America

Lord, we sing of this beautiful country. And we thank you for all our blessings as we sing about our lovely heritage, with its thoughts of “brotherhood from sea to shining sea.”

Don Zeiller

America

(After the Oklahoma City bombing and the discovery of terrorist groups)

Oh, Lord, what is happening to America-the-beautiful – to the people and government so much of the world looks up to?

I for one, Lord, pray that there will be no more armed bands in uniforms threatening to change events with their guns instead of with their ballot box. The intended threat of terror sounds too much like the fascist and Nazi movements of old. Lord, America is made up of people who came here from all parts of the world and, for the most part, live as brothers. We ask that you give strength and courage to those who love our country and our democratic way of life.

Don Zeiller

Americans

Lord, we thank you for this beautiful country, with its abundance and its great diversity of people.

From all parts of the world they have come to become “Americans” . . . it doesn’t matter their nationality, their race, nor their religion . . .  They came because they loved the hope that was held out by American democracy and freedom.

We thank you, Lord, for this great mixture of people who have forged a country to be proud of – – a county that has done so very much to help our world.

Don Zeiller

Autumn

Lord, the fonder of Buddhism once said, “This existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds.”

And yet, it is long enough to create some good! Think of the good that Paul Harris did when he and three friends founded Rotary. Think of the many projects worldwide that 28,000 Rotary Clubs have sponsored, year after year, to help their fellow man, all in the interest of spreading good will and peace throughout the world.

Let not the autumn clouds discourage us from our noble purpose. For it is only we, Lord, with your help, who can fulfill our noble purpose.

Don Zeiller

Caregivers

Lord we thank you for  people with compassion – the caregivers – who care about others and do what they can to help them.

We ask you for your guidance and help in finding ways to overcome the mental and physical problems facing many of our fellow citizens.

Don Zeiller

Christmas, Hanukkah 1

Rotary regards mankind as one.

This is the time of love. Love of your fellow man, of your community, of your country, and of your world. Love transcends all of mankind. The love in your heart and in your mnind shows itself by kindness, thoughtfulness, courtesy, generosity, compassion and an overall warmth for humanity.

Don Zeiller

Christmas, Hanukkah 2

Lord, we thank you for letting America show the way. At this time when we are celebrating Haunukkah and preparing for Christmas, we are reminded how well people of all religions work side by side in this great land, and we know and pray it shall always be.

Don Zeiller

Disarmament

Lord, this week is “disarmament week”, so-declared by the United Nations Department for Disarmament Affairs.

Your son, Lord, Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote more than a century ago that someday there would be a parliament of man and that nations would turn their swords into ploughshares.

We pray for that day when man will no longer raise weapon against man.

To that end, we ask your guidance so that we will work with and support those who would bring about a peaceful world.

Don Zeiller

(Disarmament Week is declared by the United Nations usually in October)