b. 1957)
From “Let Freedom Ring Suite” Edward Lee Cobb (b. 1963)
America the Beautiful Materna
Let Freedom Ring America
God Bless America Irving Berlin (1888–1989); arr. Kamiel Lefevere (1888–1972)
Organ Prelude
Thomas M. Sheehan, Organist and Interim Director of Music, Washington National Cathedral
Alla breve in D major, BWV 589 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Sonata in A major, Op. 65, No. 3 Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)
Preludium in F major and Postludium in G major Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805–1847)
Preludium in D major, BuxWV 139 Dieterich Buxtehude (ca. 1637–1707)
Brass Prelude
The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra
“O Waly Waly” from Suite for Strings John Rutter (b. 1945)
“Largo” from Symphony No. 9 in E minor, “From the New World”, Op. 95 Antonín Dvořak (1841–1904)
“The Promise of Living” from The Tender Land Aaron Copland (1900–1990)
Choral Prelude
The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra, The Cathedral Choir, and Christopher Macchio
Alleluia Randall Thompson (1899–1984)
To Thee, O Lord David Diamond (1915–2005)
The Lord’s Prayer Albert Hay Malotte (1895–1964); orch. Scott Ninmer
Hallelujah Leonard Cohen (1934–2016); orch. S. Ninmer
How Great Thou Art Swedish folk melody; arr. Carl Boberg (1859–1940); orch. S. Ninmer
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The people’s responses are in bold.
The Entrance Rite
Introit
The Cathedral Choir
My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer Douglas Major (b. 1953)
My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people, Alleluia.
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former, saith the Lord of Hosts: and in this place will I give
peace.
(Isaiah 56:7, Haggai 2:9)
The people stand as able.
Native American Invocation
Chief Jesse J. Swann, Jr., Chief, Piscataway Conoy Tribe
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Hymn at the Procession
For the Healing of the Nations Sung by all. Westminster Abbey
Welcome
The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean, Washington National Cathedral
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The Opening Acclamation
The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop Budde O God, be merciful to us and bless us,
People Show us the light of your countenance and come to us.
Bishop Budde Let your ways be known upon earth,
People Your saving health among all nations.
Bishop Budde Let the peoples praise you, O God;
People Let all the peoples praise you.
Bishop Budde Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
People For you judge the peoples with equity
and guide all the nations upon earth.
Bishop Budde Blessed be the one, holy and living God.
People Glory to God for ever and ever.
The Opening Prayer
The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith
Dean Hollerith O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with
compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our
hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our
struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations
and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
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National Anthem of the United States of America
The Star-Spangled Banner Sung by all. after John Stafford Smith (1750–1836)
The people are seated.
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The Word of God
The First Reading Deuteronomy 10:17-21
Rabbi Susan N. Shankman, Senior Rabbi, Washington Hebrew Congregation
For the Holy One your God is eternal and supreme, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who shows no favor
and takes no bribe, but upholds the cause of the orphan and the widow, and befriends the stranger, providing those
who need with food and clothing. You too must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You
must revere and honor the Holy One your God: only God shall you worship, to God shall you hold fast, and by the
name of the Holy One shall you swear. God is your glory and the one who wrought for you those marvelous, awesome
deeds that you saw with your own eyes.
Jewish Call to Prayer
Sung by cantor Susan Bortnick, Washington Hebrew Congregation
Prayers for Those Who Govern
The Reverend Leila M. Ortiz, Bishop, The Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Reverend Thomas L. Bowen, Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice, Shiloh Baptist Church
The Reverend John Molina-Moore, General Presbyter, National Capital Presbytery, Presbyterian Church USA
Medha Bhagwat, Vedanta teacher, Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center
The Reverend Aaron Tinch, New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Ortiz Faithful God, accept the fervent prayers of all your people for our nation and for all those who
govern.
Silence is kept.
Rev. Bowen Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in
freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of
forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will.
Keep this nation under your care,
People And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Rev. Molina-Moore Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, grant to the President, Vice
President, and Members of the Cabinet, wisdom and grace in the exercise of their duties that they
may serve all people of this nation, and promote the dignity and freedom of every person.
Keep this nation under your care,
People And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Teacher Bhagwat Oh Lord, whose will is good and gracious, and whose law is truth, grant to Senators and
Representatives, who we entrust to make our laws, courage and foresight to provide for the needs
of all our people; and to the Justices of the Supreme Court, and the Judges and officers of all
our Courts, give understanding and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and justice
served.
Keep this nation under your care,
People And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
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Rev. Tinch Almighty God, instill in the Governors of States, Mayors of cities and towns, and all in
administrative and governmental authority the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice; that with
steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their offices to promote the well-being of all people.
