Bishop Joensen’s Prayer at the 2023 Pro-Life Prayer Rally
Bishop William Joensen prays at the Capitol
Bishop Joensen came to the Capitol on Monday, February 6th, to participate in the 2023 Pro-Life Prayer Rally. Here is Bishop Joensen’s prayer:
“Generous Father and Creator of the Heavens and Earth: The Psalmist exclaims, “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all—the earth is full of your creatures; Bless the Lord, O my soul!” (Ps. 104:24, 35). You have brought us into being with a natural dignity that is your founding gift to all human persons as the only creatures after your own heart. And when we lost sight of this dignity and turned our faces from you, you loved us more than ever by sending us your own Beloved Son. By the power of his own blood poured out on the Cross, he raises us to a royal dignity as daughters and sons who are redeemed and restored to your friendship. In him, the words of the Psalmist are fulfilled: “He asked you for life and this you have given; days that will last from age to age” (Ps. 21:5).
Truly, Lord God, when you love us into being, you will that we live forever. Help us to love one another as you love us: to cherish each and every human life as the bearer of a dignity that should never be distorted or destroyed. Free us to look beyond our own fears, our own self-interest, our own vulnerability and limits to behold those who have claim on our hearts, so that in mutual dependence we might support and serve one another in justice and charity. Do not let us make our own autonomy a god in itself, so that we might build communities and ensure that the State of Iowa is a place where the least among us is drawn into the center and spotlight of our concern.
As Pope Francis has enjoined, may we form a “caravan of solidarity,” where nascent persons in the womb and those in every stage and situation along the continuum of life, including persons with special needs, single parents, immigrants, and senior individuals conscious of the horizon between this world and the next, might be accompanied with all they need to realize the length of days that you in your wisdom have bestowed upon us.
May we as a people be guided by your Spirit in our selection, appointment, and support of leaders in all branches of government: women and men who likewise are in accord with your saving design, who consistently place their power at the disposal of the common good. May we transcend partisan interests and continue together on pilgrimage toward that day that never ends, where we hope to abide forever in your company, +Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.”