EDITOR’S NOTE: On Wednesday, President Barack Obama visited two rural communities in the Diocese of Peoria, Atkinson and Alpha, and also made a surprise stop in Galesburg.

In Atkinson, Father Tony Lee, pastor of St. Anthony’s Parish, was asked to give the invocation. (See story here.)

While the president had yet to arrive when the prayer was given, and while the national press probably won’t report on it, we believe Father Lee’s prayer not only deserves a wide reading, but merits a wide recitation by the faithful of our rural diocese. And so we are happy to reprint it in full here.

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“Almighty God, we come before you today ever mindful that everything belongs to you and that we are but humble stewards of your creation. Your love is more than the human mind can ponder. You invite us to share in your life by lives of prayer, service, mercy and forgiveness.

“We gather this day surrounded by fields of grain that will soon yield a rich harvest. We ask you, Lord of heaven and earth, that in this place devoted to producing seeds to feed a hungry world, we may be always mindful of our call to responsibly care for the weak and downtrodden, the starving here in our nation and abroad. Touch with your healing power those who are sick, wounded, grieving or overcome with anxiety about their future.

“May our conversation with President Obama bring forth fresh ideas in response to the complex challenges we face as a nation. Give him and all elected officials your wisdom and protection.

“And finally, Eternal God, heal the wounds between all peoples, that violence and war be overcome by your enduring peace; that people of every nation protect all human life, seek unity rather than division and enjoy freedom, prosperous and secure futures.

“For you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen.”