Keep this nation under your care,
People And guide us in the way of justice and truth.
Rev. Ortiz O Lord our God, bless all who dedicate themselves to governing in our land. Fill them with the
love of truth and strength to uphold our democracy and the rule of law. Enable us to be a people
at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the world. May we serve you faithfully
in our generation.
People Amen.
Anthem
The Cathedral Choir
Jubilate in B-flat major Leo Sowerby (1895–1968)
Be joyful in the Lord, all you lands;
serve the Lord with gladness
and come before his presence with a song.
Know this: The Lord himself is God;
he himself has made us, and we are his;
we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and call upon his Name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting;
and his faithfulness endures from age to age.
(Psalm 100)
The Second Reading Qur’an 57:4-7
Dr. Muhammad Fraser-Rahim, Associate Imam, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque
He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days, then established Himself on the Throne. He knows
whatever goes into the earth and whatever comes out of it, and whatever descends from the sky and whatever ascends
into it. And He is with you wherever you are. For Allah is All-Seeing of what you do. To Him belongs the kingdom of
the heavens and the earth. And to Allah all matters are returned. He merges the night into day and the day into night.
And He knows best what is hidden in the heart. Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and donate from what He has
entrusted you with. So those of you who believe and donate will have a mighty reward.
Muslim Call to Prayer
Sung by cantor Shayhk Akbar Sharrief, Chief MuAdhan, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque
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Prayers for Those Who Serve
Peter K. Christensen, President, Washington D.C. Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Reverend Aaron Tinch
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chair, Sikh Council on Religion and Education
The Reverend Cynthia Lapp, Pastor, Hyattsville Mennonite Church
Matthew Regan (Reverend Bup Hee), Secretary, International Buddhist Committee of Washington DC
Pres. Christensen God of compassion, be near to all who call upon your name in the course of daily life, work, and
service. Let us pray for those who, through any form of service, offer themselves in devotion to
our nation.
Silence is kept.
Rev. Tinch Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our
armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace in places of
danger. Endue them with courage and loyalty. Guide those who represent our nation as members
of the Diplomatic Corps, that they may be ambassadors of hope working for peace and goodwill
among all people.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People That our works may find favor in your sight.
Dr. Singh One Universal God, creator and sustainer, uphold all civil servants. May they serve with integrity
and compassion, without prejudice or partiality to better their communities and the nation.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People That our works may find favor in your sight.
Rev. Lapp O God, the fountain of all wisdom, enlighten by your Holy Spirit all teachers and educators.
Give them a spirit of grace and compassion, that they may have the strength and endurance to
instill a love of learning, new discovery and the pursuit of wisdom in those they teach.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People That our works may find favor in your sight.
Rev. Bup Hee God of help and hope, surround with your loving care all first responders—police, firefighters,
emergency medical technicians, and all health care workers, who devote their lives to helping
others. Grant them courage when afraid, and strength when weary, that they may serve you and
their neighbor.
Give us grace to do your will in all that we undertake;
People That our works may find favor in your sight.
Pres. Christensen Give to all the people of our land, O God, the desire to serve you in their life’s work and vocation.
May your presence be manifest in all that we say and do. Weave together the work of every hand
and the commitment of every heart: for we recognize our interdependence, our responsibilities
to one another, and the mutuality of our destiny.
People Amen.
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Anthem
The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra and Christopher Macchio
Ave Maria Franz Schubert (1797–1828)
Sung in Latin.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
Blessed art thou among women,
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
The Third Reading Matthew 7:24-29
The Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope, Provost, Washington National Cathedral
Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his
house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because
it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a
foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against
that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were
astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Christian Call to Prayer
Sung by cantor Kristen Dubenion-Smith, Washington National Cathedral
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Prayers for the People of this Nation
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, Bishop, Baltimore-Washington & Peninsula-Delaware Conferences,
The United Methodist Church
The Reverend John Molina-Moore
The Reverend Cynthia Lapp
Medha Bhagwat
The Reverend Thomas L. Bowen
Dr. Rajwant Singh
Bishop Easterling O God, whom we cannot love unless we love our neighbor, let us pray for the most vulnerable in
our community and lead us to be present with them in their suffering.
Silence is kept.
Rev. Molina-Moore Lord, you have taught us that we are members of one another: Hear our prayer for all who do the
tedious, dirty, and dangerous work which is necessary to sustain our life; bless those who work
the fields and grant that all who depend upon their service may remember them with thankful
hearts.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours;
People That we may love one another as you love us.
Rev. Lapp Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you the poor and neglected, the
unemployed and underemployed, the homeless and the destitute, the sick and suffering, the
rejected and disempowered; give them the blessing of your presence, that all in need may be
relieved and protected.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours;
People That we may love one another as you love us.
Teacher Bhagwat We pray for all children and young people growing up in an unstable and confusing world: Show
them that yours is the way of life. Should they fall short of their own expectations, help them to
see it not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new beginning. Give them strength to
hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours;
People That we may love one another as you love us.
Rev. Bowen Look with compassion, O heavenly Father, upon the widowed and orphans, outcasts and refugees,
prisoners, and all who are in danger, that they may find you and be comforted.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours;
People That we may love one another as you love us.
Dr. Singh One Universal Creator God, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth:
Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes
for humankind, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in
acccordance with your will.
Bless all whose lives are closely linked with ours;
People That we may love one another as you love us.
Bishop Easterling Merciful God, fill our hearts with your self-giving love, that our voices may speak your praise.
As you have moved toward us in love, so lead us to be present with all your people that we may
faithfully minster in your name and witness to your love and grace to all the world.
People Amen.
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The people stand as able at the introduction to the hymn.
Hymn
God of Our Fathers Sung by all. National Hymn
The people are seated at the invitation of the bishop.
The Sermon
The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde
Anthem
The Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble
Praying for Peace Richard Smallwood (b. 1948)
Seems like there is no solution Oh God we lift up all the children.
To all the problems that we see. Keep them safe from harms way.
It seems like there is just division, Oh God we know that they’re our future.
And that there’ll be no peace. Please hear us when we pray.
But we are trusting in your promise. Refrain
You would not leave us in this place.
And if we pray and just stay humble, Grant us your protection,
You’d hear our every prayer. And knowledge from above.
Grant us understanding.
Refrain Praying for peace, praying for strength, Teach us how to love.
Touch with your powerful hand.
As we humble ourselves and seek your face, Refrain
Promise that You’d heal our land.
The people stand as able.
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The Lord’s Prayer Said by all.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy Name,
thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Prayers for Our Common Life
The Reverend Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr., Canon Missioner & Minister of Equity & Inclusion,
Washington National Cathedral
Matthew Regan (Reverend Bup Hee)
The Reverend Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan, Canon for Worship, Washington National Cathedral
Canon Hamlin Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart and especially
the hearts of the people of this land, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear,
and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus
Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
Rev. Bup Hee May penetrating light dispel the darkness of ignorance. May all kamma be resolved and the mind-
flower of wisdom bloom in Nibbàna’s eternal spring. May all beings live in peace and harmony. May
they have health and wealth and comforts and friends that are true. May they have skills, talents, and
knowledge and sweet success in all that they do. May they have joy and happiness in abundance. May
all beautiful, great and noble virtues of—generosity, love, kindness, compassion, patience, fortitude,
tolerance, forgiveness, honesty, courage, strength, energy, resolution, determination, resilience,
perseverance, consideration, humility, gratitude, contentment, composure, serenity, wisdom,
understanding and equanimity—be theirs. May they attain full wisdom and enlightenment.
Canon Duncan O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for
justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with
mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
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Hymn
America The Beautiful Sung by all. Materna
A Prayer for the Nation
The Right Reverend Ann M. Ritonia, Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, The Episcopal Church
Bishop Ritonia Almighty God,
you have given us this good land as our heritage.
Make us always remember your generosity
and constantly do your will.
Bless our land with honest industry, sound learning,
and an honorable way of life.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
Make us who come from many nations
with many different languages a united people.
Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted
with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom,
that there might be justice and peace in our land.
When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful;
and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail.
We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
People Amen.
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The Blessing
The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop Budde The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
People Amen.
The Dismissal
The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith
Dean Hollerith Go forth in peace. Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous and strong.
Let all that you do be done in love.
People Thanks be to God.
Hymn at the Closing
Great Is Thy Faithfulness Sung by all. Faithfulness
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Brass Postlude
The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra
Liberty Fanfare John Williams (b. 1932)
Organ Postlude
Thomas M. Sheehan
Fête Franklin D. Ashdown (1942–2023)
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Service Participants
The Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
The Very Reverend Randolph Marshall Hollerith
Dean, Washington National Cathedral
The Right Reverend Ann M. Ritonia
Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries, The Episcopal Church, & Canon
The Reverend Canon Jan Naylor Cope
Provost, Washington National Cathedral
The Reverend Canon Rosemarie Logan Duncan
Canon for Worship, Washington National Cathedral
The Reverend Canon Leonard L. Hamlin, Sr.
Canon Missioner and Minister of Equity and Inclusion, Washington National Cathedral
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Service Participants
Medha Bhagwat
Vedanta teacher, Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center, Silver Spring, Maryland
The Reverend Thomas L. Bowen
Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice, Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington, District of Columbia
Peter K. Christensen
President, Washington D.C. Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kensington, Maryland
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Bishop, Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences, The United Methodist Church
Dr. Muhammad Fraser-Rahim
Associate Imam, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque, Washington, District of Columbia
The Reverend Cynthia Lapp
Pastor, Hyattsville Mennonite Church, Hyattsville, Maryland
The Reverend John Molina-Moore
General Presbyter, National Capital Presbytery, Presbyterian Church USA
The Reverend Leila M. Ortiz
Bishop, The Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Matthew Regan (Reverend Bup Hee)
Secretary, International Buddhist Committee of Washington DC
Rabbi Susan N. Shankman
Senior Rabbi, Washington Hebrew Congregation, Washington, District of Columbia
Dr. Rajwant Singh
Chair, Sikh Council on Religion and Education
Chief Jesse J. Swann, Jr.
Chief, Piscataway Conoy Tribe
The Reverend Aaron Tinch
Pastor, New Hope African Methodist Episcopal Church, Waldorf, Maryland
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Service Participants
Musicians
The Cathedral Choir
The Cathedral Contemporary Ensemble
Thomas M. Sheehan
Organist and Interim Director of Music, Washington National Cathedral
Julie DeBoer
Chorister Program Director and Associate Director of Music, Washington National Cathedral
Michele Fowlin
Associate Director of Music for Contemporary Worship, Washington National Cathedral
Ariana Corbin
Organ Scholar, Washington National Cathedral
Dr. Edward M. Nassor
Carillonneur, Washington National Cathedral
The United States Marine Chamber Orchestra
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Nowlin, Director
Christopher Macchio
tenor
Susan Bortnick
Washington Hebrew Congregation
Shayhk Akbar Sharrief
Chief MuAdhan, Masjid Muhammad, The Nation’s Mosque
Kristen Dubenion-Smith
Washington National Cathedral
Vergers Acolytes
Dr. Torrence N. Thomas Katharine A. Carter, Head Acolyte
Head Cathedral Verger Gabriel Donoghue, Assistant Head Acolyte
Amber Lin, Assistant Head Acolyte
G. Scott Sanders
Senior Cathedral Verger Henry Barnett, Ainsley Lashway, Darren Lovett,
Zach Mahan, Kevin Shin, Jr., Rylea Whitfield, Olivia Wu
Simone Bramble
Assistant Cathedral Verger
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permissions Opening acclamation taken from Psalm 67:1-4, A Liturgical Psalter, General Synod 2016 Edition, The
Psalter of The Book of Alternative Services, Emended for Contemporary Liturgical Use, Anglican Church of Canada and
Enriching Our Worship 1, Copyright 1998, The Church Pension Fund. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Opening
prayer, Lord’s Prayer, prayers for our common life, and prayer for the nation (adapted) taken from the Book of Common
Prayer, 1979. Public domain. Reading from Deuteronomy (adapted) taken from Tanakh, The Holy Scriptures, Copyright
1985, The Jewish Publication Society. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Gospel text taken from the New Revised
Standard Version Bible, Copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of
Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Reading from the Qur’an taken from The Clear Quran,
Copyright 2016, Book of Signs Foundation. Permission requested. Buddhist prayer for well-being (adapted) taken from
Hello—with Love & Other Mediations, Venerable Visuddhacara, Copyright 2001, Visuddhacara. Additional prayers and
petitions unless otherwise cited are from or adapted from the Book of Common Prayer and Prayers, Thanksgivings, and
Litanies, Copyright 1973, Charles Mortimer Guilbert as Custodian of the Standard Book of Common Prayer. Blessing
based on Numbers 6:24-26. Dismissal based on 1 Corinthians 16:13.
For the Healing of the Nations. Text: Fred Kaan (1929–2009). Copyright 1968, Hope Publishing Company. Reprinted
under One License #A-709283. Music: Westminster Abbey. Henry Purcell (1659–1695), adapt. Public domain. God of
Our Fathers. Text: Daniel Crane Roberts (1841–1907). Music: National Hymn. George William Warren (1828–1902).
Public domain. Praying for Peace. Richard Smallwood. Copyright 2011, T. Autumn Music (admin. by Brentwood-Benson
Music Publishing, Inc.) and Universal Music—Z Songs (admin. by Universal Music Publishing Group). Reprinted under
CCLI License #3058209. America the Beautiful. Text: Katherine Lee Bates (1859–1929), alt. Music: Materna. Samuel
Augustus Ward (1848–1903). Public domain. Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Text: Thomas O. Chisholm (1866–1960). Music:
Faithfulness. William M. Runyan (1870–1957). Public domain.
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